Commonwealth Court Holds Claimant Cannot Receive 500 Weeks of Partial Disability For Two Injuries

In P. Reutzel v. WCAB (Allegheny General Hospital) the Claimant argued she could reinstate partial disability benefits from a prior injury when 500 weeks ran on her more recent injury. The Court held Section 306(b)(1) of the Act specifically limits the period of partial disability benefits to 500 weeks for any injury or its recurrence, regardless of any change in disability status. The WCJ and Board's denial of benefits was affirmed.