injury by Dr. Martinez, who diagnosed a fracture of the fifth metacarpal and sequestrian's disease, a form of reflex sympathetic dystrophy. This diagnosis was confirmed by Dr. Boling, both initially in 1981 and upon re-examination in 1983. Dr. Martinez released Hearn to return to work April 1, 1981. Hearn did so and continued to work for Superior Pontiac until August 12, 1982.
Hearn testified at the hearing below that he left his job with Superior Pontiac because his finger continued to bother him to the extent that he was not able to accept certain repair jobs offered by Superior Pontiac, with the result that he was earning *1198 less income than prior to his accident.[1] However, the only evidence offered by Hearn to substantiate this claim was the testimonyadmitted on cross-examination that automobile dealerships in the area did not furnish tools for their mechanics.
After leaving Superior Pontiac on August 12, 1982, Hearn was employed by his father-in-law in a commercial printing business, working for two months and earning $40.00 in commissions. Subsequently, Hearn began employment at an Exxon service station in November 1982, working as the station's chief mechanic, a job Hearn apparently maintained through the date of the hearing before the deputy commissioner. His average weekly income at the Exxon station for the remainder of 1982 was $231.63, and was $217.67 through May 1983. Payroll records at Superior Pontiac show that in 1980, the year prior to his injury, Hearn's average weekly wage was $302.75; from April 1, 1981, when he returned to work for