Megan Shoemaker v. Kelly Services, Inc. ( 2021 )


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    RENDERED: JANUARY 21, 2021
    NOT TO BE PUBLISHED
    Supreme Court of Kentucky
    2019-SC-0630-WC
    MEGAN SHOEMAKER                                                       APPELLANT
    ON APPEAL FROM COURT OF APPEALS
    v.                          NO. 2019-CA-0039
    WORKERS’ COMPENSATION BOARD
    NO. 17-WC-99744
    KELLY SERVICES, INC.; HON. JOHN                                       APPELLEES
    H. MCCRACKEN, ADMINISTRATIVE
    LAW JUDGE; AND WORKERS'
    COMPENSATION BOARD
    MEMORANDUM OPINION OF THE COURT
    AFFIRMING
    Megan Shoemaker appeals from the Court of Appeals’ decision upholding
    an Administrative Law Judge’s (ALJ) denial of her claims for temporary total
    disability benefits and medical benefits relating to her cervical surgery.
    Shoemaker argues that the ALJ erred by making findings not supported by
    substantial evidence, and misinterpreted Kentucky law regarding cumulative
    and acute trauma injuries. Because the ALJ’s findings actually were supported
    by substantial evidence, and the distinction between cumulative and acute
    injuries is immaterial to the resolution of Shoemaker’s claims, we disagree with
    Shoemaker. For the reasons stated below, we affirm the Court of Appeals.
    FACTS AND PROCEDURAL HISTORY
    Megan Shoemaker worked for Kelly Services, Inc., a job placement
    company, from March 4, 2015 until November 13, 2016, and worked
    throughout that time at Toyota Manufacturing, Inc. She had been employed
    for approximately eleven months at the time of her February, 2016 injury. She
    was hired by Toyota and began working as a Toyota employee on November 14,
    2016. She worked approximately 40-50 hours per week and her job required
    her to operate a forklift and a tugger. While operating the forklift she delivered
    parts to specific lanes at the Toyota facility, and was not required to manually
    pick up any parts. While working the tugger job she had to physically cut
    plastic, flip lids and organize materials, which required her to lift, twist and
    bend. She stated that some of the materials were heavy but could not
    approximate a weight range. At each delivery stop, she manually took products
    off the tugger and left them at the delivery location.
    On February 22, 2016, she was operating on the U Lane and described it
    as heavy work. She was working overtime with no break and stated it was
    hard to lift the boxes and stay on time, so she began to slow down. The job she
    was working that day required a lot of lifting and moving. While working, her
    “traps” (trapezius muscle) began to tighten and her arms got tired. She
    finished her shift and went home. She was lying on the couch and leaned up
    to grab her puppy. When she made a quick turn of her neck, she felt her neck
    lock up and also experienced a significant increase in pain.
    2
    The next morning Shoemaker sought treatment at Toyota’s medical
    facility. On the intake form she stated that she had neck and shoulder blade
    spasms that resulted from moving too fast after her muscles were fatigued.
    The APRN diagnosed her with a neck muscle strain and recommended ice,
    ibuprofen or Tylenol, and gentle stretching and self-massage. She was placed
    on work restrictions which required her to sort parts. She sought treatment
    with her primary care physician who prescribed muscle relaxers. Toyota would
    not allow her to work while taking muscle relaxers, so she was off work for a
    few days. Shoemaker testified that during her time off her symptoms
    improved.
    In a follow-up appointment with the Toyota medical facility on February
    29, 2016, the same APRN noted Shoemaker’s complaints, but stated that
    Shoemaker was doing better, had increased her range of motion and decreased
    pain. On March 21, 2016 Shoemaker denied any pain, numbness, tingling or
    swelling. She was allowed to return to work with reintroduction for two days,
    then regular full duty work. A week later she reported no issues or complaints
    during a follow-up visit and said she was doing well. Shoemaker had a full
    range of motion without pain or tenderness. She was released to full duty and
    advised to return as needed. During her deposition Shoemaker testified that
    over the next several months between March and November, her symptoms
    intermittently recurred but were manageable.
