Opinion ID: 2222251
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 4

Heading: review panel order

Text: The review panel affirmed the single judge's finding that the 1999 injury was work related and that Dawes' temporary total disability began on October 25, 1999. However, the review panel ordered that the case be remanded for further consideration by the single judge of the date on which Dawes' period of temporary total disability ended. The review panel did not conclude, however, that the single judge was clearly wrong on the evidence or that the decision was contrary to law. Dawes had argued to the review panel that the June 20, 2000, letter was not prepared by Dr. Watt and that Dawes was unable to return to his prior employment within the restrictions imposed by the letter. The review panel directed the single judge to consider Dawes' argument on remand. The review panel also remanded the case for reconsideration of Dawes' loss of earning capacity. The single judge had determined that the opinion of the court-appointed vocational rehabilitation counselor had not been rebutted by the expert tendered by the defense. The review panel stated that the single judge had erred by continuing to accord the court-appointed counselor's opinion the statutory rebuttable presumption of correctness after contrary evidence had been submitted, as such presumption `disappears' on the introduction of contrary evidence. The review panel also remanded the case for specific determinations on certain medical expenses to which the single judge's award did not speak. The review panel directed the single judge to consider, on remand, the amount of reimbursement to which Dawes' health insurance carrier might be entitled. The review panel also concluded, despite the lack of an express finding in this regard by the single judge, that there was a reasonable controversy which precluded an award of waiting-time penalties and attorney fees.