16.34—Evidence.
               		
               	 	
               	 	
               	 	               	 	               	 	               	 	               	 	
               	 	
    
        
        (a) 
         The ALJ shall determine the admissibility
 of evidence.
     
    
        
        (b) 
         Except as provided herein, the ALJ shall
 not be bound by the Federal Rules of Evidence.
 However, the ALJ may apply the Federal Rules of
 Evidence where appropriate, e.g., to
 exclude unreliable evidence.
     
    
        
        (c) 
         The ALJ shall exclude irrelevant,
 immaterial, or incompetent evidence.
     
    
        
        (d) 
         Although relevant, evidence may be excluded
 if its probative value is substantially outweighed
 by the danger of unfair prejudice, confusion of
 the issues, or by considerations of undue delay or
 needless presentation of cumulative evidence.
     
    
        
        (e) 
         Although relevant, evidence may be excluded
 if it is privileged under Federal law.
     
    
        
        (f) 
         Evidence concerning offers of compromise or
 settlement shall be inadmissible to the extent
 provided in Rule 408 of the Federal Rules of
 Evidence.
     
    
        
        (g) 
         The ALJ shall permit the parties to
 introduce rebuttal witnesses and evidence.
     
    
        
        (h) 
         All documents and other evidence offered or
 taken for the record shall be open to examination
 by all parties, unless otherwise ordered by the
 ALJ pursuant to  § 16.24.