| This bill also addresses the appeal process. It allows the |
| appeal board to affirm or increase a compensation award, but |
| prohibits a reduction in the amount awarded by the |
| compensation panel. The appeal board may consider records and |
| testimony presented to the compensation panel. It may also |
| accept oral and written arguments from the claimant in support |
| of the claim. If the claimant wants to present new |
| information on appeal, the appeal board will make a |
| determination on whether the new information is appropriate to |
| be considered in connection with the claim. If so, then the |
| appeal board must return the claim to the compensation panel |
| and order the compensation panel to reconsider the decision in |
| light of the new information. |
