Claim of Barber v. Dayspring Constructors
The claimant, a 52-year-old working supervisor, suffered an acute myocardial infarction in September 1990 while lifting heavy concrete blocks, which was causally related to his employment. Following the infarction, the claimant underwent three catheterizations and an angioplasty between November 1990 and April 1992. The employer challenged the Workers’ Compensation Board’s ruling that these subsequent coronary treatments were causally related to the initial myocardial infarction. The Board's determination was supported by the testimony of the claimant’s treating physician, and conflicts in medical testimony were resolved in the Board’s province. The Appellate Division affirmed the Board's decision, finding no abuse of discretion in denying the employer’s request for an impartial medical specialist.