23.1. Determination of Total and Permanent Disability. The existence or continuance of a condition of total and permanent disability shall be determined by the Disability Assessment Committee on the basis of such medical evidence as the Disability Assessment Committee deems necessary by applying such criteria in making medical determinations in a uniform, consistent and non-discriminatory manner to all members in similar circumstances. Each person alleging a condition of total and permanent disability or the continuance of such condition shall be required to undergo any medical examinations required by the Disability Assessment Committee. Each person alleging the continuance of total and permanent disability shall not be required to undergo medical examinations more frequently than twice annually, and further provided that all such examinations shall be at the expense of the Plan. Any person claiming total and permanent disability or the continuance of such condition, and refusing to submit to any medical examination required by the Disability Assessment Committee, or refusing to authorize the release to the Disability Assessment Committee, of any medical information with respect to such condition, shall be presumed not to suffer total and permanent disability, for the purposes of this Plan.

23.2. Appeals of Denied Claims for Disability Benefits. In the event that any claim for benefits is denied in whole or in part, the member whose claim has been so denied shall be notified of such denial in writing by the Executive Secretary. The notice advising of the denial shall specify the reason or reasons for denial, make specific reference to pertinent Plan provisions, describe any additional material or information necessary for the claimant to perfect the claim (explaining why such material or information is needed), and shall advise the member of the procedure for the appeal of such denial. All appeals shall be made by the following procedure: