(a) The Secretary shall refer a claim for benefits to the Board of Appeals if the determination of the claim involves:

(1) a disqualification that is based on a stoppage of work because of a labor dispute;

(2) multiple claims; or

(3) a difficult issue of fact or law.

(b) The Board of Appeals:

(1) promptly shall hear and decide a claim that the Secretary refers under this section; and

(2) may designate a special examiner to hear and decide the claim.