Decision  Velma Figueroa v. Advocates, Inc.

Date:	07/21/2011
Organization:	Department of Industrial Accidents
Docket Number:	DIA Board No. 043103-04
Location:	Boston

• Employee: Velma Figueroa
• Employer: Advocates, Inc.
• Insurer: Granite State Insurance Co.

KOZIOL, J. The employee appeals from a decision awarding her ongoing partial incapacity benefits at the maximum rate for a left shoulder injury, but denying her claim for a lower back injury and a psychiatric sequela to the shoulder injury. The employee argues that the judge erred by applying the wrong standard of causation in his analysis of her psychiatric claim and failing to account for the psychiatric effects of her narcotic pain medication.¹ We reverse the denial of the psychiatric claim and recommit the case for further findings of fact.

¹ The employee does not challenge the denial of the lower back injury claim.