Terms Service-connected Disability Eligible from 1st day of employment Must be permanently disabled Must have a direct causational link to the workplace Nonservice-connected Disability Must have at least 5 years of service (60 months) Must be permanently disabled No direct link to the workplace Service Retirement Concurrent with Disability Application Waive reinstatement rights

Workers’ Compensation provides different benefits from County Retirement: Temporary Disability Permanent Disability Rehab or supplemental job displacement benefit LACERA’s Board of Retirement (BOR) not bound by Workers’ Compensation; not party to Workers’ Compensation Decisions LACERA is separate, legal entity – findings made in Workers’ Compensation cases are not binding in County Retirement System LACERA grants only Permanent Incapacity Workers’ Compensation vs. Disability Retirement Law Comparison

Application Employee may fill out a Disability application or a Human Resources Professional may fill it out on the employees behalf. Disability packages can be found on lacera.com. You may download or order online.

Disability Retirement Package for Employees Disability Retirement Brochure Disability Retirement Eligibility and Application Instructions Application for Disability Retirement Physician Statement for Disability Retirement Taxability of a LACERA Disability Retirement Allowance Claims Against Third Parties Authorization to Obtain and Release Records

Disability Retirement Package for Employers Disability Retirement brochure Disability Retirement Eligibility and Application Instructions (Department version) Application for Disability Retirement

Discovery and Obtaining Records Records obtained prior to interviewing the employee: Medical/Psychiatric Records through TPA or private Personnel Records (cooperative effort with county departments) Performance Evaluations Grievance Filing/Internal Investigations Worker’s Compensation Files Benefit Awards Notice of Work Restrictions List of All Claims Filed Electronic Access Listing Third Party Administrator Assistance CAO Office Communication

Employee Interview Prepare a Disability Evaluation Summary Report The interview is conducted to obtain the following information: History of Injury/Illness Occupational History/Physical Requirements Light Duty/Accommodated Assignments Current Symptoms/Complaints Retroactive Recommendation

Witness Statements Investigator contacts supervisor and/or co-workers: Statements to verify the witnessing of injury/illness “Actual job duties” Physical requirements Frequency of movements Ability to perform duties Return-to-work Coordinator statements regarding accommodation

Medical Examination Send Medical Records and Summary Report to Panel Physician (Panel Physician Guidelines) The mechanism of injury Show history and track treatment rendered General medical history

Board Preparation Notify the Member/Attorney, in writing, of exam date Notify the Member/Attorney, in writing, of Board date Member/Attorney may attend the closed session, but he/she may not address the Board regarding the application

Processing Timeframes Minimum amount of time to process a disability application is 7 to 9 months This is based on a single claim of disability Extra time may be needed for extensive investigation or delays in obtaining medical evidence Additional medical specialties evaluations may also be required