Claimant Demonstrated His Partial Disability Prevented Him from Finding Work

The Third Department affirmed the Appeal Board's finding that claimant had demonstrated he was unable to find work due to his partial disability and was therefore entitled to benefits:

“Where a claimant has a permanent partial disability but there has been no finding of involuntary retirement, the claimant has an obligation to demonstrate attachment to the labor market with evidence of a search for employment within medical restrictions,” and the Board's determination in that regard will be upheld if supported by substantial evidence … . Here, the Board concluded that claimant credibly testified and provided corroborating documentary evidence that he actively participated in a job location service and engaged in an independent job search within his medical restrictions, thereby demonstrating attachment to the labor market … . The Board noted that, although jobs were available, when claimant advised prospective employers of his disability, he was told that no positions were available that would accommodate his medical restrictions … . Contrary to the employer's argument, the fact that claimant limited that search to jobs within the field that he had worked for nearly 50 years provides no basis to disturb the Board's decision … . Matter of Cole v Consolidated Edison Co of NY Inc, 2015 NY Slip Op 01220, 3rd Dept 2-11-15