(a) An eligible survivor or the eligible survivor's legal representative whose claim for payment is denied may appeal the denial to the board of trustees of the Employees Retirement System of Texas.
(b) An appeal under this section is considered to be an appeal of a contested case under Chapter 2001 and shall be conducted as provided by Section 815.511.
(c) Judicial review of a decision under this section is under the substantial evidence rule as provided by Chapter 2001.