JCC Awards PTD and TPD After Rejecting Light-Duty Refusal Defense

In Paschall v. NFC Logistics LLC d/b/a Rent-A-Center, OJCC Case No. 24-013411BJA, the claimant sought temporary disability benefits for the period after cervical surgery and permanent total disability benefits after reaching overall MMI.

Judge Brian J. Anthony granted TPD from July 30, 2025, through October 3, 2025, rejecting the employer/carrier's voluntary-limitation defense after finding the claimant reasonably tried to work a transitional nonprofit placement and was not shown to have refused suitable employment.

The order also awarded PTD and PTD supplemental benefits from December 20, 2025, forward. The JCC accepted the claimant's vocational evidence, found her less-than-sedentary restrictions and vocational factors precluded suitable employment within a 50-mile radius, and awarded penalties, interest, fees, and costs for the benefits secured.

Source: Compensation Order