STEVEN T. YOUNG v. DIRECTOR, OFFICE OF WORKERS’ COMPENSATION PROGRAMS UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF LABOR; HUNTINGTON INGALLS INDUSTRIES, INC
June 8, 2026·24-1299·Per Curiam·By Raj Patel
The Fourth Circuit denied Steven T. Young's petition for review of the Benefits Review Board's decision. The court found that the employer met its burden of demonstrating suitable alternative employment.
Steven T. Young sought to modify his permanent partial disability benefits to permanent total disability benefits under the Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act. The Benefits Review Board affirmed the ALJ’s denial of this request, leading Young to petition for review.
The court’s reasoning
The court found that the ALJ’s decision was supported by substantial evidence, particularly the testimony of the employer’s vocational expert, who considered Young’s age and employment history.
What it means going forward
The denial of the petition means Young’s benefits will not be modified to permanent total disability.
