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Showing posts from February, 2014

Court of Appeals Affirms Award of Permanent Total Disability

In Care Initiatives v. Hoffman , No. 13-0748 (Iowa App. Feb. 19, 2014), the court affirmed the award of permanent total disability, finding that the decision of the agency was supported by substantial evidence.  Claimant suffered a shoulder injury at work, and was terminated by the nursing home because of the restrictions placed on her by her treating physician.  Claimant subsequently had reverse right shoulder replacement surgery. At hearing, claimant offered into evidence a spreadsheet demonstrating that she had applied for work with approximately 150 employers, but had not been able to obtain employment.   She also sought assistance through Iowa Vocational Rehabilitation, where she was placed on a waiting list for services.  Claimant complained of pain.  Kent Jayne issued a vocational report indicating that claimant was precluded from work.  Defendants vocational expert, Shannon Ford, believed that claimant, who was 65 years of age, could perform office work.  She admitted that sh