Polk County School Board v. Santana

The employer/carrier appeal a workers’ compensation order awarding permanent and total disability benefits to the claimant. Because there is evidence that the claimant has a substantial earning capacity, we reverse.

In early 1994, the claimant was injured in the course and scope of his employment. Diagnosed with carpal tunnel syndrome, the claimant underwent two carpal tunnel releases. After these surgeries, the claimant returned to the employer but was informed he no longer had a job.

Eventually, the claimant took a security guard course and obtained employment as a security guard. He…