What happens if the Department fails to meet the "30" day deadline for certification?

The correct choice states that if the Department does not meet the "30" day deadline for certification, the member's claim will be presumed performance of duty (POD). This means that the department's failure to act within the stipulated timeframe effectively alters the handling of the member's case. In this context, an automatic presumption of a performance of duty scenario provides a layer of protection for the member, ensuring that despite any administrative delays, their case is treated with the assumption that they were performing their duties as required.

This provision allows for a streamlined process that acknowledges the member's contributions and obligations, even if the department has not completed its necessary procedures in time. Thus, the certification delay does not negatively impact the member's standing or benefits, as their actions are still recognized and validated.

The other options describe outcomes that are not aligned with the intended purpose of the performance of duty presumption or the procedural context surrounding certification deadlines. For instance, the notion of an automatic promotion or termination does not align with the procedural nature of such deadlines, nor does the reapplication for benefits align with the protective measures intended by the POD presumption.