Matter of Wright v. Elmer W. Davis Inc.
Claimant Tyler Wright sustained a work-related right knee injury in 2018, leading to a workers' compensation claim. Following surgery, initial medical evaluations by his orthopedic physician, Dr. Gregg Nicandri, and an independent medical examiner, Martin Gingras, both determined a 45% schedule loss of use (SLU) of the right leg based on range of motion deficits. Dr. Nicandri later revised his assessment to 52.5% SLU by proportionally adjusting calculations according to the 2018 New York State Guidelines. The Workers' Compensation Law Judge initially awarded benefits based on a 51.667% SLU, but the Workers' Compensation Board modified this decision, crediting the initial 45% SLU opinions from both physicians. The Appellate Division, Third Department, affirmed the Board's determination, finding it supported by substantial evidence and consistent with the 2018 guidelines.