CompFox Logo
AboutWorkflowFeaturesPricingCase LawInsights

Updated Daily

Case Law Database

Access over workers' compensation decisions, including En Banc, Significant Panel Decisions, and writ-denied cases.

Case No. 2023 NY Slip Op 06781 [222 AD3d 1291]
Regular Panel Decision
Dec 28, 2023

Matter of Reyes v. Nationwide Furniture Installers

Claimant Audis Reyes, a construction worker, established a workers' compensation claim in 2018 for causally-related chronic rhinitis, chronic sinusitis, asthma, and drug-induced diabetes following cleanup work after the World Trade Center attacks. He was initially classified with a permanent partial disability and a 55% wage-earning capacity. Reyes sought reclassification to a total industrial disability, which was denied by a Workers' Compensation Law Judge and subsequently upheld by the Workers' Compensation Board. On appeal, the Appellate Division, Third Department, affirmed the Board's decision, concluding that the Board properly considered vocational factors and that its determination of no total industrial disability was supported by substantial evidence from vocational rehabilitation experts.

Workers' CompensationPermanent Partial DisabilityTotal Industrial DisabilityWage-Earning CapacityVocational FactorsAppellate ReviewSubstantial EvidenceWorld Trade Center ClaimsChronic RhinitisAsthma
References
9
Case No. MISSING
Regular Panel Decision
Nov 17, 1977

Daigneault v. Allegheny Ludlum Steel Corp.

The Workers’ Compensation Board found that the claimant developed chronic bronchitis precipitating emphysema, which was causally related to their employment due to exposure to irritating factors, leading to disability. This decision, filed on November 17, 1977, was appealed. The appellate court affirmed the board's determination, concluding that there was substantial medical evidence to support the finding. Costs were awarded to the Workers’ Compensation Board against the self-insured employer.

Chronic BronchitisEmphysemaCausally Related EmploymentDisabilityMedical EvidenceWorkers' Compensation AppealSelf-Insured EmployerBoard Decision
References
1
Case No. MISSING
Regular Panel Decision

Edwards v. Neponsit Care Center

On February 16, 1995, while evacuating patients from a fire, claimant, a hospital police officer, suffered smoke inhalation and injuries to his neck, back, and arm. His workers' compensation claim was established for bronchitis, but the case was closed without a finding of permanency. The case was reopened due to ongoing respiratory issues. A Workers’ Compensation Law Judge and subsequently the Workers’ Compensation Board concluded that claimant did not suffer a further causally related disability due to his bronchitis. This decision was affirmed on appeal, citing the testimony of physician Abiola Familusi, who stated that while claimant had chronic bronchitis and rhinitis causally related to the accident, it did not prevent him from returning to his job, provided he avoided smoke exposure.

Smoke InhalationChronic BronchitisChronic RhinitisCausally Related DisabilityHospital Police OfficerRespiratory ProblemsWorkers' Compensation BenefitsMedical Expert TestimonyDisability RetirementWorkers' Compensation Law
References
0
Case No. 531185
Regular Panel Decision
Jan 07, 2021

Matter of Lewandowski v. Safeway Envtl. Corp.

Zdzislaw Lewandowski, a former World Trade Center cleanup worker, appealed a Workers' Compensation Board decision that disallowed his claim for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Lewandowski sought benefits for various ailments, including depression, breathing problems, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), and rhinitis. The Board had established his claims for GERD and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) but maintained the disallowance for COPD due to insufficient evidence of a causal relationship. The Appellate Division, Third Department, affirmed the Board's decision regarding the disallowance of the COPD claim, finding it supported by substantial evidence. However, the court reversed the Board's denial to revisit Lewandowski's date of disablement and average weekly wage, remitting the matter for consideration of the date most beneficial to the claimant under Workers' Compensation Law § 164, and for further proceedings consistent with its decision.

World Trade Center cleanupChronic Obstructive Pulmonary DiseaseGERDPTSDAgoraphobiaPanic DisorderCausationMedical EvidenceDate of DisablementAverage Weekly Wage
References
19
Case No. ADJ1088522 (RIV 0015524)
Regular
Jan 03, 2013

SAMANTHA VAN DUINHOVEN vs. SPA HOTEL & CASINO, CALIFORNIA CASUALTY, Administered by GAB ROBINS NORTH AMERICA

This case involved an applicant who claimed industrial injury to her neck, back, left shoulder, psyche, and associated chronic pain syndrome, resulting in a finding of permanent total disability. The defendant sought reconsideration, arguing the medical evidence did not support injury to the low back or a diagnosis of chronic pain syndrome. The Appeals Board reversed the findings on the low back and chronic pain syndrome, finding no substantial evidence to support them. Consequently, the applicant's permanent disability award was amended to 70%, based on ratings for her neck, left shoulder, and psyche.

Workers' Compensation Appeals BoardPetition for ReconsiderationFindings and AwardPermanent Total DisabilityChronic Pain SyndromeAgreed Medical EvaluatorQualified Medical EvaluatorMedical Record ReviewIndustrial InjuryPermanent Disability Indemnity
References
0
Case No. ADJ605947 (MON 0274664)
Regular
Feb 02, 2009

LESLIE CELLUCCI vs. FLORENCE MACHINE PRODUCTS, STATE COMPENSATION INSURANCE FUND

This case concerns a workers' compensation claim for injuries to the applicant's hands, upper extremities, and neck, resulting in chronic pain syndrome and a sleep disorder. The defendant disputed the extent of permanent disability and the diagnoses of chronic pain syndrome and sleep disorder. The Appeals Board affirmed the finding of industrial injury and the 85% permanent disability rating, including the diagnoses of chronic pain syndrome and sleep disorder. The Board also granted reconsideration to amend the award to include a life pension for the applicant, as required by law for an 85% permanent disability finding.

