WSI v. Salat

Filed 12/12/19 by Clerk of Supreme Court
IN THE SUPREME COURT
STATE OF N OR TH DAK OT A
2019 ND 294State of North Dakota, by and through
Workforce Safety & Insurance, Appellee
v.
Bile Salat, Appellant
and
XPO CNW Inc., Respondent
No. 20190056
Appeal from the District Court of Burleigh County, South Central Judicial
District, the Honorable Bruce B. Haskell, Judge.
REVERSED.
Opinion of the Court by Crothers, Justice.
Brian Schmidt (argued) and Mitchell D. Armstrong (on brief), Bismarck, ND,
for appellee.
Stephen D. Little, Bismarck, ND, for appellant.
WSI v. Salat, et al.
No. 20190056
Crothers, Justice.
[¶1] Bile Salat appeals from a district court judgment reversing an
administrative law judge’s discontinuation of Salat’s benefits. We reverse.
I
[¶2] On February 22, 2016, Salat slipped and fell at work. On February 23,
2016, Salat saw Dr. Klop for right ankle and low back pain. He was diagnosed
with a right ankle sprain and back strain, and was placed on restricted duty.
Dr. Klop instructed him to use crutches and wear an air brace on his right foot.
On March 1, 2016, Salat followed-up with Dr. Klop. She noted Salat had pain
to palpation at L4-L5 and tenderness in his right ankle. Dr. Klop diagnosed
right ankle pain, right foot joint pain, and low back pain. Salat’s work status
remained restricted, and he was instructed to start physical therapy for his
back. On March 31, 2016, WSI accepted liability for a contusion of the lower
back and pelvis and a right ankle sprain.
[¶3] On June 28, 2016, Dr. Klop released Salat to regular duty and instructed
him to quit using the walking boot and crutches. Salat’s employer, XPO, was
notified of his full duty release the same day. He returned to work on June 29,
2016. He worked a full day on June 29, 2016, and a partial day on June 30,
2016. Salat testified he reported to his supervisor on the first and second day
that he continued to experience pain. Salat continued to use his walking boot
and crutches outside of work but left his walking boot and crutches in his
vehicle because they were not allowed at the worksite. Salat’s last day at the
worksite was July 1, 2016.
1
[¶4] On July 1, 2016, Salat reported at the walk-in clinic he was experiencing
low back and right ankle pain. Salat returned to Dr. Klop on July 5, 2016, and
reported he could not work due to the pain. Dr. Klop noted Salat currently was
off work because XPO was closed the week of July Fourth, and instructed him
to attempt normal use of his right foot until he was reevaluated the following
week. On July 11, 2016, Salat saw Dr. Hart, the podiatrist, who recommended
Salat participate in nonimpact activities and use an Exoform ankle brace.
Salat did not return to work on July 11, 12 or 13, and did not call his employer
on any of those days to notify them he would not be at work. XPO had a “three-
day no call/no show” policy which considered job abandonment after an absence
of three consecutive days. Under the policy, XPO sent Salat a termination
letter on July 15, 2016. Salat reported to Daniel Carmen, XPO’s human
resource generalist, after he received the termination letter. Carmen contacted
WSI to see if they had been alerted that Salat was supposed to be off work for
the days he was absent. Carmen also called Sanford Occupational Health to
see if Salat had been given the week off for medical issues. Carmen testified
neither WSI nor Sanford stated Salat should have been off work July 11-13.
Salat continued to see medical providers for his right ankle and back pain after
his termination.
[¶5] On November 11, 2016, Dr. Cooper performed an independent medical
exam (IME) with Salat. Dr. Cooper interviewed Salat to obtain medical history,
reviewed medical records and conducted a physical examination which
included a neuromusculoskeletal evaluation. Dr. Cooper opined Salat’s right
ankle injury had not healed and was not at pre-injury status, and his low back
pain was unrelated to the work-related injury. Dr. Klop reviewed the IME
opinion and stated, “I don’t have any objective findings on physical exam to
challenge or disagree with his medical opinion.”
