Opinion ID: 2631806
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 1

Heading: Proceedings in the Department of Labor and Industrial Relations

Text: The background of this case is set forth in detail in the ICA's opinion, see Tamashiro, at 96-102, 34 P.3d at 26-32, which we will not repeat here. However, the relevant background for purposes of our clarification of the ICA's analysis is briefly stated below. On March 30, 1994, Tamashiro, a ninth-step apprentice electrician, injured his right shoulder while working for Control Specialist, Inc. (CSI). Approximately two weeks later, Tamashiro sought medical treatment from Jinichi Tokeshi, M.D. Dr. Tokeshi placed Tamashiro off work for the following two and one-half months. Tamashiro returned to work on August 1, 1994 and was laid off four days later, on August 5, 1994. On October 25, 1994, Tamashiro filed a claim for workers' compensation benefits. The Employer refused to pay TTD benefits because, it asserted, Tamashiro was capable of returning to work and thus not totally disabled. In response, Tamashiro requested a hearing before the Labor and Industrial Relations Disability Compensation Division. On June 19, 1995, following a hearing, the Director of the Department of Labor and Industrial Relations (Director) rendered a written decision and order. The Director found that (1) Tamashiro [was] not capable of returning to his usual and customary work as an electrician and (2) Tamashiro's job as an electrician [was] one likely to require use of the arms detrimental to [Tamashiro's] condition. Consequently, the Director ordered the Employer to, inter alia, pay Tamashiro TTD benefits from August 4, 1994 and terminating at such time as is determined by the Director that such disability has ended. The Employer appealed the Director's decision to the Board. [1] On July 15, 1995, surgery was performed on, and a ganglion cyst removed from, Tamashiro's right shoulder. Evidence adduced at the hearing and contained in the record indicates that the cyst likely formed as a result of the March 30, 1994 work injury. Due to its location in the shoulder, pressure from the cyst on Tamashiro's suprascapular nerve caused weakness and atrophy of the external rotator muscles. On August 9, 1995, the Board issued a pretrial order stating that the sole issue to be determined was: the period of [Tamashiro's] temporary total disability due to the March 30, 1994 work injury after August 5, 1994 and prior to [July 15, 1995,] the date of surgery. Trial commenced before the Board on March 5, 1997 and was completed on June 17, 1997. On May 4, 1999, the Board filed its decision and order. In its findings of fact, the Board expressly found that Tamashiro's testimony regarding, inter alia his ability to return to work as an electrician was lacking in credibility. In its conclusions of law, the Board stated: [Tamashiro] was not temporarily and totally disabled for work from August 5, 1994 and prior to the date of surgery, July 15, 1995, as a result of his work injury of March 30, 1994, because he was able to resume work in his usual and customary employment as an electrician. Tamashiro appealed. [2]