NY Lawmakers Discuss LIRR Disability Questions

The NY congressional delegation had "very productive" talks with the U.S. Railroad Retirement Board to discuss reforms. Last month, the NY Times found that since 2000 virtually all LIRR employees applied for--and received--disability payments, raising questions about the USRRB's approval process (the board grants pensions). Newsday reports the USRRB is considering including "independent medical doctor to review disability claims; better oversight of the board's Long Island district office; and a re-evaluation of past LIRR retiree disability cases." Senator Charles Schumer said, "If somebody gets disability [benefits] and is then out playing golf five times a week, they ought to not have them," and added, "We all know something is rotten in Denmark."