{ "id": 11917727, "name": "DENNIS WILLOUGHBY, Petitioner v. THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES OF THE TEACHERS' AND STATE EMPLOYEES' RETIREMENT SYSTEM, Respondent", "name_abbreviation": "Willoughby v. Board of Trustees of the Teachers' & State Employees' Retirement System", "decision_date": "1996-02-06", "docket_number": "No. COA94-1066", "first_page": "444", "last_page": "452", "citations": [ { "type": "official", "cite": "121 N.C. App. 444" } ], "court": { "name_abbreviation": "N.C. Ct. App.", "id": 14983, "name": "North Carolina Court of Appeals" }, "jurisdiction": { "id": 5, "name_long": "North Carolina", "name": "N.C." }, "cites_to": [ { "cite": "42 U.S.C. \u00a7 406", "category": "laws:leg_statute", "reporter": "U.S.C.", "opinion_index": -1 }, { "cite": "42 U.S.C. \u00a7 423", "category": "laws:leg_statute", "reporter": "U.S.C.", "opinion_index": -1 }, { "cite": "457 S.E.2d 306", "category": "reporters:state_regional", "reporter": "S.E.2d", "weight": 2, "year": 1995, "pin_cites": [ { "page": "309" }, { "parenthetical": "quoting Webster's Third New International Dictionary 758 (1966)" } ], "opinion_index": 0 }, { "cite": "118 N.C. App. 666", "category": "reporters:state", "reporter": "N.C. App.", "case_ids": [ 11920628 ], "year": 1995, "pin_cites": [ { "page": "670" } ], "opinion_index": 0, "case_paths": [ "/nc-app/118/0666-01" ] }, { "cite": "42 U.S.C. \u00a7 402", "category": "laws:leg_statute", "reporter": "U.S.C.", "pin_cites": [ { "page": "(b)" } ], "opinion_index": 0 }, { "cite": "349 S.E.2d 594", "category": "reporters:state_regional", "reporter": "S.E.2d", "year": 1986, "opinion_index": 0 }, { "cite": "318 N.C. 415", "category": "reporters:state", "reporter": "N.C.", "case_ids": [ 4737321, 4739148, 4740524, 4738711, 4736029 ], "year": 1986, "opinion_index": 0, "case_paths": [ "/nc/318/0415-05", "/nc/318/0415-01", "/nc/318/0415-04", "/nc/318/0415-03", "/nc/318/0415-02" ] }, { "cite": "346 S.E.2d 212", "category": "reporters:state_regional", "reporter": "S.E.2d", "year": 1986, "pin_cites": [ { "page": "214" } ], "opinion_index": 0 }, { "cite": "82 N.C. App. 265", "category": "reporters:state", "reporter": "N.C. App.", "case_ids": [ 8358648 ], "year": 1986, "pin_cites": [ { "page": "266-67" } ], "opinion_index": 0, "case_paths": [ "/nc-app/82/0265-01" ] }, { "cite": "370 F.2d 373", "category": "reporters:federal", "reporter": "F.2d", "case_ids": [ 2049899 ], "year": 1966, "pin_cites": [ { "page": "375" } ], "opinion_index": 0, "case_paths": [ "/f2d/370/0373-01" ] }, { "cite": "196 S.E.2d 770", "category": "reporters:state_regional", "reporter": "S.E.2d", "year": 1973, "pin_cites": [ { "page": "775" } ], "opinion_index": 0 }, { "cite": "283 N.C. 494", "category": "reporters:state", "reporter": "N.C.", "case_ids": [ 8559260 ], "year": 1973, "pin_cites": [ { "page": "502" } ], "opinion_index": 0, "case_paths": [ "/nc/283/0494-01" ] }, { "cite": "308 S.E.2d 442", "category": "reporters:state_regional", "reporter": "S.E.2d", "weight": 2, "year": 1983, "pin_cites": [ { "page": "445", "parenthetical": "citing Transportation Service v. County of Robeson, 283 N.C. 494, 502, 196 S.E.2d 770, 775 (1973)" }, { "page": "445" } ], "opinion_index": 0 }, { "cite": "309 N.C. 601", "category": "reporters:state", "reporter": "N.C.", "case_ids": [ 4765014 ], "weight": 2, "year": 1983, "pin_cites": [ { "page": "605", "parenthetical": "citing Transportation Service v. County of Robeson, 283 N.C. 494, 502, 196 S.E.2d 770, 775 (1973)" }, { "page": "605" } ], "opinion_index": 0, "case_paths": [ "/nc/309/0601-01" ] }, { "cite": "382 S.E.2d 759", "category": "reporters:state_regional", "reporter": "S.E.2d", "weight": 2, "year": 1989, "pin_cites": [ { "page": "762" }, { "page": "762" } ], "opinion_index": 0 }, { "cite": "325 N.C. 259", "category": "reporters:state", "reporter": "N.C.", "case_ids": [ 2492574 ], "weight": 2, "year": 1989, "pin_cites": [ { "page": "263" }, { "page": "263" } ], "opinion_index": 0, "case_paths": [ "/nc/325/0259-01" ] }, { "cite": "239 S.E.2d 48", "category": "reporters:state_regional", "reporter": "S.E.2d", "year": 1977, "pin_cites": [ { "page": "65" } ], "opinion_index": 0 }, { "cite": "293 N.C. 365", "category": "reporters:state", "reporter": "N.C.", "case_ids": [ 8565044 ], "year": 1977, "pin_cites": [ { "page": "392" } ], "opinion_index": 0, "case_paths": [ "/nc/293/0365-01" ] }, { "cite": "347 S.E.2d 814", "category": "reporters:state_regional", "reporter": "S.E.2d", "weight": 2, "year": 1986, "pin_cites": [ { "page": "817" } ], "opinion_index": 0 }, { "cite": "318 N.C. 192", "category": "reporters:state", "reporter": "N.C.", "case_ids": [ 4738158 ], "year": 1986, "pin_cites": [ { "page": "196" } ], "opinion_index": 0, "case_paths": [ "/nc/318/0192-01" ] }, { "cite": "459 S.E.2d 27", "category": "reporters:state_regional", "reporter": "S.E.2d", "year": 1995, "pin_cites": [ { "page": "30", "parenthetical": "citing Derebery v. Pitt County Fire Marshall, 318 N.C. 192, 196, 347 S.E.2d 814, 817 (1986)" } ], "opinion_index": 0 }, { "cite": "119 N.C. App. 529", "category": "reporters:state", "reporter": "N.C. App.", "case_ids": [ 11916317 ], "year": 1995, "pin_cites": [ { "page": "533", "parenthetical": "citing Derebery v. Pitt County Fire Marshall, 318 N.C. 192, 196, 347 S.E.2d 814, 817 (1986)" } ], "opinion_index": 0, "case_paths": [ "/nc-app/119/0529-01" ] }, { "cite": "379 S.E.2d 30", "category": "reporters:state_regional", "reporter": "S.E.2d", "year": 1989, "pin_cites": [ { "page": "36" } ], "opinion_index": 0 }, { "cite": "324 N.C. 373", "category": "reporters:state", "reporter": "N.C.", "case_ids": [ 2483734 ], "year": 1989, "pin_cites": [ { "page": "384" } ], "opinion_index": 0, "case_paths": [ "/nc/324/0373-01" ] }, { "cite": "372 S.E.2d 887", "category": "reporters:state_regional", "reporter": "S.E.2d", "year": 1988, "pin_cites": [ { "page": "890" } ], "opinion_index": 0 }, { "cite": "91 N.C. App. 527", "category": "reporters:state", "reporter": "N.C. App.", "case_ids": [ 8526141 ], "year": 1988, "pin_cites": [ { "page": "531" } ], "opinion_index": 0, "case_paths": [ "/nc-app/91/0527-01" ] }, { "cite": "400 S.E.2d 742", "category": "reporters:state_regional", "reporter": "S.E.2d", "year": 1991, "pin_cites": [ { "page": "744" } ], "opinion_index": 0 }, { "cite": "101 N.C. App. 699", "category": "reporters:state", "reporter": "N.C. App.", "case_ids": [ 8528046 ], "year": 1991, "pin_cites": [ { "page": "702" } ], "opinion_index": 0, "case_paths": [ "/nc-app/101/0699-01" ] }, { "cite": "435 S.E.2d 359", "category": "reporters:state_regional", "reporter": "S.E.2d", "year": 1993, "pin_cites": [ { "page": "363" } ], "opinion_index": 0 }, { "cite": "112 N.C. App. 161", "category": "reporters:state", "reporter": "N.C. App.", "case_ids": [ 8520617 ], "year": 1993, "pin_cites": [ { "page": "165" } ], "opinion_index": 0, "case_paths": [ "/nc-app/112/0161-01" ] }, { "cite": "463 S.E.2d 254", "category": "reporters:state_regional", "reporter": "S.E.2d", "year": 1995, "pin_cites": [ { "page": "256" } ], "opinion_index": 0 }, { "cite": "120 N.C. App. 521", "category": "reporters:state", "reporter": "N.C. App.", "case_ids": [ 11916540 ], "weight": 2, "year": 1995, "pin_cites": [ { "page": "524" } ], "opinion_index": 0, "case_paths": [ "/nc-app/120/0521-01" ] }, { "cite": "427 S.E.2d 627", "category": "reporters:state_regional", "reporter": "S.E.2d", "year": 1993, "opinion_index": 0 }, { "cite": "333 N.C. 466", "category": "reporters:state", "reporter": "N.C.", "case_ids": [ 2547848, 2548041, 2548241, 2548471 ], "year": 1993, "opinion_index": 0, "case_paths": [ "/nc/333/0466-02", "/nc/333/0466-01", "/nc/333/0466-04", "/nc/333/0466-03" ] }, { "cite": "424 S.E.2d 684", "category": "reporters:state_regional", "reporter": "S.E.2d", "year": 1993, "opinion_index": 0 }, { "cite": "108 N.C. App. 