Q: What is the process and how long does it take for a disability
application to be considered by the board?
An application may be requested from the HPRS office or found under the "Forms" tab on this website. Along with the application, the applicant must include any medical and physician reports, hospitalization records, test results and surgical records to document the disability. The applicant must also submit an "Attending Physician Medical Evaluation" completed by a treating physician, based upon the applicant's "Job Duties and Responsibilities" form completed by the applicant's supervisor.
Once HPRS receives an application, it takes approximately two to six months for the process. If the applicant needs to be examined by more than one physician the process could take longer. The board's medical advisor will designate which physician will examine the applicant. If the applicant has multiple disabling conditions, the applicant may need to be examined by more than one board physician. After HPRS receives the medical evaluation report(s), the medical advisor will review and make his report.
The application is then reviewed by the Health, Wellness and Disability Committee and a recommendation is made for the next available board meeting. The applicant is advised of the date and may attend the committee meeting when the application is being considered. The applicant is advised by mail of the decision of the committee. The applicant may request, in writing, reconsideration from the committee if he/she has new medical evidence relevant to the disability.
The committee will hear the new medical information, render a decision based on the new information, and make a recommendation to the board at the next available board meeting. The applicant is advised by mail of the decision of the committee.
The board will review the applicant's case and render a decision. The decision of the board is final, and the applicant is notified by mail of that decision.
Once receiving disability benefits, those under age of 60 may be subject to an annual re-examination by a board physician.
