Opinion ID: 1960763
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 3

Heading: The DOES Proceedings

Text: After Tinordi's contract expired, he filed a claim with the DOES seeking benefits arising from the February 22 injury. He sought benefits for temporary total disability effective July 1, 1999, to the present and continuing, and for medical expenses and costs incident to receipt of medical care ( i.e., travel and lodging). The Capitals responded by claiming that Tinordi waived any right to benefits under the release inherent in the career-ending disability insurance claim that he made, and alternatively that the post-injury salary payments and the proceeds under both career-ending disability insurance policies should be credited against any possible benefit award. The Hearing Examiner awarded Tinordi total temporary disability benefits from July 1, 1999, and reimbursement for the medical, travel, and lodging expenses. Additionally, the Hearing Examiner denied the Capitals' claims for credit for the post-injury salary and the $20,000 NHLPA career-ending disability insurance. He awarded, however, credit for the NHL's $40,000 career-ending disability insurance. The Capitals applied for review by the Director of the DOES. They argued that the Hearing Examiner erred in two respects: (1) the post-injury salary payments should be the basis for credit under the language of D.C.Code § 36-315(j), [2] and (2) the factual findings as to the parties' intent were not supported by substantial evidence on the record. Tinordi responded with a memorandum in opposition to the Capitals' application and with an untimely cross-application, contending that the Hearing Examiner erred in awarding the credit for $40,000. The Director dismissed the cross-application as untimely and affirmed the Examiner's decision. The Capitals seek review in this court, contending that we should review the case de novo, that the DOES's statutory interpretation is unreasonable, and that the parties intended the contract wages to be disability benefits.