689", "category": "reporters:state", "reporter": "N.C. App.", "case_ids": [ 8525390 ], "year": 1993, "opinion_index": 0, "case_paths": [ "/nc-app/108/0689-01" ] }, { "cite": "443 S.E.2d 89", "category": "reporters:state_regional", "reporter": "S.E.2d", "weight": 3, "year": 1994, "pin_cites": [ { "page": "91-92" } ], "opinion_index": 0 }, { "cite": "114 N.C. App. 711", "category": "reporters:state", "reporter": "N.C. App.", "case_ids": [ 8527957 ], "weight": 3, "year": 1994, "pin_cites": [ { "page": "716" } ], "opinion_index": 0, "case_paths": [ "/nc-app/114/0711-01" ] }, { "cite": "455 S.E.2d 871", "category": "reporters:state_regional", "reporter": "S.E.2d", "year": 1995, "opinion_index": 0 }, { "cite": "118 N.C. App. 475", "category": "reporters:state", "reporter": "N.C. App.", "case_ids": [ 11919289 ], "year": 1995, "opinion_index": 0, "case_paths": [ "/nc-app/118/0475-01" ] }, { "cite": "443 S.E.2d 114", "category": "reporters:state_regional", "reporter": "S.E.2d", "weight": 3, "year": 1994, "pin_cites": [ { "page": "118" } ], "opinion_index": 0 }, { "cite": "114 N.C. App. 668", "category": "reporters:state", "reporter": "N.C. App.", "case_ids": [ 8527936 ], "weight": 4, "year": 1994, "pin_cites": [ { "page": "675" }, { "page": "678" } ], "opinion_index": 0, "case_paths": [ "/nc-app/114/0668-01" ] }, { "cite": "463 S.E.2d 580", "category": "reporters:state_regional", "reporter": "S.E.2d", "weight": 3, "year": 1995, "pin_cites": [ { "page": "582" }, { "page": "582" } ], "opinion_index": 0 }, { "cite": "120 N.C. App. 827", "category": "reporters:state", "reporter": "N.C. App.", "case_ids": [ 11918394 ], "weight": 4, "year": 1995, "pin_cites": [ { "page": "829" }, { "page": "829" }, { "page": "829" } ], "opinion_index": 0, "case_paths": [ "/nc-app/120/0827-01" ] }, { "cite": "42 U.S.C. \u00a7 406", "category": "laws:leg_statute", "reporter": "U.S.C.", "opinion_index": 0 } ], "analysis": { "cardinality": 840, "char_count": 19677, "ocr_confidence": 0.755, "pagerank": { "raw": 1.392296751771119e-07, "percentile": 0.6430394204449758 }, "sha256": "bf386dcfb98a184b294d4912fad255523d3669432b730efae707632613b2bfaf", "simhash": "1:a1076d8a0ef7248a", "word_count": 3130 }, "last_updated": "2023-07-14T20:54:48.563497+00:00", "provenance": { "date_added": "2019-08-29", "source": "Harvard", "batch": "2018" }, "casebody": { "judges": [ "Judges WYNN and SMITH concur." ], "parties": [ "DENNIS WILLOUGHBY, Petitioner v. THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES OF THE TEACHERS\u2019 AND STATE EMPLOYEES\u2019 RETIREMENT SYSTEM, Respondent" ], "opinions": [ { "text": "EAGLES, Judge.\nPetitioner\u2019s appeal is before us pursuant to G.S. 150B-52 and 7A-27. We are cognizant of the decision of this Court in Dockery v. N.C. Dept. of Human Resources, 120 N.C. App. 827, 463 S.E.2d 580 (1995), which indicates that this Court might be applying two different standards of review of administrative decisions. In Dockery, Arnold, C.J., speaking for this Court, stated that:\nWhile Amanini v. N.C. Dept. of Human Resources, 114 N.C. App. 668, 443 S.E.2d 114 (1994), might appear to state a new and different standard of review of administrative agency decisions at the appellate level, the standard of review is long-standing and has been correctly and lately followed in several recent cases, e.g., Wilkie v. Wildlife Resources Commission, 118 N.C. App. 475, 455 S.E.2d 871 (1995); Brooks v. Ansco & Associates, 114 N.C. App. 711, 443 S.E.2d 89 (1994); Teague v. Western Carolina University, 108 N.C. App. 689, 424 S.E.2d 684, disc. review denied, 333 N.C. 466, 427 S.E.2d 627 (1993).\nDockery, 120 N.C. App. at 829, 463 S.E.2d at 582. It appears that the different approaches referred to in Dockery culminated in the filing of two divergent decisions of this Court on the same day. Compare Amanini v. N.C. Dept. of Human Resources, 114 N.C. App. 668, 443 S.E.2d 114 (1994) with Brooks v. Ansco Associates, 114 N.C. App. 711, 443 S.E.2d 89 (1994).