§ 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.