Opinion ID: 2621671
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 7

Heading: Extension and Expiration of Temporary Total Disability

Text: ¶ 20 Temporary total disability for which compensation may be allowed is defined as the healing period or that time following an accidental injury when an employee is totally incapacitated from work due to illness resulting from injury. [40] Section 22.2(b), relied on by respondent, deals with the establishment, extension and expiration of TTD. Its terms provide that TTD is to be awarded during a defined period, not to exceed 52 weeks. [41] After compensation has been paid for one year, an extension of TTD may be granted for up to 52 weeks provided the claimant has requested a review of the case at 42 weeks during each period involved. [42] Oklahoma's extant jurisprudence teaches there is no presumption that temporary total disability continues indefinitely. [43] Claimant must as a basis for temporary total compensation award adduce affirmative proof of a disability period. [44] ¶ 21 In short, a TTD award (not otherwise terminated, infra section B) continues for the duration of its length. It becomes inefficacious upon expiration of its term unless claimant timely requests a hearing and is granted extended compensation. It is the employee who bears the burden of proof when an extension of TTD benefits is requested. A claimant whose benefits have expired bears the burden of proving additional TTD benefits. B.