\nOne line of cases has determined that our scope of review, as well as that of the superior court, is governed by G.S. 150B-51. See Dockery, 120 N.C. App. at 829, 463 S.E.2d at 582; In re Appeal of Ramseur, 120 N.C. App. 521, 463 S.E.2d 254, 256 (1995); Brooks v. Ansco Associates, 114 N.C. App 711, 716, 443 S.E.2d 89, 91-92 (1994). According to that analysis, the scope of review applied by the superior court and this Court depends upon the question presented.\nIf it is alleged that the agency\u2019s decision was based on an error of law, then de novo review is required. If, however, it is alleged that the agency\u2019s decision was not supported by the evidence or that the decision was arbitrary or capricious, then the reviewing court must apply the \u201cwhole record\u201d test.\nRamseur, 120 N.C. App. at 524, 463 S.E.2d at 256.\nThe second line of cases holds that this Court reviews the superior court decision for errors of law just as in any other civil case. See Amanini v. N.C. Dept. of Human Resources, 114 N.C. App. 668, 675, 443 S.E.2d 114, 118 (1994); In re Appeal by McCrary, 112 N.C. App. 161, 165, 435 S.E.2d 359, 363 (1993). According to that analysis, our review \u201cis limited to whether the Superior Court made any errors in law in light of the record as a whole.\u201d Scroggs v. N.C. Crim. Justice Standards Comm., 101 N.C. App. 699, 702, 400 S.E.2d 742, 744 (1991), (citing Henderson v. N.C. Dept. of Human Resources, 91 N.C. App. 527, 531, 372 S.E.2d 887, 890 (1988)).\nWe are also aware that one panel of this Court may not overrule a decision rendered by any previous panel. In the Matter of Appeal from Civil Penalty, 324 N.C. 373, 384, 379 S.E.2d 30, 36 (1989). As a result we have carefully reviewed the instant case in accordance with each of the standards referred to and have determined that the outcome of this case is the same under both.\nThe sole issue here is whether under G.S. 135-106(b) the amount of the offset should be the gross amount of disability insurance benefits under the SSA or the net amount of those benefits after deduction of attorney\u2019s fees and costs associated with obtaining the disability insurance benefits from the SSA. G.S. 135-106(b) provides in pertinent part:\nAfter the commencement of benefits under this section, the benefits payable under the terms of this section shall be equal to sixty-five percent (65%) of l/12th of the annual base rate of compensation last payable to the participant or beneficiary prior to the beginning of the short-term disability period as may be adjusted for percentage increases as provided under G.S. 135-108, plus sixty-five percent (65%) of l/12th of the annual longevity payment to which the participant or beneficiary would be eligible, to a maximum of three thousand nine hundred dollars ($3,900) per month reduced by any primary Social Security disability benefits and by monthly payments for Workers\u2019 Compensation to which the participant or beneficiary may be entitled.\nG.S. 135-106(b) (1993) (emphasis added). The trial court affirmed without opinion the final agency decision of the Board of Trustees of the Teachers\u2019 and State Employees\u2019 Retirement System (\u201cBoard\u201d) which held that the outcome of this case hinged on the interpretation of the word \u201cprimary\u201d in G.S. 135-106(b). Specifically, the Board made the following pertinent conclusions of law:\n4. \u201cPrimary\u201d is defined as \u201cfirst or highest in rank or importance; first in order of any series, sequence, etc.: first in time, earliest; original, not derived or subordinate, fundamental, basic.\u201d The Random House Dictionary of the English Language. 1142 (Unabridged ed. 1966).\n5. Applying the \u201cordinary meaning test\u201d to the word \u201cprimary\u201d in G.S. 135-106(b), the General Assembly must be presumed to have meant by the term \u201cprimary Social Security disability benefits\u201d the original, basic benefits, prior to any offset, available to a disabled person.