Mercury Marine v. Lumpkin

OPINION

GOODMAN, Judge.

This is a review of an order of the Workers’ Compensation Court three-judge panel affirming, as modified, an award of permanent partial disability benefits for undisputed work-related injuries to the claimant’s neck *1390and back. The issue is whether the court impermissibly deviated from a court-appointed physician’s impairment rating without explaining the reason for the deviation. Based upon our review of the record and the applicable law, we hold that the trial court did err as a matter of law, and vacate the order and remand for further proceedings.

I

Claimant Ricky Dale…