Winn v. Hudson Valley Equine Center
A claimant, an equine veterinarian, appealed a Workers’ Compensation Board decision regarding an occupational disease affecting his right shoulder and wrist. The claimant developed these conditions from strenuous work at Hudson Valley Equine Center between 1982 and 1988, leading to surgery and a workers' compensation claim in 1988. The Workers’ Compensation Law Judge (WCLJ) found an occupational disease with a disability date of March 23, 1988, ruling the claim timely and estopping the carrier, Insurance Company of North America/CIGNA, from denying coverage. The Workers’ Compensation Board affirmed the WCLJ's findings. The employer and carrier appealed, contending the finding of an occupational disease lacked support and that the claim was time-barred. The appellate court affirmed the Board's decision, citing substantial medical evidence connecting the conditions to the claimant's occupation and upholding the Board's determination of the date of disablement and the carrier's estoppel.