Matter of Lorenz v DiNapoli

Holding The court confirmed the denial of World Trade Center accidental disability retirement benefits, finding that the respondent’s determination was supported by substantial evidence. The court held that the petitioner failed to prove he was permanently incapacitated from performing his job duties, relying on the opinion of the system’s psychiatrist over the petitioner’s psychologist.

The court’s words

the sole issue before us is whether petitioner met his burden of proving that his medical condition[ ] rendered him permanently incapacitated from the performance of his job duties

2026 NY Slip Op 05360, at the official text

Cox's rational opinion based upon an examination of petitioner and a review of his medical records provides substantial evidence supporting respondent's determination

2026 NY Slip Op 05360, at the official text

the fact that he continued working for several years after the manifestation of his PTSD symptoms was relevant when considering whether he was permanently incapacitated

2026 NY Slip Op 05360, at the official text