20 C.F.R. § 403.135
What happens to your application for testimony?
(a) If 20 CFR part 401 or 402 does not permit disclosure of information about which you seek testimony from an SSA employee, we will notify you under § 403.145.
(b) If 20 CFR part 401 or 402 permits disclosure of the information about which you seek testimony,
(1) The Commissioner makes the final decision on your application;
(2) All final decisions are in the sole discretion of the Commissioner; and
(3) We will notify you of the final decision on your application.