The data below, except Figure 1, exclude remands and cases not directly dealing with worker claims. Board own motion orders are not considered here, and claim disposition agreements are treated only in the final paragraph of this report. Figure 2 gives historical information on the numbers of compensability disputes. On the other hand, the percentages of cases with the issues of temporary disability and aggravation were the lowest on record. Responsibility was an issue in 45 orders on review.
Issue dispositions The table, in the right column, gives issue dispositions for orders on review.
Figure 2 gives historical acceptance rates for compensability. The board in 1997 issued 200 orders on extent of permanent partial disability , including four stipulations. The average decreases were 21 scheduled degrees and 36 unscheduled degrees. About 78 percent of fees were assessed against the insurer, as opposed to paid out of worker compensation. See Figure 3.