\n6. The .fact that the Social Security Act, for the convenience of the applicant and of attorneys, requires that one-quarter of retroactive benefits be withheld from the applicant and paid directly to the attorney as attorney fees does not change the fact that such withheld benefits are still a portion of the total benefits that the applicant should have received had the disability application been approved initially.\n7; By requiring that long-term disability benefits be offset by \u201cany primary Social Security benefits ... to which the participant or beneficiary may be entitled .. .\u201d the General Assembly has clearly indicated its intent that the offset be in the amount of the gross benefit payable to the Petitioner, prior to any withholding for payment of attorney fees.\nRespondent argues that the Board\u2019s interpretation of G.S. 135-106(b) was correct and therefore that the trial court did not err in affirming the Board\u2019s final decision. We disagree.\nAn incorrect statutory interpretation constitutes an error of law. When the issue on appeal is whether the trial court erred in affirming a state agency\u2019s interpretation of a statutory term, we apply de novo review. Amanini, 114 N.C. App. at 678, 443 S.E.2d at 120. But see Dockery, 120 N.C. App. at 829, 463 S.E.2d at 582. When a statute is ambiguous, as it is here, the \u201cprimary rule of statutory construction is that the intent of the legislature controls the interpretation of a statute.\u201d Tellado v. Ti-Caro Corp., 119 N.C. App. 529, 533, 459 S.E.2d 27, 30 (1995) (citing Derebery v. Pitt County Fire Marshall, 318 N.C. 192, 196, 347 S.E.2d 814, 817 (1986)). \u201cTo determine this intent, the courts should consider the language of the statute, the spirit of the act, and what the act seeks to accomplish.\u201d Id. We must ensure that \u201cthe purpose of the legislature in enacting [the statute], sometimes referred to as legislative intent, is accomplished.\u201d Commissioner of Insurance v. Automobile Rate Office, 293 N.C. 365, 392, 239 S.E.2d 48, 65 (1977).\nThe statute in question here, G.S. 135-106(b), is a part of the Disability Income Plan of North Carolina. G.S. 135-100(b) states that the purpose of the Disability Income Plan as a whole \u201cis to provide equitable replacement income for eligible teachers and employees who become temporarily or permanently disabled for the performance of their duty prior to retirement . . . .\u201d G.S. 135-100(b) (1987). Accordingly, we recognize that G.S. 135-106(b) is a remedial statute, and we construe the statute liberally so as to best effectuate the stated remedial goal of providing equitable replacement income for disabled employees. Sutton v. Aetna Casualty & Surety Co., 325 N.C. 259, 263, 382 S.E.2d 759, 762 (1989).\nWe first address respondent\u2019s contention that the term \u201cprimary\u201d essentially means \u201cgross\u201d with respect to primary Social Security disability benefits that must be offset pursuant to G.S. 135-106(b). Respondent asserts that \u201cprimary\u201d should be given its ordinary meaning of \u201cfirst or highest in rank or importance ....\u201d The Random House Dictionary of the English Language, 1142 (Unabridged ed. 1966). Given this ordinary meaning, respondent then contends that in the context of G.S. 135-106(b), \u201cprimary\u201d benefits are those \u201coriginal, basic benefits, prior to any withholding . . . .\u201d We disagree.\n\u201cWhere the words of a statute have not acquired a technical meaning, they must be construed in accordance with their common and ordinary meaning unless a different meaning is apparent or clearly indicated by the context in which they are used.