    Shoemaker began receiving treatment from Dr. Rice on January 20, 2017
    and she reported neck and right upper extremity pain. Dr. Rice noted
    3
    decreased strength and reflex and placed her on a ten-pound weight
    restriction. On February 16, 2017 she had an epidural steroid injection that
    she said made her symptoms worse. Dr. Rice diagnosed herniated discs at C5-
    C6 after reviewing an MRI. He noted during a visit on March 10, 2017 that
    Shoemaker reported persistent pain and that she was having trouble working
    at Toyota. Because all conservative treatment options had failed, Dr. Rice
    recommended a discectomy with cervical disc replacement at C5-C6.
    Shoemaker saw Dr. John Vaughan for a second opinion on March 30, 2017.
    He also noted a two-level disc herniation at C5-C6 and C6-C7. Dr. Vaughan
    also believed surgery was a good option for Shoemaker, but provided other
    treatment options, like physical therapy.
    Shoemaker’s last day of work at Toyota was April 12, 2017. She filed a
    claim for workers’ compensation benefits on May 2, 2017, claiming repetitive
    motion injuries to multiple body parts that occurred on February 22, 2016.1
    During a June 9, 2017 visit with Dr. Rice, Shoemaker reported new left-
    sided symptoms that went into her neck and trapezius down to her arm.
    During this visit Shoemaker had an MRI to make sure she was still a candidate
    1   Shoemaker stated that approximately one week before December 2, 2016, her
    previously manageable symptoms grew increasingly worse to the point where she
    could not get relief. She ultimately sought medical treatment at Toyota’s medical
    facility on December 2, 2016. She testified that the symptoms were so bad that she
    tried to seek treatment from her family doctor but was unable to be seen so she went
    to the hospital. She was referred to a specialist, Dr. James Rice. Shoemaker filed a
    repetitive motion claim against Toyota with a disability manifestation date of
    December 2, 2016 and this claim was settled prior to the Final Hearing. Therefore,
    the claim against Toyota is not before the Court in this appeal.
    4
    for cervical surgery. After review, Dr. Rice concluded that a decompression
    procedure with a discectomy and fusion was an appropriate treatment option.
    On August 18, 2017 Dr. Rice performed the cervical fusion surgery.
    During a follow up appointment, she reported having some tingling and
    numbness in her upper extremity, but that her pain overall had improved.
    Generally, Dr. Rice noted that Shoemaker was doing well but he recommended
    maintaining lifting restrictions and limiting overhead activity. During a follow
    up appointment on September 22, 2017 Shoemaker reported a lot of pain in
    her shoulder blade and a stiff neck but stated that she did not have any arm
    pain. On October 20, 2017 Shoemaker reported right arm numbness and
    tingling, stiffness in her neck and back upon waking up, and back pain. She
    reported that she had trouble standing for any period of time and believed her
    symptoms were work-related. Dr. Rice recommended home exercises for her
    low back and to continue using the anti-inflammatory and muscle relaxant
    medication she had taken in the past. Overall, regarding her cervical spine
    surgery, Dr. Rice stated that Shoemaker was “doing as expected.”
    Shoemaker underwent several medical evaluations at both her attorney’s
    and Kelly Services’ requests. Dr. Philip Corbett evaluated Shoemaker on behalf
    of Kelly Services on November 27, 2017 and concluded that the episode from
    which her problems developed occurred at home, not at work. He opined that
    there was no traumatic pathology in Shoemaker’s right shoulder and noted
    that there was evidence of radiculopathy at the C5-C6 and C6-C7 levels. He
    also stated that further surgical intervention may be necessary at the C7 level.
    5
    Dr. Corbett opined that if Shoemaker is at MMI, no work restrictions are
    necessary but that whether she reached MMI was arguable since further
    surgical intervention could be necessary.
