Opinion ID: 1679399
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 4

Heading: Whether the Industrial Commissioner Erred in Failing to Reopen the Record.

Text: Gilleland seeks to include in the record a reversal of opinion by Dr. Flapan, indicating the injury to his leg did cause additional injuries to his back and that, therefore, the injuries to his back were work related. Gilleland attempted to introduce the evidence for the first time on his appeal to the industrial commissioner. He did not file a request before the commissioner for the taking of additional evidence as required by rule 343-4.28 of the Iowa Administrative Code. Instead, he included the issue of reopening the record in his pro se brief and attached the new opinion as an exhibit. Citing rule 343-4.28 and the proposition that it is improper to introduce new evidence through an appeal brief, the commissioner refused to consider the new evidence. The industrial commissioner has a reasonable range of informed discretion to interpret and administer its administrative rules. Dameron v. Neumann Bros., Inc., 339 N.W.2d 160, 162 (Iowa 1983). We believe the industrial commissioner was within its discretion in not allowing new evidence to be introduced through an appellate brief.