The commission shall have the power to determine whether or not any member is permanently and totally disabled, and whether or not the disability or death of a member as a result of an injury or illness arises out of and in the course of the member’s employment or otherwise. The claimant member shall have the right to present physician or physicians, witnesses or other testimony in his behalf before the commission. The chairman or other member of the commission may administer oaths to any physicians or other persons called before the commission regarding the employee’s disability or death. The commission shall decide by resolution whether the applicant is entitled to the benefits of this act.

L.1954, c. 218, p. 819, s. 21.