Joseph M. Dobbins v. Commonwealth of Kentucky

RENDERED: MAY 14, 2015
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2014-SC-000190-WC
CITY OF ASHLAND
DAT E Le 44 S LuA- Qic *Wee 4;?
APPELLANT
• •
ON APPEAL FROM COURT OF APPEALS
V. CASE NO. 2013-CA-000600-WC
WORKERS' COMPENSATION BOARD NO. 10-WC-97308
TAYLOR STUMBO; APPELLEES
HONORABLE WILLIAM J. RUDLOFF,
ADMINISTRATIVE LAW JUDGE; AND
WORKERS' COMPENSATION BOARD
AND 2014-SC-000212-WC
TAYLOR STUMBO CROSS-APPELLANT
ON APPEAL FROM COURT OF APPEALS
V. CASE NO. 2013-CA-000600-WC
WORKERS' COMPENSATION BOARD NO. 10-WC-97308
CITY OF ASHLAND;
HONORABLE WILLIAM J. RUDLOFF,
ADMINISTRATIVE LAW JUDGE; AND
WORKERS' COMPENSATION BOARD CROSS-APPELLEES
OPINION OF THE COURT BY JUSTICE KELLER
AFFIRMING
The Administrative Law Judge (the ALJ) determined that Taylor Stumbo
(Stumbo) is permanently totally disabled as a result of a work-related injury.
Stumbo's employer, the City of Ashland (Ashland), appealed to the Workers'
Compensation Board (the Board), and the Board vacated and remanded to the
ALJ for additional findings of fact regarding the extent and duration of
Stumbo's disability. Stumbo filed a petition for review and Ashland filed a
cross-petition for review with the Court of Appeals, which affirmed the Board.
Both parties have now appealed to this Court. In its appeal, Ashland argues
that there is insufficient evidence to support the ALJ's finding of permanent
total disability. In his appeal, Stumbo argues that the ALJ's opinion contains
sufficient findings of fact and that the award of permanent total disability is
supported by sufficient evidence of substance. Having reviewed the record, we
affirm the Court of Appeals.
I. BACKGROUND.
Stumbo, who was 26 years old at the time of his final hearing and who
has completed 90 semester hours at Eastern Kentucky University, suffered a
left knee injury on February 1, 2010, when he slipped as he stepped from his
dump truck. At the time, Stumbo was working as a waste water operator, a job
that required him to perform heavy manual labor. Prior to his injury, Stumbo
had worked in retail sales; as a busboy, waiter, and cook; as a security officer;
and as a physical therapy technician. Those jobs required Stumbo to perform
light to heavy work activity.
Following his injury and a course of conservative treatment, Stumbo
underwent arthroscopic surgery on his left knee. Approximately one week after
the surgery, Stumbo was admitted to the hospital for treatment of a deep vein
thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism. Those conditions were
successfully treated; however, because of a pre-existing underlying condition,
antiphospholipid syndrome, a condition that increases blood clotting, Stumbo
requires ongoing treatment with Coumadin, a blood thinner. As a result of
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taking the Coumadin, Stumbo has sought treatment for gastrointestinal
problems and nose bleeds.
Stumbo testified that, since the surgery, he has had ongoing left knee
and leg pain. In his deposition, Stumbo stated that he could stand for an hour
to an hour and a half and that he could walk for approximately two hours.
However, at the hearing, Stumbo stated he notices an increase in pain after
standing for 15 to 20 minutes and after walking for 30 to 40 minutes. At the
hearing, Stumbo also stated that he keeps his leg elevated for two to three
hours per day because of his antiphospholipid syndrome. Based solely on his
left knee, Stumbo stated he could perform sedentary work; however, because of
his antiphospholipid syndrome, he would have to be able to elevate his leg and
stand/walk as needed throughout the day. He does not believe he could
perform any of his previous jobs because they required too much standing or
sitting without a break.
Ashland contested the extent and duration of Stumbo's disability and
initially contested the compensability of Stumbo's medical treatment for the
DVT, the pulmonary embolism, and the antiphospholipid syndrome. However,
at the time of the final hearing, Ashland was only contesting extent and
duration and the compensability of Stumbo's treatment for the
antiphospholipid syndrome. Stumbo argued that all of his medical conditions
and treatment are related to the left knee injury and that he is permanently
totally disabled.
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In support of their positions, Ashland and Stumbo filed numerous
medical records and reports. We summarize below those that are relevant.
