Cruz v. State, Department of Legal Affairs

Richard F. Cruz (“Claimant”) appeals that portion of a final, compensation order denying him continued temporary total disability (“TTD”) and/or temporary partial disability (“TPD”) benefits after January 5, 2014. In the order, the Judge of Compensation Claims (“JCC”) found Claimant had reached overall maximum medical .improvement (“MMI”) by December 31, 2013, and, for that reason, no longer qualified for disability benefits. The JCC did, however, award Claimant an evaluation by .a gastroenterologist, recommended by his authorized treating cardiologist to assess Claimant’s acid reflux…