2
[¶6] On August 5, 2016, WSI issued an order discontinuing Salat’s disability
benefits after June 29, 2016. On December 15, 2016, WSI issued a notice of
decision denying further benefits of Salat’s lumbar spine after November 11,
2016. Salat requested reconsideration. On January 23, 2017, WSI issued an
order discontinuing benefits after November 11, 2016, because Dr. Cooper
opined Salat’s lumbar condition returned to pre-injury status within three to
six weeks of his injury and Dr. Klop did not disagree with his opinion. Salat
appealed. The administrative law judge (ALJ) reversed both WSI orders.
[¶7] After the ALJ denied WSI’s petition for reconsideration, WSI appealed
to the district court. The district court reversed the ALJ’s decisions after
concluding the ALJ’s findings of fact were not supported by a preponderance of
the evidence and the ALJ misapplied the law.
[¶8] Salat appeals the district court judgment, arguing no basis existed to
reverse the ALJ’s determination that the greater weight of the evidence
showed he was entitled to benefits.
II
[¶9] Courts exercise limited review in appeals from decisions by an
administrative agency. Power Fuels, Inc. v. Elkin, 283 N.W.2d 214, 220 (N.D.
1979). Under N.D.C.C. § 28-32-46, a district court must affirm an
administrative agency order unless:
“1. The order is not in accordance with the law.
2. The order is in violation of the constitutional rights of the
appellant.
3. The provisions of this chapter have not been complied with in
the proceedings before the agency.
4. The rules or procedure of the agency have not afforded the
appellant a fair hearing.
3
5. The findings of fact made by the agency are not supported by a
preponderance of the evidence.
6. The conclusions of law and order of the agency are not supported
by its findings of fact.
7. The findings of fact made by the agency do not sufficiently
address the evidence presented to the agency by the appellant.
8. The conclusions of law and order of the agency do not sufficiently
explain the agency’s rationale for not adopting any contrary
recommendations by a hearing officer or an administrative law
judge.”
[¶10] We review administrative agency decisions in the same manner as the
district court. Robinson v. North Dakota Workforce Safety & Ins., 2019 ND 201,
¶ 6, 931 N.W.2d 692. In reviewing the agency’s findings of fact, “we do not make
independent findings of fact or substitute our judgment for that of the agency.”
Power Fuels, Inc., 283 N.W.2d 214 at 220. Courts instead decide “whether a
reasoning mind reasonably could have determined that the factual conclusions
reached were proved by the weight of the evidence from the entire record.” Id.Similar deference is given to an independent ALJ’s factual findings. Sloan v.
North Dakota Workforce Safety & Ins., 2011 ND 194, ¶ 5, 804 N.W.2d 184. An
ALJ’s legal conclusions are reviewed de novo. Id. “Questions of law, including
statutory interpretation, are fully reviewable on appeal.” Id.III
[¶11] WSI argues the disability benefit issue was not preserved for review
because Salat’s statement of issues only identifies the low back condition after
4
November 11, 2016. We disagree. Rule 3(c) of the North Dakota State Court
Rules, Rules of Appellate Procedure (N.D.R.App.P.) stated:1
“(c) Content of the Notice of Appeal. The notice of appeal must:
(1) specify the party or parties taking the appeal;
(2) designate the judgment, order, or part thereof being appealed;
(3) name the court to which the appeal is taken; and
(4) in an appeal from a civil case or post-conviction relief
proceeding, include a preliminary statement of issues.”
The rule requires an appellant in a civil action or post-conviction proceeding to
include a preliminary list of the issues on appeal. The explanatory note stated
the purpose of the rule is:
“[T]o provide the court information to make a preliminary
determination whether oral argument is unnecessary. In this list,
the appellant is expected to provide the court notice of the issues
of which the appellant is aware at the time the notice of appeal is
filed.”
This Court has interpreted the word “preliminary” in this context as non-
binding. Alerus Financial, N.A. v. Erwin, 2018 ND 119, ¶ 9, 911 NW.2d 296
(“The failure to include an issue in the notice of appeal does not preclude review
of the issue.”). Therefore, because non-binding, the failure to identify all
appellate questions in the statement of issues does not prevent review.