A. David P. Herr, D.O.
Stumbo filed the August 2011 independent medical evaluation report
and the June 2012 and August 2012 supplemental reports from Dr. Herr. In
his August 2011 report, Dr. Herr noted that Stumbo complained of left knee
and leg pain that began after the February 2010 work injury.
Dr. Herr's examination revealed no muscle atrophy, swelling, or
instability but crepitus with range of motion testing. Following his examination
and review of Stumbo's medical records, Dr. Herr assigned Stumbo a 5%
impairment rating and restricted Stumbo from heavy lifting and to carrying no
more than 25 pounds. Dr. Herr also stated that Stumbo should avoid
standing/walking for more than an hour continuously, squatting, crouching,
kneeling, and climbing. Finally, Dr. Herr stated that Stumbo's restrictions
would prevent him from returning to the type of work he performed at the time
of the injury.
In his supplemental reports, Dr. Herr criticized the conclusions and
opinions in the majority of the medical reports filed by Ashland. However, in
his August 2012 report, Dr. Herr agreed with the opinions expressed by Dr.
Westerfield, in a report filed by Ashland. Dr. Westerfield addressed Stumbo's
post-surgery DVT and pulmonary embolism, which he found to be related to
the surgery and thus work-related. Dr. Westerfield also addressed Stumbo's
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antiphospholipid syndrome, which he stated was a pre-existing condition
unrelated to the work injury, treatment for which would also not be related.
B. Anbu K. Nadar, M.D.
Stumbo filed the August 2011 independent medical examination report
from Dr. Nadar. Stumbo complained to Dr. Nadar of left knee pain and
stiffness, and Dr. Nadar's examination revealed no deficits other than slightly
decreased range of motion and slightly decreased quadriceps on the left. Dr.
Nadar made diagnoses of left knee strain and tibial plateau fracture with DVT,
which he related to the work injury. Based on his findings, Dr. Nadar assigned
Stumbo a 3% impairment rating and restricted him from prolonged standing,
walking, crawling, and kneeling.
C. Kevin J. Kulwicki, M.D.
Stumbo filed the medical records and reports of Dr. Kulwicki, who
performed left knee arthroscopic surgery on July 22, 2010. Dr. Kulwicki noted
that Stumbo continued to have pain following surgery, and, in June 2011, he
assigned Stumbo a 13% impairment rating. We note that Dr. Kulwicki stated
that his impairment rating was from the Sixth Edition of the AMA Guides to the
Evaluation of Permanent Impairment (the Guides), which he stated correlated to
the Fifth Edition. Dr. Kulwicki did not directly address what, if any,
restrictions he would impose on Stumbo.
D. David J. Jenkinson, M.D.
Ashland filed the March 2010 and June 2012 independent medical
evaluation reports from Dr. Jenkinson. In his 2010 report, Dr. Jenkinson
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stated that Stumbo complained of sharp left knee pain aggravated by weight
bearing, with stiffness and an occasional catching sensation. Dr. Jenkinson's
examination revealed complaints of diffuse tenderness but no objective
abnormalities. Following his examination, Dr. Jenkinson made a diagnosis of a
minor left knee strain with complaints out of proportion to any objective
abnormality. He assigned no impairment rating and imposed no restrictions.
In his 2012 report Dr. Jenkinson noted that, since his 2010 evaluation,
Stumbo had undergone surgery and developed DVT. Stumbo complained of
constant knee pain, left leg numbness and tingling, and intermittent swelling.
Dr. Jenkinson's examination revealed no swelling, full range of motion, normal
ligaments, minimal tenderness to palpation, normal muscle strength, no
muscle loss, and normal reflexes. Following this examination and review of
Stumbo's medical records, Dr. Jenkinson made diagnoses of a history of left
knee strain with a possible bone bruise and "[p]re-existing coagulation disorder
predisposing him to recurrent blood clots." Dr. Jenkinson assigned Stumbo a
2% impairment rating and stated that Stumbo would have no restrictions for
his knee injury or pre-existing coagulation disorder.
E. Other Medical Records/Reports.
Stumbo filed a number of treatment records, including physical therapy
records, off-work slips, and records regarding treatment for the DVT,
pulmonary embolism and antiphospholipid syndrome. Ashland filed a number
of utilization review reports, which dealt primarily with the DVT, pulmonary
embolism, and antiphospholipid syndrome. Because those records are not
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directly relevant to the issues before us, we have chosen not to summarize
them.