Workers' Compensation Appeals BoardLeslie CellucciFlorence Machine ProductsState Compensation Insurance FundADJ605947Opinion and Order Granting ReconsiderationFindings and AwardPermanent DisabilityChronic Pain SyndromeSleep Disorder
References
0
Case No. 06-11-00094-CV
Regular Panel Decision
Jan 13, 2012

Christopher Castleberry v. New Hampshire Insurance Company

Christopher Castleberry appealed the dismissal of his case against New Hampshire Insurance Company. Castleberry sustained a work-related back injury in 2009, for which he received worker's compensation benefits. The insurer later contested coverage for medications for depression, chronic pain syndrome, chronic myofascial pain, and erectile dysfunction. The Division of Workers’ Compensation Review Board ruled that the compensable injury did not extend to these ailments. Castleberry sought judicial review, but the trial court granted the insurer's plea to the jurisdiction and dismissed the entire suit. The appellate court affirmed the dismissal of claims for depression, chronic pain syndrome, or myofascial pain syndrome, but reversed the judgment concerning the claim for medication for erectile dysfunction, remanding that issue for further proceedings.

Workers' CompensationJudicial ReviewPlea to JurisdictionAdministrative RemediesMedical BenefitsErectile DysfunctionChronic PainDepressionMyofascial PainAppellate Court
References
3
Case No. 06-11-00094-CV
Regular Panel Decision
Jan 13, 2012

Clyde Washington v. State

Christopher Castleberry appealed the dismissal of his case against New Hampshire Insurance Company, concerning a dispute over workers' compensation benefits for prescribed medications. Castleberry suffered a work-related back injury in 2009. The insurer later contested medications for depression, chronic pain syndrome, chronic myofascial pain, and erectile dysfunction. The Division of Workers' Compensation Review Board ruled against Castleberry regarding these ailments. The trial court subsequently granted the insurer's plea to the jurisdiction and dismissed the entire suit. The appellate court affirmed the dismissal of claims related to depression, chronic pain, and myofascial pain due to a lack of exhausted administrative remedies. However, it reversed and remanded the claim for erectile dysfunction medication, finding that the trial court improperly dismissed this issue, for which jurisdiction existed.

Workers' CompensationJurisdictionPlea to the JurisdictionAdministrative ReviewMedical BenefitsErectile DysfunctionChronic PainDepressionRemandAppellate Procedure
References
15
Case No. ADJ3931400 (MON 0218725) ADJ4561489 (MON 0257189)
Regular
Nov 07, 2008

ELLEAN SLAUGHTER vs. CENTINELA HOSPITAL MEDICAL CENTER/TENET HEALTHCARE CORPORATION

This case involves a petition to reopen a worker's compensation claim where the applicant's permanent disability increased from 77.5% to 100% due to chronic pain syndrome. The defendant argued for apportionment to non-industrial conditions like multiple sclerosis and chronic fatigue syndrome. The Appeals Board granted reconsideration, rescinded the original award, and remanded the case for a new permanent disability rating, specifically requiring apportionment of the increased disability to the applicant's non-industrial conditions as per *Vargas v. Atascadero State Hospital*.

ReconsiderationPermanent DisabilityApportionmentNew and Further DisabilityChronic Pain SyndromeMultiple SclerosisChronic Fatigue SyndromeAgreed Medical ExaminersSB 899Vargas v. Atascadero State Hospital
References
3
Case No. ADJ2554534
Regular
Jan 03, 2023

WENDY COLLIE vs. STATE OF CALIFORNIA, EMPLOYMENT DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT, STATE COMPENSATION INSURANCE FUND

The Workers' Compensation Appeals Board denied the employer's petition for reconsideration of a prior award. The initial award found the applicant sustained an injury AOE/COE to multiple body parts, resulting in permanent total disability without apportionment. The employer argued the finding of chronic pain syndrome was improper, and that the WCJ ignored credibility issues and apportionment opinions. The Appeals Board found substantial medical evidence supported the chronic pain syndrome diagnosis and that the employer failed to provide sufficient evidence for apportionment of permanent disability.

Workers' Compensation Appeals BoardPetition for ReconsiderationFindings Award and OrderAdministrative Law JudgeInjury AOE/COELumbar SpineCervical SpineLeft ShoulderRight HipRight Knee
References
20
Showing 1-10 of 286 results

Ready to streamline your practice?

Apply these legal strategies instantly. CompFox helps you find decisions, analyze reports, and draft pleadings in minutes.

CompFox Logo

The AI standard for workers' compensation professionals. Faster research, deeper analysis, better outcomes.

Product

  • Platform
  • Workflow
  • Features
  • Pricing

Solutions

  • Defense Firms
  • Applicants' Attorneys
  • Insurance carriers
  • Medical Providers

Company

  • About
  • Insights
  • Case Law

Legal

  • Privacy
  • Terms
  • Trust
  • Cookies
  • Subscription

© 2026 CompFox Inc. All rights reserved.

Systems Operational