[Code of Federal Regulations] [Title 38, Volume 2] [Revised as of July 1, 2003] From the U.S. Government Printing Office via GPO Access [CITE: 38CFR42.30] [Page 750] TITLE 38--PENSIONS, BONUSES, AND VETERANS' RELIEF CHAPTER I--DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS (CONTINUED) PART 42--STANDARDS IMPLEMENTING THE PROGRAM FRAUD CIVIL REMEDIES ACT--Table of Contents Sec. 42.30 The hearing and burden of proof. (a) The ALJ shall conduct a hearing on the record in order to determine whether the defendant is liable for a civil penalty or assessment under Sec. 42.3 of this part and, if so, the appropriate amount of any civil penalty or assessment considering any aggravating or mitigating factors. (b) The Department of Veterans Affairs shall prove defendant's liability and any aggravating factors by a preponderance of the evidence. (c) The defendant shall prove any affirmative defenses and any mitigating factors by a preponderance of the evidence. (d) The hearing shall be open to the public unless otherwise ordered by the ALJ for good cause shown.