F. The ALJ's Opinion
The AI.0 summarized the evidence, noting the impairment ratings and
restrictions from the evaluating and treating physicians. After summarizing
the evidence, the ALJ found Stumbo to be totally and permanently disabled. In
doirig so, he stated as follows:
I saw and heard the plaintiff testify at the hearing. He was a
credible and convincing witness. Based on the totality of the
evidence in the record, including the plaintiffs testimony and the
medical reports of Dr. Kulwicki, Dr. Herr and Dr. Nadar, which I
found persuasive, I make the factual determination that Mr.
Stumbo sustained a significant permanent whole person
impairment as a result of his work injury on February 1, 2010.
The ALJ then set forth a summary of the law regarding the findings he
was required to make to determine if Stumbo is permanently totally disabled.
Applying that law, the ALJ stated:
In the present case, I considered the severity of the plaintiffs work
injury, his age, his work history and the specific medical evidence
from Dr. Kulwicki, Dr. Herr and Dr. Nadar regarding his
permanent impairment and occupational disability. Based on all
of those factors, I make the factual determination that Mr. Stumbo
cannot find work consistently under regular circumstances and
work dependably. I, therefore, make the factual determination that
he is permanently and totally disabled.
G. The Board's Opinion.
The Board conducted a thorough review of the lay and medical proof,
and, after doing so, vacated the ALJ's opinion and remanded for additional
findings of fact. In doing so, the Board held that, because Dr. Kulwicki relied
on the Sixth Edition of the Guides, "his opinions and impairment rating do not
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constitute substantial evidence." Furthermore, the Board held that the AL I
had not "articulate[d] sufficient findings to apprise both the parties and this
Board of the reasons for his ultimate conclusion. Here, not only are there
insufficient findings of fact, but Stumbo's testimony indicates that with
accommodation, he is capable of gainful employment over an eight hour day."
Although asked to do so by Ashland, the Board did not find as a matter of law
that Stumbo is only permanently partially disabled.
G. The Court of Appeals Opinion.
The Court of Appeals, citing extensively to the Board's opinion, affirmed
the Board as to Stumbo's appeal. As to Ashland's cross-appeal, the Court of
Appeals found that there was conflicting evidence regarding the extent of
Stumbo's disability; therefore, it refused to find that, as a matter of law, the
ALJ could only find Stumbo to be permanently partially disabled.
II. STANDARD OF REVIEW.
The ALJ, as fact finder, has "the sole discretion to determine the quality,
character, and substance of [the] evidence and to draw reasonable inferences
from the evidence." Magic Coal Co. v. Fox, 19 S.W.3d 88, 96 (Ky. 2000). In
reaching his decision, the ALJ "may reject any testimony and believe or
disbelieve various parts of the evidence, regardless of whether it comes from
the same witness or the same adversary party's total proof." Id. However,
when assessing an impairment rating, the ALJ must do so based on medical
opinions derived from use of the Fifth Edition of the Guides. See George
Humfleet Mobile Homes v. Christman, 125 S.W.3d 288, 289 (Ky. 2004).
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III. ANALYSIS.
We agree that the ALJ's opinion is deficient in this case for two reasons.
First, as noted by the Board and the Court of Appeals, Dr. Kulwicki's opinion
regarding Stumbo's impairment rating was based on the Sixth Edition of the
Guides. Therefore, Dr. Kulwicki's opinion regarding Stumbo's impairment
rating may not be considered by the ALJ. However, Dr. Kulwicki's use of the
Sixth Edition of the Guides does not necessarily taint any other opinions he
may have offered. Therefore, the ALJ is free to consider on remand any non-
impairment rating opinions expressed by Dr. Kulwicki.
Second, Kentucky Revised Statute (KRS) 342.0011(11)(c) defines
permanent total disability as "the condition of an employee who, due to an
injury, has a permanent disability rating and has a complete and permanent
inability to perform any type of work as a result of an injury[.]" A permanent
disability rating is "the permanent impairment rating selected by an [ALJ] times
the factor set forth in the table that appears at KRS 342.730(1)(b)."
