Applicant cannot receive temporary disability for time lost for treatment medical appointments after return to work

• Posted By: Harvey Brown
• October 1, 2019

This is an appellate court decision

This is a very significant case for workers’ compensation principles.

The applicant had two specific injuries. The applicant was found permanent and stationary for one injury but not the other. The applicant returned work.

The applicant then missed time from work for medical treatment appointments and for appointments with the Qualified Medical Examiner. The applicant used sick time and vacation time for the appointments.

At a hearing the applicant claimed she was entitled to temporary disability (td) payments for the time missed from work. The Workers’ Compensation Judge (WCJ) ruled under section 4600 (e)(1) that that the applicant was not entitled to td for an appointment for medical treatment. The WCJ did not rule on the QME time lost.

The applicant filed for reconsideration. The WCJ on the report and recommendation again indicated the applicant is not allowed td for medical treatment but indicated the applicant can get one day of td for the QME exam. The Workers’ Compensation Appeals Board (WCAB) agreed with the WCJ. The appellate court reviewed Department of Rehabilitation v WCAB and determined the applicant is not entitled to temporary disability indemnity for missed time from work to attend appointments for medical treatment. The applicant is entitled to td for the missed time for a medical examination as opposed to treatment.

Case:Skelton v WCAB

Case:

• Posted In: Appeal, Disability, Work Injury