(1)  A contributor is entitled to be treated as a full benefits contributor only as provided by this regulation.

(2)  A contributor who is not so entitled to be treated as a full benefits contributor is taken to be a limited benefits contributor.

(3)  A contributor becomes a full benefits contributor if –

(a) a legally-qualified medical practitioner employed or approved by the Board has examined the contributor and has signed a certificate stating that, in his or her opinion, the contributor is not affected by any physical or mental defect likely to render him or her incapable, before attaining the age of 60 years, of performing his or her duties; and

(b) after considering the certificate of the medical practitioner, the Board accepts the contributor as a full benefits contributor.

(4)  A contributor who –

(a) does not undergo a medical examination referred to in subregulation (3) ; or

(b) having undergone such a medical examination, is not accepted by the Board as a full benefits contributor –

is taken to be a limited benefits contributor and to remain such a contributor until he or she –

(c) undergoes a medical examination referred to in subregulation (3) and is accepted by the Board as a full benefits contributor; or

(d) has made contributions to the contributory scheme for a continuous period of 10 years, which does not include service purchased under regulation 31 or service while on sick leave without pay, in which case he or she is taken to be a full benefits contributor.