Opinion ID: 1436756
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 6

Heading: Stage IV Clarification of Remaining Issues

Text: In response to the January 1993 Dykas decision the Board changed the language of N.J.A.C. 4A:6-1.6(b)3 and adopted sections (b)3(i) and (ii). The Board noted: Recent appeals concerning Sick Leave Injury (SLI) benefits have raised questions on the application of the one-year limit on benefits, particularly with regard to claims arising from carpal tunnel syndrome and similar disorders. N.J.A.C. 4A:6-1.6(b)3 currently provides that SLI benefits are limited to a one year period from the initial date of the injury or illness. The longstanding interpretation of this rule, as expressed in decisions by the Merit System Board, has been that the one year period is continuous, and does not consist of aggregate periods of disability which total one year. To clarify the rule in conformance with this interpretation, N.J.A.C. 4A:6-1.6(b)3 would be amended to provide that SLI benefits are limited to a period beginning on the initial date of the injury or illness and ending one year from that date. Further, a provision would be added that SLI benefits shall not be paid for any absence occurring more than one year from the initial date of the injury or illness, even if the aggregate period of disability does not exceed one year. With regard to progressive, degenerative or repetitive motion disorders, such as asbestosis or carpal tunnel syndrome, it is nearly impossible to specify the initial date of the injury or illness because of the nature of those disorders. Therefore, the Board proposes to add a new N.J.A.C. 4A:6-1.6(b)3ii providing that the one year period begins with the first date of disability from work. [25 N.J.R. 4824 (November 1, 1993).] In other words, the Board agreed with the Dykas court that CTS injuries begin on the first date of disability from work but rejected the Dykas hiatus exception. The new regulation, effective February 7, 1994, provides: Sick Leave Injury (SLI) requirements: State service .... (b) An employee who is disabled due to a work-related injury or illness shall be granted a leave of absence with pay. .... 3. Benefits are limited to a period beginning on the initial date of the injury or illness and ending one year from that date. i. Benefits shall not be paid for any absence from work occurring more than one year from the initial date of the injury or illness, even if the aggregate period of disability does not exceed one year. ii. In cases of disorders as set forth in (c)4 below [including the CTS type injuries], the one year period shall begin with the first date of disability from work. [ N.J.A.C. 4A:6-1.6(b)3.] In sum, the Board policy is now clear that provable claims of CTS will be recognized but SLI benefits will be limited to one year from the first date of disability from work. [2]