Decision  William Goodwin v. Keyspan New England, LLC

Date:	10/24/2011
Organization:	Department of Industrial Accidents
Docket Number:	DIA Board No. 038163-08
Location:	Boston

• Employee: William Goodwin
• Employer: Keyspan New England, LLC (1)
• Self Insurer: Keyspan New England, LLC

COSTIGAN, J. The self-insurer appeals from a decision in which the administrative judge concluded the employee had proved that his work injury remained a major cause of his ongoing incapacity under the provisions of § 1(7A).² The self-insurer argues that the exclusive medical evidence provided by the impartial medical examiner did not support the judge’s conclusion. We disagree, and affirm the decision.

¹  Now National Grid.

² General Laws c. 152, § 1(7A), provides, in pertinent part:

If a compensable injury or disease combines with a pre-existing condition, which resulted from an injury or disease not compensable under this chapter, to cause or prolong disability or a need for treatment, the resultant condition shall be compensable only to the extent such compensable injury or disease remains a major but not necessarily predominant cause of disability or need for treatment.