Matter of Empara v. New Rochelle School District
The claimant, an electrician, sustained two work-related left leg injuries in 2003 and 2009. A 37.5% schedule loss of use was initially stipulated for the 2003 injury. After the 2009 injury, a Workers’ Compensation Law Judge (WCLJ) awarded benefits based on a 20% loss of use without considering the prior award. The employer appealed, and the Workers’ Compensation Board reversed the WCLJ's decision, finding no increased schedule loss of use greater than the previously awarded amount. The claimant then appealed the Board's decision, which was affirmed, upholding the timeliness of the employer's appeal and the Board's finding that there was no new or greater increase in the schedule loss of use related to the 2009 accident.