Blong v. Workers' Compensation Appeal Board

OPINION BY

Judge LEAVITT.

Michael Blong (Claimant) petitions for review of an adjudication of the Workers’ Compensation Appeal Board (Board) affirming a Workers’ Compensation Judge’s (WCJ) decision to suspend disability benefits after concluding that Claimant had removed himself from the workforce. In this case, we consider whether moving to New Zealand constitutes removing oneself from the work force, thereby authorizing the suspension of benefits.

Claimant sustained a bilateral carpal tunnel injury to his wrists and hands in the course of his employment with Fluid Containment (Employer) on…