\u201d State v. Koberlein, 309 N.C. 601, 605, 308 S.E.2d 442, 445 (1983) (citing Transportation Service v. County of Robeson, 283 N.C. 494, 502, 196 S.E.2d 770, 775 (1973)). Here, we recognize that the term \u201cprimary\u201d has acquired a sort of technical meaning. Nevertheless, we conclude that any technical meaning of \u201cprimary\u201d does not conflict with the ordinary dictionary meaning of \u201cprimary.\u201d We conclude that \u201cprimary\u201d as used in G.S. 135-106(b) refers to benefits directly received by the disabled person. See Redden v. Celebrezze, 370 F.2d 373, 375 (4th Cir. 1966). This is as opposed to \u201csecondary\u201d benefits, which are derivative benefits that may be paid to a disabled worker\u2019s spouse, children, or family under certain circumstances.\nThis primary/secondary distinction is recognized elsewhere in the law as well. For example, one who signs a loan is primarily or directly liable, while a guarantor on that loan is only secondarily or derivatively liable because the guarantor\u2019s secondary liability is contingent on the actions or omissions of the primarily liable party. E.g., Forsyth Co. Hospital Authority v. Sales, 82 N.C. App. 265, 266-67, 346 S.E.2d 212, 214, disc. review denied, 318 N.C. 415, 349 S.E.2d 594 (1986). The same is true in the disability context. For those beneficiaries who would receive secondary benefits, their receipt of benefits is contingent on the disabled status of the injured worker. See 42 U.S.C. \u00a7 402(b)-(d) (1988 & Supp. 1995).\nEven under a strict \u201cordinary meaning\u201d analysis, respondent\u2019s argument would fail. Certainly, benefits received by the worker who actually suffered the disability would qualify as benefits that are \u201cfirst or highest in rank or importance.\u201d This is especially true in light of the statutory purpose of providing equitable replacement income for disabled employees. Sutton, 325 N.C. at 263, 382 S.E.2d at 762. Moreover, the term \u201cprimary\u201d would not ordinarily be used unless there was also a \u201csecondary\u201d classification. Respondent does not contend that \u201csecondary\u201d benefits are \u201cnet\u201d benefits, nor does such a contention seem plausible. Accordingly, we conclude that \u201cprimary,\u201d as it is used in G.S. 135-106(b), describes those benefits accruing directly to the disabled worker.\nHaving concluded that \u201cprimary\u201d is not synonymous with \u201cgross,\u201d we recognize that the crucial word here is \u201centitled.\u201d As we have noted, G.S. 135-106(b) requires that a claimant\u2019s State disability payments be \u201creduced by any primary Social Security disability benefits . . . to which the participant or beneficiary may be entitled.\u201d G.S. 135-106(b) (1993). Here again, we must determine whether the term has acquired a technical meaning. If it has not, we must give the term its ordinary meaning as it comports with the context of the statute. Koberlein, 309 N.C. at 605, 308 S.E.2d at 445.\nIn the Workers\u2019 Compensation context, the term \u201centitle\u201d has been construed in accordance with its ordinary meaning. Blackmon v. N.C. Dep\u2019t of Correction, 118 N.C. App. 666, 670, 457 S.E.2d 306, 309 (1995). The Blackmon court defined the ordinary meaning of \u201centitle\u201d as to \u201c \u2018qualify (one) for something\u2019 or to \u2018furnish with proper grounds for seeking or claiming something.\u2019 \u201d Id. (quoting Webster\u2019s Third New International Dictionary 758 (1966)). We conclude that \u201centitle\u201d has acquired no technical meaning in G.S. 135-106(b), and that \u201centitle\u201d accordingly must -be given its ordinary meaning here as well.\nApplying this ordinary definition, it is clear that upon approval of his application by the SSA, petitioner became entitled to receipt of at least a portion of the Social Security disability benefits in question. The question remains, however, as to whether petitioner must be deemed entitled to the full amount of disability benefits despite the fact that petitioner had no right to possess the twenty-five percent portion of his benefits that was statutorily reserved for petitioner\u2019s attorney. We conclude that petitioner was not \u201centitled\u201d to the portion of disability benefits statutorily reserved for petitioner\u2019s attorney.