1 This rule was amended on March 1, 2019. Salat filed his appeal on February 19, 2019. The previous
version is quoted in the opinion. Rule 3(c)(1)-(3) remain the same. Rule 3(c)(4) currently states, “include
a concise preliminary statement of issues.” The explanatory note states, “Subdivision (c) was amended,
effective March 1, 2019, to require the appellant in all appeals include a concise preliminary list of the
issues on appeal in the notice of appeal.”
5
IV
A
[¶12] Salat argues the district court erred by reversing the ALJ’s finding he is
entitled to disability benefits after June 29, 2016. WSI argues the ALJ’s
determination that Salat should not have been released to regular duty by Dr.
Klop and Dr. Hart is not supported by fact or law. We conclude the ALJ
reasonably could have determined Salat still was disabled and should not have
been released to regular duty. We reverse the district court because the ALJ’s
findings were supported by the weight of the evidence.
[¶13] “It is the burden of the employee to show that the inability to obtain
employment or to earn as much as the employee earned at the time of injury
is due to physical limitation related to the injury, and that any wage loss
claimed is the result of the compensable injury.” N.D.C.C. § 65-05-08(6). “An
injured employee’s health care provider shall certify the period of disability
and the extent of the injured worker’s abilities and restrictions.” N.D.C.C. §
65-05-08.1(1).
[¶14] The ALJ found Salat’s physical limitations prevented him from doing his
job after June 29, 2016, and he should not have been released to regular duty.
The ALJ found Salat’s condition remained unchanged from when Dr. Klop
advised him he could not work, and Dr. Klop’s instruction that Salat work
without crutches or a walking boot was because Salat could not return to work
while using these devices. Although the medical records indicate Dr. Klop’s
and Dr. Hart’s plan was for Salat to begin full weight bearing activities with
use of a high walking boot and to taper off crutches, no evidence supports
finding Salat’s injuries improved by June 20 or 28, 2016, so that he was ready
6
to perform those activities without assistance. Further, Carmen testified that
XPO required wearing safety boots in the warehouse and that XPO did not
have modified work available so Salat should not be returned to work until
fully released from restrictions. Dr. Klop noted Salat’s pain complaints were
subjective and insufficient to preclude work. The ALJ rejected Dr. Klop’s
opinion and instead believed Dr. Cooper’s testimony about Salat’s reduced
range of motion, strength, and function. The ALJ also found persuasive Dr.
Cooper’s IME report and testimony stating he would not have released Salat
to return to work.
[¶15] The ALJ also relied on Dr. Cooper’s testimony that Salat’s ankle injury
was unusual and would heal only if he did not put full weight on it. Dr. Cooper
testified he would have referred Salat to a specialized center with necessary
experts to heal the fracture. The ALJ determined Dr. Klop and Dr. Hart failed
to appreciate the significance of Salat’s injury and mistakenly concluded he
could return to work. The ALJ found the greater weight of evidence showed
Salat was entitled to benefits because he could not work and achieve pre-injury
earnings.
[¶16] Evidence supports the ALJ’s finding Salat had physical limitations
precluding his ability to do his job after June 29, 2016. The record allows a
finding Salat’s condition was mostly unchanged from when Dr. Klop said Salat
could not work. On June 20 and 28, 2016, Dr. Klop’s worker’s compensation
(WC) chart stated, “Musculoskeletal: Positive for joint pain, muscle pain, and
muscle weakness. Negative for bruises, joint deformity, joint redness, joint
stiffness, joint swelling and muscle cramping.” The June 20 and 28, 2016 WC
charts regarding the thoracic spine are almost identical. For the same dates,
the lumbar spine notes show discomfort of transverse processes bilateral but
7
no discomfort on June 28, 2016. On June 20, 2016, Dr. Klop noted she wanted
to discuss with Salat discontinuing the boot and crutches and proceeding with
no work restrictions. However, Salat’s recommended work status remained
restricted. The June 20, 2016 WC chart noted “the patient has remained
unchanged since the last visit.” The last visit with Dr. Klop was June 9, 2016,
when the musculoskeletal WC chart comments were similar. On June 9 and
20, 2016, the thoracic spine comment indicates discomfort along T10-T12,
while on June 28, 2016, only along T12. Salat’s right ankle notes on June 9 are
the same as June 20 and 28, 2016. On June 9, 2016, Salat was on work
restriction. This evidence supports the ALJ’s findings that no significant
changes occurred in Salat’s condition which supported his work release.