    Kelly Services filed the medical report of Dr. Rafid Kakel who conducted
    an IME on December 21, 2017. Shoemaker reported neck pain that radiated
    into her right arm. Dr. Kakel reviewed her symptom history and past medical
    treatment, including the cervical MRI studies. Dr. Kakel diagnosed her with
    disc protrusions at C5-C6 and C6-C7. He stated that the only conditions she
    has that are causally related to her work for Kelly Services are the cervical and
    right shoulder strain. He opined that her work activities with Kelly Services
    were not ones that would cause her to have cervical spinal disc protrusions.
    Dr. Kakel noted the gap in treatment from March to December 2016 and that
    the disc changes at more than one level were more consistent with naturally
    occurring changes rather than with changes occurring from work activities or
    injury. He specifically stated that there was no causal relationship between the
    cervical surgery and Shoemaker’s employment with Kelly Services.
    Dr. Kakel concluded that Shoemaker has no functional impairment that
    is causally related to her employment at Kelly Services. He opined that
    Shoemaker had a 25% impairment rating because of the cervical surgery
    regardless of causation. He also reviewed Dr. Vaughan’s January 2018 report
    and issued an addendum report dated December 21, 2017. Dr. Kakel
    disagreed with Dr. Vaughan’s opinion as to causation and noted that Dr.
    Vaughan failed to consider the alleged mechanism of injury or gap in treatment
    6
    when forming his opinion. He also opined that the February 2017 MRI
    findings, relied on by Dr. Vaughan, were far too removed from the date of
    injury to be causally related.
    Dr. Vaughan evaluated Shoemaker at the request of her attorney on
    January 22, 2018. He obtained a history that Shoemaker developed neck pain
    with pain radiating into her right arm with numbness following the February
    22, 2017 incident. According to Dr. Vaughan, there was no evidence of pre-
    existing active conditions, and a very clear history of causation. He diagnosed
    a herniated disc at C5-C6 and status post anterior cervical discectomy and
    fusion at C5-C6. He attributed both diagnoses to the work incident and noted
    that all healthcare providers stated that her symptoms began with the work
    injury. He placed Shoemaker at MMI on February 18, 2018, which was six
    months after her surgery. Dr. Vaughan assessed a 27% impairment rating and
    recommended work restrictions that would preclude her from returning to work
    at Toyota. He did not anticipate a need for further surgical treatment.
    In an addendum report on April 11, 2018, Dr. Vaughan stated that he
    reviewed Dr. Corbett’s report and disagreed regarding causation. During both
    of Dr. Vaughan’s visits with Shoemaker, initially for a second opinion on March
    30, 2017 and again for the IME on January 22, 2018, Shoemaker made no
    mention of the incident with her puppy. After reviewing Shoemaker’s
    deposition, Dr. Vaughan noted that it was clear that Shoemaker’s neck and
    arm pain began with her work at Toyota on February 22, 2016 and was merely
    exacerbated when she reached for her dog and felt her neck lock up. Dr.
    7
    Vaughan did not believe that this type of reaching episode caused any
    significant stress on the cervical spine and could not cause this type of injury.
    Dr. Henry Tutt examined Shoemaker on April 13, 2018 and reviewed
    Shoemaker’s deposition testimony and treatment records. He opined that
    Shoemaker sustained a cervical strain or sprain because of the February 22,
    2016 work incident which resolved no later than March 28, 2016 with
    restricted duty, physical therapy and the passage of time. Dr. Tutt noted that
    Shoemaker clearly suffered an increase in symptoms after sitting up on her
    couch and reaching for her dog. Dr. Tutt stated that following the February 22,
    2016 incident Shoemaker became completely asymptomatic and reached
    maximum medical improvement (MMI) no later than March 28, 2016. He
    opined that Shoemaker did not have an impairment rating and did not require
    work restrictions because of the February 22, 2016 injury. Because of the
    cervical surgery, Dr. Tutt assessed an impairment rating of 25%, but noted
    that this impairment rating has no relationship to the alleged work injury on
    February 22 or to any workplace activities at Toyota. He believed the disc
    herniation that led to the cervical surgery was spontaneous.
