William Hegger v. Ford Motor Company

This workers’ compensation appeal has been referred to the Special Workers’ Compensation Appeals Panel of the Supreme Court in accordance with Tennessee Code Annotated section 50-6-225(e)(3) for a hearing and a report of findings of fact and conclusions of law. Employee developed carpal tunnel syndrome, which was accepted as compensable by Employer. The trial court found that Employee had sustained no vocational disability as a result of the condition, and therefore awarded 2% permanent partial disability to the arm, which was the anatomical impairment assigned by two of the three doctors to testify. The trial court also ordered that Employer was no longer required to provide medical treatment for the condition. On appeal, Employee contends that the award of permanent disability benefits is inadequate, and that the trial court erred by terminating future medical benefits. We affirm the disability award, but modify the closure of medical benefits.