Claim of Simpson v. New York City Transit Authority
The claimant, identified as a bus driver who retired in 2011, applied for workers’ compensation benefits, alleging an occupational disease due to repetitive stress on his knees. The Workers’ Compensation Board initially disallowed the claim, crediting an independent medical examination by orthopedic surgeon Carl Wilson, who concluded the knee condition was not causally related to work, but rather due to age-related wear and tear and degenerative changes. This Court previously reversed and remitted the case due to the Board's misinterpretation of MRI results. On remittal, the Board again disallowed the claim, reaffirming Wilson's credible testimony. The Appellate Division now affirms the Board’s decision, finding Wilson's medical opinion, which was based on an examination and review of medical records, to be supported by a rational basis and substantial evidence.