[¶17] The ALJ found Dr. Klop and Dr. Hart failed to appreciate the
significance of Salat’s ankle injury. That finding is supported by the record.
The medical records show Salat had reduced range of motion, strength,
function and experienced pain. On the same day Dr. Klop released Salat, she
noted Salat reported pain in his joint, weakness of the foot, was using the boot
all the time, was using the crutches when not at home because the crutches
helped him not put full weight on his foot, his foot felt weak when walking, and
he was still icing his foot. Dr. Klop’s examination indicated thoracic pain, mild
tenderness and tenderness in different areas of the right ankle. The June 27,
2016 MRI taken of Salat’s foot was worse than the one taken five weeks post-
injury. Dr. Cooper explained the June 27, 2016 MRI showed “an osteochondral
defect involving the medial aspect of the talar dome without obvious
displacement or disruption of the articular surface. There was a slight increase
in the T2 hyperintense fluid signal about the fragment.”
8
[¶18] The ALJ found Dr. Hart’s restrictions on July 11, 2016, were
incompatible with claimant’s work. On July 11, 2016, Dr. Hart determined
Salat could participate in nonimpact activities and recommended he use an
ankle brace. Dr. Klop reviewed Salat’s case with Dr. Hart and communicated
these findings to Salat on July 15, 2016. Dr. Klop’s note stated Dr. Hart was
not opposed to regular duty activity. Testimony indicated that operating a
standing forklift is “a hard drive,” that Salat worked between 40-60 hours a
week, and that Salat stood on one foot for an entire day so he could handle the
forklift. Dr. Cooper testified he could not recall any place in the record where
Dr. Klop indicated her understanding of Salat’s work duties. He also testified,
“What struck me about his work duties was that he had to stand when he was
driving this forklift.”
B
[¶19] WSI argues the ALJ improperly used Dr. Cooper’s opinion as the basis
for determining Dr. Klop and Dr. Hart’s full duty release was not well founded.
WSI cites N.D.C.C. § 65-05-08.1(d),2 which states, “A doctor may not certify or
verify past disability commencing more than sixty days before the doctor’s
examination of the employee.”
[¶20] Dr. Cooper’s statements were within the scope of his independent
medical examiner duties. Section 65-05-28, N.D.C.C., outlines examinations of
2N.D.C.C. § 65-05-08.1 was amended on August 1, 2019. The changes were not substantial. N.D.C.C.
§ 65-05-08.1(d) became provision “3” and the word “doctor” was amended to “health care provider.”
The current version states, “3. A health care provider may not certify or verify past disability
commencing more than sixty days before the health care provider’s examination of the employee.”
WORKERS’ COMPENSATION—HEALTH CARE PROVIDERS, 2019 North Dakota Laws Ch. 523
(S.B. 2184).
9
an injured employee. Section 65-05-28(3) outlines the scope of the IME. In
pertinent part the statute states:
“An independent medical examination and independent medical
review must be for the purpose of review of the diagnosis,
prognosis, treatment, or fees. An independent medical
examination contemplates an actual examination of an injured
employee, either in person or remotely if appropriate. An
independent medical review contemplates a file review of an
injured employee's records, including treatments and testing.”
[¶21] At the request of WSI, Dr. Cooper reviewed the medical records for
Salat’s diagnosis, prognosis and treatment. Dr. Cooper did not certify or verify
Salat was disabled on June 28, 2016, or at a later date. Dr. Cooper merely
testified he would not have advised Salat to discard his crutches and boot or
released him to work on June 28, 2016. He also stated Salat’s right ankle was
not at pre-injury status. This review for the discontinuation of treatment was
within the scope of Dr. Cooper’s duties as an independent medical examiner.
Therefore, WSI’s argument that Dr. Cooper could not render an opinion of
Salat’s disability before September 12, 2016 fails.
C
[¶22] WSI argues the district court correctly reversed the ALJ’s finding
because a full duty release is a bar to disability benefits. WSI cites Welch v.
