AGO Opinion Topics: DISEASES COVERED

Any disease, including poliomyelitis, contracted by a fireman in connection with the performance of his duties as a member of the fire department would entitle him to a disability pension.  The burden of establishing a right to pension ordinarily rests on the claimant.  The pension board in passing upon and allowing or disallowing a fireman's claim for pension, bases its decision on a determination of fact.  Before disposing of any claim adversely to the claimant such a board must accord the claimant an opportunity to be heard and to present testimony in support of his claim.