Narrative Opinion Summary
An appeal was made regarding a deputy commissioner's order that granted a claimant back therapy at a rehabilitation center and temporary total disability benefits during the treatment period. The deputy commissioner interpreted the claimant's hip pain as related to back pain, a conclusion that lacks support from the record. Furthermore, the deputy commissioner established a causal link between the industrial accident and the back condition. Upon review, the court found no competent, substantial evidence to support the deputy's award. The decision is reversed and remanded for an order denying benefits. Judges BOOTH, WIGGINTON, and BARFIELD concur with this decision.
Legal Issues Addressed
Causation in Workers' Compensation Claimssubscribe to see similar legal issues
Application: The deputy commissioner must establish a causal link between the industrial accident and the claimed medical condition, which was inadequately supported in this case.
Reasoning: Furthermore, the deputy commissioner established a causal link between the industrial accident and the back condition.
Interpretation of Medical Evidencesubscribe to see similar legal issues
Application: The court found that the deputy commissioner's interpretation of the claimant’s hip pain as related to back pain was unsupported by the record.
Reasoning: The deputy commissioner interpreted the claimant's hip pain as related to back pain, a conclusion that lacks support from the record.
Standard for Competent, Substantial Evidencesubscribe to see similar legal issues
Application: The court requires that any award of benefits must be supported by competent, substantial evidence, which was not present in this case.
Reasoning: Upon review, the court found no competent, substantial evidence to support the deputy's award.