\nOne who is \u201centitled\u201d has a right superior to all others. For example, while third parties may assert claims against petitioner for SSA funds to which petitioner is entitled, so long as that third party claim must be made against petitioner in order to recover, petitioner must still be deemed entitled to the funds. The distinction is one of priority. In other words, where a third party claimant\u2019s right to a portion of petitioner\u2019s benefits is contingent upon petitioner first possessing the benefits in question, petitioner remains entitled to the benefits. Where a third party claimant can bypass petitioner in the hierarchy, however, and successfully assert its claim directly with the SSA, the third party claimant has a right to that portion of the disability benefits superior to petitioner\u2019s right and therefore petitioner is not \u201centitled\u201d to that portion within the meaning of G.S. 135-106(b). Accordingly, since petitioner\u2019s attorney here has a right superior as against petitioner to the attorney\u2019s fee and since petitioner\u2019s attorney must claim her fee directly from the SSA, petitioner is not entitled within the meaning of G.S. 135-106(b) to the amount statutorily reserved for the attorney\u2019s fee.\nNote that we distinguish between attorney\u2019s fees and costs of litigation. 42 U.S.C. \u00a7 406 does not provide for costs to be withheld and paid directly to petitioner\u2019s attorney. Petitioner must pay those costs, $219.00 in this case, out of petitioner\u2019s own funds regardless of source. Petitioner\u2019s attorney\u2019s claim is against petitioner for those costs. Accordingly, petitioner is deemed entitled under G.S. 135-106(b) to the $219.00 he must ultimately expend for costs in this case.\nThis construction of G.S. 135-106(b) is consistent with the statutory intent of providing equitable replacement income to disabled North Carolina teachers and state employees. For the reasons stated, we reverse and remand for entry of a decision consistent with this opinion.\nReversed and remanded.\nJudges WYNN and SMITH concur.", "type": "majority", "author": "EAGLES, Judge." } ], "attorneys": [ "Kathleen Shannon Glancy, P.A., by Barbara von Euler and James William Snyder, Jr., for petitioner-appellant.", "Attorney General Michael F. Easley, by Special Deputy Attorney General Alexander McC. Peters, for respondent-appellee." ], "corrections": "", "head_matter": "DENNIS WILLOUGHBY, Petitioner v. THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES OF THE TEACHERS\u2019 AND STATE EMPLOYEES\u2019 RETIREMENT SYSTEM, Respondent\nNo. COA94-1066\n(Filed 6 February 1996)\n1. Administrative Law and Procedure \u00a7 65 (NCI4th)\u2014 state agency\u2019s interpretation of statutory term affirmed by trial court \u2014 standard of review on appeal\nWhen the issue on appeal is whether the trial court erred in affirming a state agency\u2019s interpretation of a statutory term, the Court of Appeals applies de novo review.\nAm Jur 2d, Administrative Law \u00a7\u00a7 614-618.\n2. Public Officers and Employees \u00a7 59 (NCI4th)\u2014 State disability benefits \u2014 reduction by amount of SSA benefits\u2014 net rather than gross amount offset\nUnder N.C.G.S. \u00a7 '135-106(b), the amount by which petitioner\u2019s long term State disability benefits should be offset due to petitioner\u2019s receipt of Social Security disability benefits should not be the gross amount of those benefits but should instead be the net amount of those benefits after deduction of attorney\u2019s fees and costs associated with obtaining the disability insurance benefits from the Social Security Administration. As used in \u00a7 135-106(b), the word \u201cprimary\u201d refers to benefits directly received by the disabled person, and petitioner was not \u201centitled\u201d to the portion of disability benefits statutorily reserved for his attorney.