Code of Federal Regulations Title 38. Pensions, Bonuses, and Veterans' Relief § 38.18.550 Exhaustion of administrative remedies

(i) The complainant may bring a civil action only in a United States district court for the district in which the recipient is found or transacts business;

(ii) A complainant prevailing in a civil action has the right to be awarded the costs of the action, including reasonable attorney's fees, but the complainant must demand these costs in the complaint;

(iii) Before commencing the action, the complainant shall give 30 days notice by registered mail to the Secretary, the Attorney General of the United States, and the recipient;

(iv) The notice must state:  The alleged violation of the Act;  the relief requested;  the court in which the complainant is bringing the action;  and, whether or not attorney's fees are demanded in the event the complainant prevails;  and

(v) The complainant may not bring action if the same alleged violations of the Act by the same recipient is the subject of a pending action in any court of the United States.