Workforce Safety & Ins., 2017 ND 210, ¶ 21, 900 N.W.2d 822, to support this
argument. It is true an individual cannot receive disability benefits when they
are released to regular duty with no physical limitations and the release is
supported by the medical evidence. However, the ALJ found Salat’s release to
work was not supported by medical evidence.
10
[¶23] In Welch, three medical providers released Welch to perform regular
work without physical limitations. Id. ¶ 20. A functional capacity evaluation
(FCE) concluded Welch was limited to “medium work level.” Id. at ¶ 21. The
FCE is an examination done by a doctor and results in a report or doctor’s
testimony. The ALJ found the FCE was self-limiting and not supported by the
medical records. Id. at ¶ 20. An “ALJ’s evaluation of the FCE’s weight and
credibility falls within the purview of the ALJ’s discretion in making factual
determinations.” Id. at ¶ 21. Here, Dr. Cooper performed an IME and not a
FCE. However, just like the ALJ in Welch, the ALJ in this case assessed Dr.
Cooper’s credibility. The ALJ considered Dr. Cooper’s opinion regarding Salat’s
right ankle injury and found it was supported by the greater weight of the
evidence. The ALJ is not bound by the treating medical providers’ opinions and
can consider outside examiner’s opinions. See Bergum v. North Dakota
Workforce Safety & Ins., 2009 ND 52, ¶ 17, 764 N.W.2d 178 (“This Court has
refused to create a presumption that a treating physician’s opinion is entitled
to greater weight than those of other examining physicians.” (citing Swenson
v. Workforce Safety & Ins. Fund, 2007 ND 149, ¶ 27, 738 N.W.2d 892)).
D
[¶24] WSI argues the ALJ erred in finding the doctors providing Salat’s care
and the employer failed to communicate about Salat’s condition. WSI argues
Salat was terminated for violating XPO’s “three-day no call/no show” policy
and not because of physical limitations related to his injury. These issues are
intrinsically connected.
11
[¶25] After working the entire first day on June 29, and two hours the second
day, June 30, 2016, Salat testified he reported to his supervisor that he could
not continue working because of pain. He also testified his supervisor told him
on the second day he should go home if he was not feeling well. Salat saw Dr.
Klop on July 15, 2016, and his understanding was that she was going to talk
to his employer. Testimony supports the ALJ’s finding Salat did not call in to
work on July 11-13, but he did report his pain and inability to work to his
supervisor on his last working day. On July 11, 2016, Dr. Hart recommended
Salat only participate in nonimpact activities and to wear an ankle brace.
Because operating the standing forklift involved impact and Salat could not
wear a brace or use crutches at work, the ALJ reasonably found Dr. Hart’s
restrictions on July 11, 2016, were incompatible with Salat’s work duties, and
there may have been a failure of communication between the doctors and the
employer about Salat’s condition. Additionally, Salat only became aware of Dr.
Hart and Dr. Klop’s conversation regarding the July 11 examination on
July 15, 2016, which was the same day he was terminated.
[¶26] Based upon this record, a reasoning mind reasonably could determine
the greater weight of the evidence shows because of the work injury the
claimant was unable to work and earn as much as he earned at the time of his
injury. The ALJ did not err in finding disability benefits should not have been
discontinued after June 29, 2016.
V
[¶27] Salat argues the district court erred by reversing the ALJ’s finding that
Salat is entitled to benefits for his low back condition after November 11, 2016.
WSI argues no evidence supports a finding Salat’s work injury was a
substantial contributing factor to his lumbar spine condition after October 6,
12
2016, or November 11, 2016, and the ALJ inexplicitly determined the thoracic
spine pain was a compensable injury. We conclude a reasoning mind could
reasonably conclude Salat’s work injury was a substantial contributing factor
to low back pain after November 11, 2016.
[¶28] A claimant must prove by a preponderance of the evidence he is entitled
to benefits. N.D.C.C. § 65-01-11. A compensable injury is “an injury by accident
arising out of and in the course of hazardous employment which must be
established by medical evidence supported by objective medical findings.”
