What is meant by a review "de novo"?

A review "de novo" refers to a complete review of a case as if it were being considered for the first time. This means that the reviewing authority does not take into account any prior decisions or denials that may have been made regarding the case. The intention behind a de novo review is to ensure that the new review is conducted without any preconceived notions or biases that might arise from previous assessments.

In contexts such as veterans' claims or legal matters, having a de novo review allows for a fresh evaluation of all evidence and arguments presented, enabling a fair reassessment. The approach emphasizes the importance of the current evidence and the merit of the case itself rather than being influenced by earlier rulings.

In contrast, the options that focus on the consideration of prior decisions, summarizing past evidence, or evaluating only new evidence do not accurately capture the essence of a de novo review, which fundamentally seeks a fresh examination.