    Dr. Kakel prepared an addendum to his IME on April 18, 2018. Dr.
    Kakel reviewed Dr. Vaughan’s IME report and opined that Dr. Vaughan did not
    take the mechanism of injury or gap in treatment into consideration when
    forming his opinions. Dr. Kakel criticized Dr. Vaughan for relating
    Shoemaker’s cervical condition to her work injury primarily because she did
    not have any pre-existing neck injuries or conditions. He again highlighted the
    8
    fact that Shoemaker’s condition improved with treatment and her return to her
    regular job. He also reiterated that there was a gap in treatment, which is
    consistent with a sprain.
    A final hearing was held on May 21, 2018. Shoemaker testified that as of
    that date she experienced stiffness in the mornings and occasionally her neck
    locks up. The more active she is, the more her symptoms flare up. Her neck
    injury affects her range of motion and at times causes pain to radiate down her
    right arm. Although she still performs daily tasks, she must take breaks and
    does not lift anything heavy. In his July 18, 2018 Opinion and Order, the ALJ
    found that Shoemaker failed to meet the burden of proving that she sustained
    anything more than a temporary injury while employed at Kelly Services. The
    ALJ noted that Shoemaker did not testify that lifting any particular part caused
    her injury. Relying on the opinions of Dr. Kakel and Dr. Tutt, the ALJ
    concluded that Shoemaker suffered a temporary cervical strain/sprain and
    right shoulder strain injury that resolved on March 28, 2016, the date she
    reached MMI and returned to her regular duty work.
    Additionally, the ALJ relied on Drs. Kakel and Tutt in concluding that the
    gap in time between March 28, 2016 and December 2, 2016 was sufficient to
    terminate any nexus between the original February 22 work injury and her
    subsequent cervical surgery. The ALJ dismissed Shoemaker’s claim for
    permanent partial disability benefits because she did not sustain a permanent
    injury. He also dismissed her claim for temporary total disability benefits
    9
    because she did not miss more than seven days of work, but awarded medical
    benefits from February 22, 2016 to March 28, 2016.
    Shoemaker filed a petition for reconsideration arguing that the ALJ
    misinterpreted Dr. Vaughan’s report, and that the reports of Dr. Kakel and Dr.
    Tutt did not constitute substantial evidence. The ALJ denied the petition on
    August 15, 2018, stating that Shoemaker was rearguing her case and
    explaining that while he found that Shoemaker sustained a work-related
    injury, it was temporary and not permanent in nature. Further, the ALJ
    explained that the gap in time between the date of the injury and Shoemaker’s
    cervical surgery was too long to relate the cervical surgery to the work injury.
    Shoemaker appealed to the Workers’ Compensation Board (Board). In an
    opinion rendered December 7, 2018, the Board found that there was
    substantial evidence to support each of the ALJ’s findings. Further, the Board
    rejected Shoemaker’s argument that the ALJ was not fully aware of Dr.
    Vaughan’s opinions, and noted that the ALJ was not required to rely on Dr.
    Vaughan’s opinions. The Board determined that the opinions of Dr. Kakel and
    Dr. Tutt that Shoemaker sustained only a temporary injury constituted
    substantial evidence and are supported by the Toyota medical records and
    Shoemaker’s testimony. The Board affirmed the ALJ’s Opinion and Order and
    the August 15, 2018 Order on Reconsideration.