N.D.C.C. § 65-01-02(11). “[O]bjective medical evidence may include a
physician’s medical opinion based on an examination, a patient’s medical
history, and the physician’s education and experience.” Swenson v. Workforce
Safety & Ins. Fund, 2007 ND 149, ¶ 25, 738 N.W.2d 892. Once a work-related
injury resolves, WSI is under no obligation to provide benefits. Bjerke v. North
Dakota Workers Compensation Bureau, 1999 ND 180, ¶ 22, 599 N.W.2d 329.
[¶29] A claimant is responsible for supporting their claim. Davenport v.
Workforce Safety & Ins. Fund, 2013 ND 118, ¶ 18, 833 N.W.2d 500. A claimant
also has the burden of establishing a causal relationship between the medical
condition and the work injury, and that burden is not satisfied by surmise,
conjecture, or mere guess. Rush v. North Dakota Workers Compensation
Bureau, 2002 ND 129, ¶ 8, 649 N.W.2d 207 (citing Wherry v. North Dakota
State Hosp., 498 N.W.2d 136, 141 (N.D. 1993)).
[¶30] The ALJ found Salat suffered low back pain related to his antalgic gait
after November 11, 2016. The ALJ concluded Salat had back pain from the
injury itself, and continued to experience back pain and spasms in relation to
his antalgic gait. The ALJ also found as late as May 19, 2017, Salat complained
of low back pain, was noted to have an antalgic gait, and upon examination
13
had palpable back spasms. The ALJ found the record was clear Salat had low
back muscular pain resulting from his antalgic gait caused by the work injury,
whether it was attributed to L1 or T12. The district court reversed.
[¶31] Part of the record is Dr. Klop’s March 23, 2016 note, “I feel his back
discomfort is musculoskeletal secondary to his gait from his foot.” In Dr.
Cooper’s report he opined the right ankle pain was diagnosable as an unhealed
osteochondral lesion of the talus. He stated this was confirmed by the presence
of “anterior ankle tenderness with the foot plantar flexed, decreased passive
ankle range of motion, an antalgic gait, and worsening of the MRI findings four
months post-injury compared with five weeks post-injury.” (Emphasis added.)
On May 19, 2017, physician assistant Seil noted, “[a]ntalgic gait due to right
foot/ankle pain.”
[¶32] The record supports the ALJ’s finding Salat suffered low back pain
related to his antalgic gait. Throughout Salat’s care medical professionals
connected the back pain to the antalgic gait. On March 23, 2016, Dr. Klop
noted, “He will remain on work restrictions. I feel his back discomfort is
musculoskeletal secondary to his gait from his foot and does not require
imaging.” (Emphasis added.) The March 31 and April 6, 2016 records indicate
Salat’s back pain “resolved.” However, the record shows back pain from the
antalgic gait continued or reemerged after that date.
[¶33] On May 26, 2016, physical therapist Judah stated, “I think most of his
pain is muscular and judging by his weight shifting away from his right leg[,]
I think this is the most likely cause of his return of back pain.” On May 27,
2016, Dr. Klop stated, “[a]ssessment has been mechanical low back pain
secondary to fall and dysfunctional gait with right foot injury.” On June 9,
2016, Dr. Klop noted, “[m]echanical low back pain secondary to fall and
14
dysfunctional gait with right foot injury—continue chiropractic treatment and
PT.” On June 20, 2016, Dr. Klop noted, “[w]ithout the walking boot and
crutches, he walks with a limp, his upper body is side bent to compensate his
gait and he does not bear full weight on RLE.” On the same day she noted, “I
still feel his thoracolumbar back pain is mechanical secondary to the fall and
his dysfunctional gait with the right foot injury. This should resolve as his gait
returns to normal and he discontinues use of boot and crutches.”
[¶34] On June 30, 2016, Dr. Seamands, the chiropractor, noted “[s]lowly
improving and a bit recalcitrant due to the fact that he is still in his boot,
causing him to walk with an antalgic gait. Now that he is out of the boot, he is
working at full-duty. This has caused a bit of a flare. He has increased back
pain, without significant or lasting improvement.” On July 5, 2016, Dr. Klop
noted, “The patient walks with a limp, his upper body is side bent to
compensate his gait and he does not bear full weight on RLE.” She also stated,
“I explained that I strongly feel his back pain is musculoskeletal secondary to
his abnormal gait from his foot and from use of the crutches. His gait continues
to be abnormal and he returned to work which resulted in him performing more
physical duty than he has been so it is not unexpected that his back now feels
worse.” On July 21, 2016, Dr. Jati, in neurology noted under the “Review of
Systems” section, “Musculoskeletal: Positive for back pain and gait problem.”
