Outcome of Arbitration for Heart and Lung Benefits Isn't Binding on WCJ

The Commonwealth Court is sticking to its prior determination that a workers' compensation judge is not bound to recognize a disability that served to secure an award of benefits for a prison guard trainee under the Heart and Lung Act. Wayne Merrell had worked for the Department of Corrections and twisted his knee while at work in October 2013. He filed a claim for benefits under the Heart and Lung Act, a statutory scheme that pays the salary, medical and hospital expenses of law enforcement officers injured while at work. The DOC denied his claim, and Merrell requested a...