    In an opinion rendered September 27, 2019 the Court of Appeals
    affirmed the Board, agreeing that the ALJ’s assessment of the evidence was
    supported by substantial evidence and not clearly erroneous. Noting the
    10
    function of its review is to correct the Board only where it committed an error
    in assessing the evidence so flagrant as to cause gross injustice, W. Baptist
    Hosp. v. Kelly, 
    827 S.W.2d 685
    , 687-88 (Ky. 1992), the Court of Appeals
    determined that the Board did not err by affirming the ALJ’s opinion. The
    Court of Appeals noted its difficulty in understanding how a 23-year-old
    employee with no history of degenerative cervical conditions could
    spontaneously develop such a dramatic injury, but reluctantly affirmed the
    Board. Shoemaker appealed to this Court, arguing that the opinions of Dr.
    Kakel and Dr. Tutt cannot constitute substantial evidence, that the ALJ
    misinterpreted the law, and that the ALJ denied her claim based on findings
    that are factually inaccurate.
    ANALYSIS
    The ALJ, as fact-finder, has the sole authority to determine the quality,
    character and substance of the evidence. Square D Co. v. Tipton, 
    862 S.W.2d 308
    , 309 (Ky. 1993). “A party who fails to meet its burden before the ALJ must
    show on appeal that the unfavorable finding was clearly erroneous because
    overwhelming evidence compelled a favorable finding, i.e., that no reasonable
    person could have failed to be persuaded by the favorable evidence.” Kroger v.
    Ligon, 
    338 S.W.3d 269
    , 273 (Ky. 2011). “[T]he ALJ’s findings of fact are entitled
    to considerable deference and will not be set aside unless the evidence compels
    a contrary finding.” Finley v. DBM Technologies, 
    217 S.W.3d 261
    , 264 (Ky. App.
    2007). The ALJ awarded Shoemaker medical benefits from February 22, 2016
    through March 28, 2016 but denied her claim for permanent income benefits
    11
    and temporary total disability benefits. Therefore, Shoemaker must prove that
    “overwhelming evidence compelled” a finding in favor of permanent income
    benefits and temporary total disability benefits. Kroger, 338 S.W.3d at 273.
    In awarding benefits, the ALJ relied primarily on the medical opinions of
    Dr. Kakel and Dr. Tutt, who both concluded that Shoemaker’s injury was
    temporary and there was no causal connection between the injury and the
    cervical surgery. Shoemaker points to the ALJ’s conclusion that the gap in
    time between March 28, 2016 and December 2, 2016 is sufficient to terminate
    any nexus between the original injury and her subsequent cervical surgery and
    argues that because she was seen at KentuckyOne Primary Care Associates on
    April 27, 2016, the ALJ’s opinion is based on a factual finding that is clearly
    erroneous. Despite references to the April 27 visit in the IME reports, there is
    no record of the April 27, 2016 appointment with KentuckyOne Health in
    evidence. The ALJ could not consider evidence that was not in the record,
    although several of the physicians who examined her referred to an April 27
    visit in their reports. If this particular treatment note was important for the
    ALJ’s consideration, then Shoemaker should have made it part of the record.
    In any event, even if the April 27 office note was in the record, there still would
    have been a gap in treatment from April 27 to December 2—more than seven
    months.
    The ALJ recognized Shoemaker’s testimony that she continued having
    problems a few weeks after she returned to work on March 28, 2016. However,
    the ALJ highlighted the fact that Shoemaker did not present these problems to
    12
    anyone at Kelly Services or Toyota. Shoemaker argues that she is not required
    to re-report her injury when her symptoms recurred, which is correct.
    However, nothing prohibits the ALJ from considering this fact in determining
    whether disability benefits are appropriate. The fact that Shoemaker did not
    report any symptoms to her employers is consistent with the gap in treatment
    and obviously suggests that her symptoms resolved.
