Employer Can Terminate Benefit Payments to Worker Who Left Workforce

The Commonwealth Court upheld a decision of the Workers’ Compensation Appeals Board allowing an employer to terminate payment of benefits to an employee who had voluntarily left the workforce. Case: Podest v. WCAB (General Dynamics), Nos. 1785 C.D. 2016 and 1816 C.D. 2016, 09/01/2017, unpublished. Facts: John Podest worked for General Dynamics as an inspector of mortar shells. He injured his shoulders while at work in October 2009, and General Dynamics accepted liability for the payment of medical benefits. In December 2009, General Dynamics acknowledged liability for a period of tota...