The claimant applied disputed his entitlement to NEBs, two medical benefits, interest, and a special award. Adjudicator Boyce dismissed the NEBs claim, awarded the two medical benefits plus interest, and awarded a 10 percent special award with respect to the medical benefits. With respect to NEBs, Adjudicator Boyce noted that while according to Heath a total disability is not required, the NEB test is a stringent one. Aviva relied on its IE reports and the claimant’s self-reporting. Adjudicator Boyce noted that the claimant reported that he had resumed self-care tasks and basic housekeeping activities, mowed his lawn, attended social events, and could drive his vehicle and motorcycle. Adjudicator Boyce found that the claimant’s pain did not practically prevent him from engaging in his most valued pre-accident activities. As for the medical benefits, Adjudicator Boyce found that both disputed treatment plans were reasonable and necessary to help him reduce pain and improve his recovery and that pain reduction is a legitimate goal for treatment. As for the special award, Adjudicator Boyce agreed with the claimant’s submissions that it was difficult to reconcile Aviva’s denial of medical benefits during the same period it had paid a NEBs.
