15-5-207. Application for benefits; statement filed; determination; review; appeal.
If any fireman, his surviving spouse, dependent children or dependent parents are entitled to any pension or benefits under this article, the fireman, or in the event of his death, the chief of the fire department of which he was a member, or some other proper person, shall apply by filing a complete and concise statement of the facts necessary to entitle the fireman or the fireman's surviving spouse or children or parents to the benefits or pension. The application shall be filed with the board upon forms it provides. The board is empowered to investigate the application and determine whether or not it should be granted and to hear evidence as to the justice of the application, or to require and receive affidavits as to the truth of the statements made in the application. If the application is refused, the matter may be taken, by petition, before the district court of the county in which the applicant resides. The court shall notify the board of the date set for hearing. The decision of the district court is binding upon the board and applicant unless appealed from according to the procedure provided under the Worker's Compensation Act.