Court Opinion

ID: 9576835
Source: CourtListenerOpinion
Date Created: 2023-08-21 21:29:03.099333+00
Date Added: 2024-06-11T13:18:06.459884
License: Public Domain

*609Judge ORR
concurs in the result, with this concurring opinion.
N.C.G.S. § 97-59 extends medical benefits if treatment is “required to . . . provide needed relief . . . .” Such a finding, supported by competent evidence, mandates an award of medical expenses for so long as the treatment provides needed relief. Smith v. American & Efird Mills, 305 N.C. 507, 290 S.E. 2d 634 (1982).
N.C.G.S. § 97-59 further provides by a literal interpretation of its language that payment for such treatment shall be paid by the employer in cases (1) “in which awards are made for . . . damage to organs as a result of an occupational disease” and (2) “after bills for same have been approved by the Industrial Commission.”
In the case sub judice, the Full Commission adopted the finding of the Deputy Commissioner “that the plaintiff would benefit from a continuing program of medical treatment for his lung disease.” No appeal from this finding has been taken.
Secondly, this is a case in which a final award has been made for damage to plaintiffs lungs as a result of an occupational disease.
Finally, however, at this point there is nothing in the record evidencing that any medical bills for the extended medical benefits applicable under N.C.G.S. § 97-59 have been submitted to or approved by the Industrial Commission, nor approved and not paid by the employer. In light of that fact, I concur in the conclusion of the majority opinion that the issue of medical benefits is not now before us and the appeal should be dismissed.
Judge JOHNSON joins in this concurring opinion.