| Date: | 09/04/2002 |
|---|---|
| Organization: | Department of Industrial Accidents |
| Docket Number: | DIA Board No. 035795-96 |
| Location: | Boston |
- Employee: Linda Hinton
- Employer: Mass Mutual Life Insurance Company
- Self Insurer: Mass Mutual Life Insurance Company
LEVINE, J. The self-insurer appeals from a decision in which an administrative judge awarded the employee permanent and total incapacity benefits for an unusual pain syndrome known as complex regional pain syndrome, which resulted from a blow to the hand combined with a pre-existing central nervous system disorder. The self-insurer initially accepted the injury. Thereafter, it brought a complaint to discontinue compensation. At the § 10A conference, the employee's claim for § 34A permanent and total incapacity benefits was joined for hearing. The conference order denied the self-insurer's complaint to discontinue and awarded § 35 partial incapacity benefits after the exhaustion of § 34 temporary total incapacity benefits. Both parties appealed to a hearing de novo. (Dec. 2.)