44 Medical appeals and references.N.I.
(1)This section has effect where the case of a claimant for disablement benefit or severe disablement allowance has been referred by the adjudication officer to an adjudicating medical practitioner for determination of the disablement questions.
(2)Subject to subsection (3) below, if the claimant is dissatisfied with the decision of the adjudicating medical practitioner, he may appeal in the prescribed manner and within the prescribed time, and the case shall be referred to a medical appeal tribunal.
(3)If—
(a)the Department notifies the adjudication officer within the prescribed time that it is of the opinion that any decision of the adjudicating medical practitioner ought to be considered by a medical appeal tribunal; or
(b)the adjudication officer is of the opinion that any such decision ought to be so considered,
the adjudication officer shall refer the case to a medical appeal tribunal for their consideration, and the tribunal may confirm, reverse or vary the decision in whole or in part as on an appeal.