    Shoemaker also argues that Dr. Kakel and Dr. Tutt ignored evidence and
    gave no explanation as to how Shoemaker could have reached MMI on March
    28, 2016, then experienced the same previously reported symptoms on April
    27, 2016. Although there was evidence to support a different finding, the ALJ,
    as fact finder, has the sole authority to determine the weight, credibility,
    substance and inferences to be drawn from the evidence. Paramount Foods,
    Inc. v. Burkhardt, 
    695 S.W.2d 418
    , 419 (Ky. 1985). Again, to prevail on appeal
    Shoemaker must show that “overwhelming evidence compelled” a finding in her
    favor. Kroger, 338 S.W.3d at 273. The evidence contrary to the ALJ’s findings
    was not overwhelming and the ALJ’s conclusions were reasonably supported by
    the medical evidence. “[A] finding which can reasonably be made is, perforce,
    not clearly erroneous. A finding which is unreasonable under the evidence
    presented is ‘clearly erroneous’ and, perforce, would ‘compel’ a different
    finding.” Special Fund v. Francis, 
    708 S.W.2d 641
    , 643 (Ky. 1986).
    In his opinion, the ALJ stated that he relied on Shoemaker’s testimony as
    well as the medical reports of Dr. Kakel and Dr. Tutt in determining that
    Shoemaker’s injury was temporary and that no nexus existed between the
    13
    cervical surgery and the work injury. Much of the evidence suggests that
    Shoemaker sustained a temporary work injury and it was entirely reasonable
    for the ALJ to reach that conclusion. The Board specifically noted that the
    ALJ’s conclusions were consistent with Shoemaker’s deposition testimony and
    her Toyota medical records. The Court of Appeals likewise held that the ALJ
    did not commit error in assessing the evidence. We agree.
    Shoemaker cites Cepero v. Fabricated Metals Corp., 
    132 S.W.3d 839
     (Ky.
    2004), arguing that a medical opinion based on a corrupt history cannot
    constitute substantial evidence. However, in Cepero the workers’
    compensation claimant himself neglected to provide substantial information to
    his examining physicians regarding a major injury to the same injured body
    part prior to the work injury. The opinions of Dr. Kakel and Dr. Tutt were not
    corrupted in that fashion. Dr. Tutt reviewed all medical records, and the IME
    reports of Dr. Kakel and Dr. Vaughan, as well as Shoemaker’s deposition
    testimony. Dr. Kakel reviewed Shoemaker’s medical records and considered
    the information she provided during the examination. He also reviewed two
    MRI studies of Shoemaker’s cervical spine. We cannot say that either of these
    physicians cited incomplete or inaccurate information. Both physicians were
    aware of Shoemaker’s medical history and formed their opinions based on
    several sources of information. Therefore, these opinions constitute
    substantial evidence and the standard to reverse the ALJ’s findings on appeal
    has not been met.
    14
    Dr. Kakel stated that Shoemaker “went several months without the need
    for any formal treatment from March 2016 to December 2016.” Even though
    Shoemaker apparently sought treatment at KentuckyOne Primary Care
    Associates on April 27, 2016 (again, no medical record substantiating this is in
    the record), this isolated statement by Dr. Kakel does not render his entire
    examination and report inaccurate. It is unclear what constitutes “formal
    treatment,” and we cannot conclude that this statement constitutes inaccurate
    or incomplete information. Further, in the list of “Records Review” Dr. Kakel
    lists that he reviewed the records of Nikita Sutton, APRN. Although the April
    27 KentuckyOne record is not available, Dr. Tutt noted that during that visit,
    Nikita Sutton, APRN recommended an MRI. It is possible that Dr. Kakel
    reviewed the missing record, and merely overlooked the fact that Shoemaker
    sought treatment on that date in concluding that she did not need formal
    treatment between March 2016 and December 2016. We also note that
    Shoemaker failed to inform Dr. Kakel about the incident at home with her
    puppy on the evening of February 22, 2016, an incident which other
    physicians believed to be a potential cause of her February 22 injury.
    Shoemaker also argues that the ALJ misinterpreted the law regarding
    single trauma and cumulative trauma injuries and did not properly consider
    whether Shoemaker had a cumulative trauma injury. In her view, the ALJ’s
    misinterpretation of the law caused him to reject Dr. Vaughan’s opinion
    without proper consideration.
