Petitioner continued to avail of his follow-up check-ups and re-evaluations with the company-designated physicians from June to September 2004.9[9] After the lapse of the 120-day period following petitioner’s repatriation, respondents informed him that further medical expenses would be on his own account.   On October 14, 2004, respondents paid petitioner his full sickness benefit amounting to P104,234.40.10[10] On April 21, 2005, petitioner consulted a private, independent physician, Dr. Efren R. Vicaldo (Dr. Vicaldo), who issued a Medical Certificate declaring him to be suffering from a seizure disorder with an Impediment Grade X (20.15%).11[11] Dr. Vicaldo deemed petitioner’s illness as work-aggravated, found him unfit to resume work as seaman in any capacity and was not expected to land a gainful employment.12[12]   Petitioner thus filed on May 9, 2005 a Complaint with the National Labor Relations Commission (NLRC) for payment of disability benefits, illness 9[9] Id. at 182-185. 10[10] Id. at 186. 11[11] Id. at 66. 12[12] Id. at 67.