2026 Workers' Compensation Appeal Decisions
January 2026 Madrid v. Mexico Lindo Grill & Cantina , No. 24700714.01 (Arb./App. Jan. 2, 2026) In this case, the interim commissioner, who heard the case as a deputy, makes an arbitration decision which he indicates is a final agency decision for purposes of administrative efficiency, citing 10A.321(5) and 17A.15(1). Neither of these sections really appears to justify the arbitration decision as appeal decision result. 10A.321(5) indicates that the decision of the WC commissioner is final agency action, but this particular provision does not indicate that an appeal under 10A.321(1) is forfeited in this situation. It's certainly more efficient, but raises questions as to the legality of the order under Iowa law and also seems to raise due process concerns. That having been said, for purposes of this reviewing appeal decisions, this decision will be considered as such. The issues in the case involve whether claimant sustained a work-related injury, whether the...