Court of Appeals Affirms Permanent Total Disability Award on Substantial Evidence Grounds

In Jack Cooper Transport Co. v. Jones, No. 15-0960 (Iowa App. April 6, 2016), the commissioner concluded that a truck driver who suffered a back injury was permanently and totally disabled.  In the decision, the causation determination and restrictions of the IME physician, Dr. Koprivica, were accepted over the opinions of Dr. Boarini or Dr. Ciccarelli.  The district court affirmed the PTD award on substantial evidence grounds.

Noting that the issue of causation was within the realm of medical expert testimony, the court concluded that there was substantial evidence to support the finding that claimant sustained a permanent injury.  The court also concluded that the finding of permanent total disability was not irrational, illogical or wholly unjustifiable.  The court noted that claimant was not able to return to work after the back injury.  Dr. Koprivica restricted claimant from driving a truck, which had been the only work performed by the claimant.   The decision of the agency was affirmed.

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