JCC Bars Benefits After Finding False Testimony About Prior Knee Brace

In Ramos v. Travel Leisure Co./Liberty Mutual, OJCC Case No. 25-026568RAA, the claimant sought TPD, an advance, medical authorization, and compensability after alleging a right-knee injury at Busch Gardens on October 10, 2025.

Judge Robert A. Arthur denied the claim after finding Ramos falsely testified that he had not worn a knee brace before the accident. Crediting coworker testimony over the claimant's deposition and hearing testimony, the order applied sections 440.105(4)(b) and 440.09(4)(a) to bar compensation. All indemnity and medical claims were denied, and the AWW and compensability issues were deemed moot.

The practical takeaway is straightforward: a credibility finding can end the entire case. When a JCC concludes a claimant knowingly made false statements to obtain benefits, the statutory fraud defense can wipe out both medical and indemnity claims even before the court reaches the underlying merits.

Source: Compensation Order