ROANOKE TIMES
Copyright (c) 1997, Roanoke Times
DATE: Sunday, January 26, 1997 TAG: 9701240101
SECTION: BUSINESS PAGE: BUSINESS EDITION: METRO
Virginia's workers' compensation program is closed to workers who develop cumulative-trauma disorders caused by repetitive motion, such as the wrist-ailment carpal tunnel syndrome, because of their jobs. Virginia stopped awarding benefits in new cumulative-trauma cases because of a prohibition outlined in a March 1, 1996, ruling by the Virginia Supreme Court. Those already receiving benefits were unaffected by the ruling.
The court did not dispute that repetitive-motion injuries can result from work activities such typing and knitting, but found that Virginia's law does not specify coverage for such injuries. Four bills before the General Assembly would write such a specification into law. The bills and their sponsors are:
Del. Richard Cranwell, D-Vinton: Would furnish the complete package of benefits available under the workers' compensation system - which include living and medical expenses and may include retraining costs - to people who develop cumulative trauma or repetitive motion injuries due to their jobs. (HB 2556, HB2559). Also, Cranwell included all of that in a broader bill along with other legislation. (HB2295)
Sen. Richard Holland, D-Isle of Wight County: Specifies rigid diagnostic standards which would need to be met by sufferers of carpal tunnel syndrome before they could receive workers compensation benefits. (SB 1043)
Del. Glenn Croshaw, D-Virginia Beach: Duplicates SB 1043. (HB 2366)
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