Thus, an ALJ is required to undertake a five-step analysis in order to
determine whether a claimant is totally disabled. Initially, the ALJ must
determine if the claimant suffered a work-related injury. Here, the parties
stipulated that Stumbo suffered a work-related injury; therefore, the ALJ was
not required to make that finding. Next, the ALJ must determine what, if any,
impairment rating the claimant has. Here, the ALJ listed the various
impairment ratings assigned to Stumbo by the physicians. However, the ALJ
never found which impairment rating Stumbo actually has. Having failed to
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determine what impairment rating Stumbo has, the ALJ could not then
determine what permanent disability rating Stumbo has. Thus, the ALJ failed
to satisfy the second and third steps of the analysis. Next, an ALJ is required
to determine that the claimant is unable to perform any type of work. Here,
the ALJ attempted to undertake this analysis, but, as noted by the Board and
the Court of Appeals, he fell short. An ALJ cannot simply state that he or she
has reviewed the evidence and concluded that a claimant lacks the capacity to
perform any type of work. The Al.,J must set forth, with some specificity, what
factors he or she considered and how those factors led to the conclusion that
the claimant is totally and permanently disabled. Such findings are
particularly crucial in a case such as this where: part of Stumbo's condition
and arguably some of his restrictions are related to his pre-existing
antiphospholipid syndrome; Stumbo testified he could perform sedentary work
with accommodations; no physician imposed any restrictions that would
foreclose Stumbo from performing sedentary work; Stumbo has performed a
wide-range of work activity; and.Stumbo has obtained 90 hours of college
credits. Finally, an ALJ must determine that the total disability is the result of
the work injury. Here, again, the ALJ fell short because he failed to delineate
which, if any, of Stumbo's restrictions are related to the knee injury and which
are related to the pre-existing antiphospholipid syndrome.
Based on the foregoing, we agree with the Board and the Court of
Appeals that the ALJ's opinion was not sufficient to support his ultimate
conclusion.
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We also agree with the Board and the Court of Appeals that this matter
, must be remanded to the ALJ for him to make the appropriate findings.
Although we agree with the implication in the Board's opinion that it will be
difficult for the ALJ, faced with this record, to justify an award of permanent
total disability, determining the extent of Stumbo's disability is within the ALJ's
purview. Therefore, we also affirm as to Ashland's cross-appeal.
IV. CONCLUSION.
The opinion of the Court of Appeals is affirmed. On remand, the ALJ
shall undertake the proper analysis mandated by KRS 342.0011(11) and
determine whether Stumbo is permanently partially or permanently totally
disabled. In doing so, the ALJ must explain the basis for his determination
citing with specificity to the evidence on which he relied.
All sitting. Minton, C.J., Abramson, Cunningham, Keller and Noble, JJ.,
concur. Barber, J., concurs by separate Opinion which Venters, J., joins.
BARBER, J., CONCURRING: I concur, but write separately.
When asked whether he could perform a job that required him to sit,
stand and walk eight hours a day, five days a week, Stumbo explained that
"would depend on, ... how much sitting, standing, and walking. ... [whether] it
was broken up and [if he] was able to move around, ... in [his] discretion and
elevate [his] leg when it was - when it was time to hurt, yes."
Determining whether a particular worker has
sustained a partial or total occupational disability as
defined by KRS 342.0011(11) clearly requires a
weighing of the evidence concerning whether the
worker will be able to earn an income by providing
services on a regular and sustained basis in a
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competitive economy. For that reason, we conclude
that some of the principles set forth in Osborne v.
Johnson, [432 S.W.2d 800 (Ky. 1968)], remain viable
when determining whether a worker's occupational
disability is partial or total.
Ira A. Watson Dep't Store v. Hamilton, 34 S.W.3d 48, 51 (Ky. 2000)
The analysis "clearly requires an individualized determination" of what a
worker can, and cannot do, once he recovers from an injury. Id. "[A] claimant
can certainly know as a fact if he is in pain, as well as he can know when it
hurts to perform certain physical activities. He is entitled to tell and our court
will give credence and weight to such testimony." Ruby Const. Co. v. Curling,
451 S.W.2d 610, 612 (1970).
Ashland vigorously argues that Stumbo is capable of performing work.
That is not for this Court to decide; however, a finding of permanent total
disability does not require that Stumbo be homebound. Watson, at 51. On
remand, if the ALJ again concludes that Stumbo is permanently and totally
disabled, Ashland has the right to reopen pursuant to 342.710(3) and seek to
reduce the award, in the event Stumbo returns to work.
Venters, J., joins.
COUNSEL FOR APPELLANT/CROSS-APPELLEE:
Scott Michael Guenther
Edward Leo Metzger III
Adams, Stepner, Woltermann & Dusing, PLLC
COUNSEL FOR APPELLEE/CROSS APPELLANT:
John Earl Hunt
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