    In his opinion, the ALJ stated
    15
    Miss Shoemaker pled the case, and has testified, that her injury
    occurred because of the repetitive motion caused by the fast pace
    movements required in the tugging portion of her job. This job
    required her to lift parts that she stated were heavy. However, she
    had been at this job for just under a year when she complained of
    her neck and right shoulder spasms and pain. She has not
    testified to lifting any specific part that caused a traumatic incident
    that produced her symptoms. . . . There is a difference in the
    required proof for a cumulative trauma claim as opposed to an
    acute trauma claim.
    The ALJ did not misinterpret the law pertaining to cumulative trauma
    and acute trauma injuries, and regardless, this distinction is irrelevant in this
    case because absolutely no medical evidence supported a cumulative trauma
    claim. None of the physicians who conducted an IME concluded that
    Shoemaker suffered a cumulative trauma injury. Dr. Kakel labeled
    Shoemaker’s temporary injury as “acute,” and Dr. Vaughan attributed
    Shoemaker’s symptoms to the single work injury on February 22. Dr. Tutt
    attributed Shoemaker’s cervical strain to the single work incident, and Dr.
    Corbett opined that “the episode” for which her problems developed occurred at
    home, not in the workplace.
    Despite Shoemaker’s deposition testimony that arguably suggested a
    cumulative trauma injury and her description on her initial workers’
    compensation claim forms that she suffered a cumulative trauma injury, no
    physician opined that her injuries were cumulative. Each physician pointed to
    her work on February 22 as a basis for her complaints, and the ALJ relied on
    these opinions in concluding that Shoemaker sustained a temporary injury.
    In Robertson v. United Parcel Service, 
    64 S.W.3d 284
    , 286 (Ky. 2001), the Court
    reviewed temporary versus permanent disability benefits. “[I]n order to qualify
    16
    for an award of permanent partial disability under KRS 342.730, the claimant
    was required to prove not only the existence of a harmful change as a result of
    the work-related traumatic event, he was also required to prove that the
    harmful change resulted in a permanent disability as measured by an AMA
    impairment.” 
    Id.
     Therefore, a claimant can suffer a temporary work-related
    injury, but fail to prove a permanent injury. The ALJ’s opinion makes it clear
    that the only harmful change Shoemaker experienced because of the work-
    related injury was temporary in nature. Any other conditions which
    necessitated the cervical surgery were not work related. The ALJ properly
    relied on the medical evidence in the record in reaching his conclusions.
    “Although a party may note evidence which would have supported a
    conclusion contrary to the ALJ’s decision, such evidence is not an adequate
    basis for reversal on appeal.” Ira A. Watson Dept. Store v. Hamilton, 
    34 S.W.3d 48
    , 52 (Ky. 2000) (citing McCloud v. Beth-Elkhorn Corp., 
    514 S.W.2d 46
     (Ky.
    1974)). While there is conflicting medical evidence in the record, Shoemaker
    must demonstrate that the evidence was so overwhelming as to compel a
    favorable finding. Kroger, 338 S.W.3d at 273. She failed to do so. Therefore,
    the ALJ did not err in denying her claim for permanent disability benefits.
    CONCLUSION
    The ALJ did not misconstrue the evidence or ignore Shoemaker’s legal
    arguments. The determination that Shoemaker suffered a temporary injury
    was supported by her deposition testimony and the medical records.
    17
    Accordingly, we affirm the Court of Appeals decision affirming the Board and
    upholding the ALJ’s opinion and order.
    Minton, C.J.; Conley, Hughes, Lambert, Nickell, and VanMeter, JJ.,
    concur. Keller, J., concurs in result only.
    COUNSEL FOR APPELLANT:
    Jackson Wayne Watts
    COUNSEL FOR APPELLEE,
    KELLY SERVICES, INC.
    Rodney Joseph Mayer
    18
    

Document Info

Docket Number: 2019 SC 0630

Filed Date: 1/21/2021

Precedential Status: Precedential

Modified Date: 1/21/2021