Claim of Islam v. BD Construction & Building
The claimant, a legal permanent resident, was declared totally disabled in 2006 due to work-related head and neck injuries. In 2009, his workers' compensation benefits were suspended during his detention in Texas by immigration officials, as he failed to provide timely medical progress reports. Upon release in 2011, a physician confirmed his continued total disability, leading the Workers’ Compensation Board to award benefits for the period of detention. The employer and its carrier appealed, arguing that the immigration detention qualified as incarceration upon felony conviction, rendering him ineligible. The court rejected this, stating his felony conviction resulted in probation, and immigration detention is civil. Additionally, the court affirmed the Board's decision to excuse the late filing of medical reports, citing its authority and the consistent medical evidence of ongoing disability.