05/23/94 John Latta V. Workmen's Compensation

The question before this Court is whether a claimant seeking reinstatement of workmen's compensation benefits currently under suspension must present expert medical evidence in order to establish that the work-related injury that gave rise to the benefits under suspension continues. *fn1 We hold that expert medical evidence is not necessary to establish that the work-related injury continues. Rather, once a claimant testifies that his work-related injury continues, the burden shifts to his employer to prove the contrary. Where an employer fails to present evidence to the contrary, the claimant's testimony, if believed by the referee, is sufficient to support reinstatement of the suspended benefits.