explains the reasons why a decision was not issued by the deadline. (5) Appeal A decision of the Merit Systems Protection Board under paragraph (3) may be appealed to the United States Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit pursuant to section 7703 of title 5, United States Code, or to any court of appeals of competent jurisdiction pursuant to subsection (b)(1)(B) of that section. (6) Prohibition against stays The Merit Systems Protection Board may not stay any removal or demotion under subsection (b), except as provided in section 1214(b) of title 5, United States Code. (7) Restriction on pay and benefits during appeal (A) In general (i) Restriction on pay and benefits During the period described in clause (ii), a covered individual may not receive any pay and benefits described in subparagraph (B). (ii) Period described The period referred to in clause (i) is the period— (I) beginning on the date on which a covered individual appeals under this section a removal from the civil service under subsection (b)(2)(A)