We’re glad you asked!

First, on Monday, new rules became effective that govern the appeals process for both interlocutory appeals and compensation order appeals. They are available here. The rules didn’t revise any deadlines or make other significant substantive changes, but they now incorporate the Board’s former Practices and Procedures into the administrative rules.

Second, we’ve added a new FAQs page to assist self-represented litigants. Click here to see them. We tried to be very thorough. Although they’re designed for self-represented parties, lawyers who are new to practicing before the Board could likely benefit from taking a look at them as well.

Third, and finally, we’re conducting oral arguments on Thursday (tomorrow) by WebEx. The last arguments that occurred during the pandemic were held by phone, and the process worked well. But we have since looked into conducting arguments by videoconference and are pleased to announce that it’s ready to be implemented. We expect it will enhance the quality of the arguments for everyone to see each other’s facial expressions and body language as well as hear the intonation of their voices. To see the docket, click here. Note, however, that the first case on the docket has been tentatively settled, so that WebEx session will be canceled.  The first oral argument session will now begin at 10:00 a.m. Central Time.

Tim Conner, Knoxville, is the presiding judge of the Tennessee Workers’ Compensation Appeals Board.