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Restoration to Service Examination

If it is determined that you are able to perform the essential duties of the position you retired from (or a similar position in the same department), then you will enter into the restoration to service phase of the disability process.

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Table of Contents

When does the Restoration to Service process happen?

Restoration to Service (RTS) occurs only after:

  • The Comprehensive Medical Evaluation or
  • A completed rehabilitation plan
  • Public safety retirees must also complete a physical abilities test

Before scheduling your examination

PERAC's Disability Unit puts a packet together for review consisting of:

  • The file assembled when you retired
  • Any additional medical information submitted by you
  • CME test results and reports
  • The current job description for the position you retired from

The Retiree Responsibilities

  • If you live outside Massachusetts, a Nurse Case Manager will make every effort to coordinate scheduling and give you as much notice as possible
  • You are responsible for bringing copies of all relevant x-rays, CT scans, and diagnostic testing results  from your treating physician and medical facilities to the appointment
    • You are also responsible for the return of these materials after your examination
  • You are responsible for providing notice of the examination details to your legal counsel and personal physician
  • If you cancel an appointment within 48 hours of the scheduled date or fail to show, you are responsible for reimbursing PERAC for the associated costs before we will schedule another appointment. 

The Physician Responsibilities

Physicians have 60 days to return Restoration to Service Certificates to PERAC
  • At least one of the physicians conducting the examination will be a specialist in the medical field related to the condition for which you were retired
  • The other physician(s) will specialize in fields whose relevancy is determined by PERAC
  • The physicians must complete and return the Restoration to Service Certificates to PERAC's Disability Unit within 60 days of completing their examinations. 
  • All physicians on the panel must agree that you are able to perform the same essential duties of the position you retired from or a similar job in the same department. 

Downloads

The following guides can be downloaded for more detailed information.

Additional Resources

Member's Guide to the Comprehensive Medical Evaluation and Return to Service Process (PDF 332.92 KB)
Retirement Board Guide to the Comprehensive Medical Evaluation (CME) & Return to Service (RTS) Process (PDF 93.89 KB)
Physician's Guide to the Comprehensive Medical Evaluation of Disability Retirees (PDF 555.83 KB)
Massachusetts Public Employee Guide to Disability Retirement - Regardless of the Date of Membership (PDF 447.99 KB)
Image credits:  natacha dunker

Related Guides

The Disability Retirement Application Process 
Disabled Public Safety Retirees 
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