Appeal of Elliott

The claimant, Erlon Elliott, appeals the decision of the compensation appeals board (board) reducing his workers’ compensation benefits from temporary total disability benefits to diminished earning capacity rate benefits. We reverse and remand.

The claimant suffered a repetitive trauma injury to his wrists during 1986 while employed by respondent Facemate, Inc. Facemate and its insurance carrier, respondent CNA Insurance Companies, Inc. (CNA), voluntarily began paying temporary total disability benefits shortly thereafter. With the exception of a brief period in 1986, the claimant continued…