1. In any hearing conducted by the retirement board, the board’s findings on all issues of fact shall be final and conclusive upon all parties concerned when such findings are supported by competent and substantial evidence.

2. Any ruling of the retirement board on a question of law and whether the same is supported by substantial evidence shall, at the option of the plaintiff, be reviewed upon application of any party by the circuit court of Cole County, or in the county of the residence of the plaintiff or one of the plaintiffs, or in the county in which the principal office of the retirement system is located.