\nAm Jur 2d, Civil Service \u00a7 48; Social Security and Medicare \u00a7 240.\nAppeal by petitioner from order entered 25 July 1994 by Judge Jack A. Thompson in Brunswick County Superior Court. Heard in the Court of Appeals 17 October 1995.\nPetitioner, Dennis Willoughby, was formerly employed by the State of North Carolina before a disabling illness forced him to retire. Upon becoming disabled, petitioner applied for and began receiving long term disability benefits pursuant to G.S. 135-106(b). Petitioner also sought disability insurance benefits from the Social Security Administration (\u201cSSA\u201d) pursuant to 42 U.S.C. \u00a7 423.\nG.S. 135-106(b) provides that long term disability benefits are subject to a reduction in the amount of primary Social Security Disability Benefits received from the SSA. The SSA denied petitioner\u2019s initial application for disability benefits. Petitioner\u2019s claim was again denied upon his request for reconsideration by the SSA. Petitioner then requested that his claim be heard before an SSA Administrative Law Judge. In preparing for hearing, petitioner retained attorney Kathleen Shannon Glancy to represent his interests and agreed that attorney Glancy would receive a reasonable attorney\u2019s fee of twenty-five percent of any past due benefits in the event that petitioner\u2019s claim was approved by the SSA. Petitioner also agreed to reimburse attorney Glancy for any costs incurred while pursuing petitioner\u2019s claim.\nAfter the hearing, petitioner\u2019s claim was approved. The attorney\u2019s fee amounting to one-quarter of petitioner\u2019s past due benefits, or $3,445.25, was not paid to petitioner, but was withheld for petitioner\u2019s attorney pursuant to 42 U.S.C. \u00a7 406. Attorney Glancy then petitioned the SSA on her own behalf seeking disbursement of the $3,445.25 attorney\u2019s fee. Attorney Glancy\u2019s petition was approved and the SSA paid the funds directly to attorney Glancy. Petitioner then directly reimbursed attorney Glancy $219.00 for costs incurred in pursuing petitioner\u2019s claim.\nUpon approval of petitioner\u2019s claim by the SSA, the Retirement Systems Division of the Department of the State Treasurer, which administers the State Disability Income Plan, calculated the amount by which petitioner\u2019s State disability benefits should be offset due to petitioner\u2019s receipt of SSA disability benefits. The offset applied to future benefits, but also included the past due benefits awarded to petitioner. With regard to the past due benefits, the Retirement Systems Division calculated the offset based on the gross amount of past due benefits awarded rather than the net amount after the attorney\u2019s fees were withheld.\nPetitioner requested an administrative hearing pursuant to G.S. 135-106(b), alleging that the Retirement Systems Division erred in calculating the offset. On 20 September 1993, Administrative Law Judge Thomas R. West recommended that the agency find that it erred in calculating the offset applicable to petitioner. On 8 November 1993, however, the agency issued its final decision holding that it had correctly determined petitioner\u2019s offset. Petitioner appealed to the Brunswick County Superior Court, which affirmed the final agency decision.\nPetitioner appeals.\nKathleen Shannon Glancy, P.A., by Barbara von Euler and James William Snyder, Jr., for petitioner-appellant.\nAttorney General Michael F. Easley, by Special Deputy Attorney General Alexander McC. Peters, for respondent-appellee." }, "file_name": "0444-01", "first_page_order": 478, "last_page_order": 486 }