[¶35] The record shows Salat experienced an antalgic gait and continued to
have back pain after November 11, 2016. In Dr. Cooper’s report he noted Salat
“ambulates with an antalgic gait on the right and reports pain with
thoracolumbar range of motion.” Although Dr. Cooper opined Salat’s current
low back pain was not from the work injury, he noted Salat had “continued low
back pain” and a “current low back condition.” On May 19, 2017, physician
15
assistant Seil noted, “[p]ain to palpation at the bilateral paraspinal
musculature at T10-T12. No lower back pain with palpation. Negative SLR.
Antalgic gait due to right foot/ankle pain.” On June 23, 2017, Dr. Hart noted,
“gait is stable, propulsive, and minimally asymmetric with only slight favoring
of the right ankle when observed walking.” In the same report Dr. Hart notes,
“[h]istory of back pain which is currently improved per his report.”
[¶36] The district court concluded the ALJ “manufactured a dispute of medical
opinion between Dr. Cooper and Dr. Klop” and reversed because “a reasoning
mind could not reasonably conclude that Dr. Cooper and Dr. Klop had
conflicting medical opinions.” We disagree.
[¶37] The ALJ analyzed Dr. Cooper and Dr. Klop’s conflicting medical opinions
under N.D.C.C. § 65-05-08.3, which states:
“1. A presumption may not be established in favor of any health
care provider’s opinion. The organization shall resolve conflicting
medical opinions and in doing so the organization shall consider
the following factors:
a. The length of the treatment relationship and the frequency of
examinations;
b. The nature and extent of the treatment relationship;
c. The amount of relevant evidence in support of the opinion;
d. How consistent the opinion is with the record as a whole;
e. Appearance of bias;
f. Whether the health care provider specializes in the medical
issues related to the opinion; and
g. Other relevant factors.”
[¶38] Dr. Cooper diagnosed Salat’s continued back pain as caused by
hypermobility syndrome. He opined the back strain involving the L1-L2 level
resulting from the February 22, 2016 work incident was resolved within three
to six weeks of the incident so that Salat’s low back pain on the date of the IME
16
was unrelated to the work injury. Dr. Klop did not diagnose Salat with
hypermobility syndrome but continually diagnosed Salat’s back pain from his
antalgic gait. Dr. Klop stated she did not have “any objective findings on
physical exam to challenge or disagree” with Dr. Cooper. However, the district
court apparently misunderstood Dr. Klop’s statement as a blanket agreement.
Dr. Klop’s statement does not mean she agrees with everything Dr. Cooper
opined. This is evident where she clearly disagreed with Dr. Cooper’s opinion
that Salat was not ready to return to work on June 29, 2016. Rather, Dr. Klop’s
statement is better understood as stating she had no objective findings on
physical exam to challenge or disagree with Dr. Cooper’s opinion regarding the
source of Salat’s back pain. Nor did Dr. Klop have objective findings to
challenge Dr. Cooper’s opinion Salat has hypermobility syndrome because this
syndrome was not diagnosed prior to the IME. The record indicates Salat
experienced continued back pain which was derived from the antalgic gait after
the three to six week mark. On this record, the ALJ could reasonably find Dr.
Klop and Dr. Cooper had conflicting medical opinions on the source of the
continued back pain, and that even if Salat had hypermobility syndrome it does
not mean he did not also suffer intermittent muscular low back pain related to
his gait.
[¶39] Based upon the record, a reasoning mind reasonably could determine
Salat suffered low back pain after November 11, 2016, that was attributable to
the compensable work injury.
17
VI
[¶40] We reverse the district court judgment and reinstate the ALJ’s May 11,
2018 order.
[¶41] Daniel J. Crothers
Lisa Fair McEvers
Jerod E. Tufte
Jon J. Jensen
Gerald W. VandeWalle, C.J.
18