2018 Workers' Compensation Synopses

2018 Workers' Compensation Appeal Decisions

December 2018


Fix v. Polk County, Iowa, No. 5051755 (App. Dec. 28, 2018) -  At hearing, claimant was found to have established a cumulative injury and was given a 20% industrial award (Elliott). Defendant appeals and on appeal, the commissioner's designee (Palmer) affirms the decision with minimal additional analysis.  Defendant had argued the claimant was not a credible witness, but the appeal noted that determinations of the hearing deputy were to be provided deference. 25 months from arbitration to hearing decision.  


Marrs v. Regional Care Hospital Partners, Inc., No. 5052161 (App. Dec. 21, 2018) - Claimant was found eligible for a running award of healing period benefits at a rate of $559.49 for an injury to the neck and spine.   Penalty benefits in the amount of $50,000 were also awarded (McElderry).  On appeal, the commissioner affirms the award of a running healing period at a rate of $559.49, but reduces the penalty benefits to $39,000.  The commissioner also finds that claimant did not have an ongoing mental health condition, a contention that had not been addressed by the deputy.  On the penalty question, the commissioner finds that defendants did no rely on Dr. Abernathey's opinion to reject the claim and also failed to properly communicate the denial of liability.  The penalty benefits were reduced those benefits because the parties agreed that roughly $80,000 in benefits was subject to penalty.  Thus a penalty of almost 50% was assessed.  18 months from arbitration to appeal decision. 


Drury v. W-S Industrial Services, Inc., No. 5055775 (App. Dec. 20, 2018) - Claimant was found to have carried his burden of demonstrating that he suffered a permanent injury.  Claimant was found not to be credible.  Defendants were also found to have a statutory lien on a $20,000 third party settlement (Grell).   On appeal, the commissioner affirms without further comment. 18 months from arbitration to appeal decision.  


Mayes v. JHCI Holdings, Inc., No. 5052416 (App. Dec. 18, 2018) - At hearing, the deputy concluded that claimant had sustained injuries to his pelvis, right arm, right shoulder, left shoulder and jaw.  Neck and back injuries were found not to be work-related.  Claimant was awarded a 50% industrial disability (Gordon).  Claimant appeals, arguing he was permanently and totally disabled.  Claimant also appeals the denial of reimbursement for an IME, based on the fact that this was not listed on the hearing report.  Defendants cross-appeal on the extent of industrial disability.  The commissioner affirms without further comment.  21 months from arbitration to appeal decision.

Kirkendall v. Cargill Meat Solutions, No. 5055494 (App. Dec. 17, 2018) - In this action, claimant was initially awarded an 60% industrial disability (Elliott).  This award was reduced to 35% on appeal. Claimant  had a 10 to 20 pound restriction following three surgeries.  She returned to a different job at the plant, but at the same rate and was working overtime at the time of hearing, with no plans on leaving her job.  On the issue of costs, the commissioner holds that only the cost of the vocational report, and not the costs of the evaluation time was payable.  He further holds that only one IME is allowed per case.  He declines to awards a second IME as costs, because Dr. Bansal did not itemize his report with the exam time versus report time 19 months from arbitration to appeal decision.

Norton v. Hy-Vee, Inc., No. 5041551 (Remand Dec. 17, 2018) - This is a remand decision in which the commissioner's website indicates File Not Found, so unclear as to the issues or result.

Hayes v. Eagle Door and Window, No. 5038676 (App. Dec. 14, 2018) - Claimant successfully pursued a review reopening action before the deputy, obtaining a 60% industrial award (Gordon).   Claimant had previously been paid 15 weeks of benefits pursuant to an earlier arbitration decision. Without further analysis, the commissioner affirms the decision of the deputy.  19 months from arbitration to appeal decision.


Garcia v. Cargill Meat Solutions, No. 5056121 (App. Dec. 7, 2018) - At hearing, the deputy concluded that claimant's injury did not extend to the shoulder and denied healing period and permanency benefits (Pals).  Note that at the arbitration decision, there was a finding that because claimant violated a "last chance" agreement, he had refused suitable work, which led to the denial of healing period benefits.  Claimant appeals and the commissioner affirms without additional analysis.  19 months from arbitration to appeal decision.  


Logan v. The Bon Ton Stores, Inc., Nos. 5055594, 5056452, 5056453,  5056454 (App. Dec. 5, 2018) - On three of the files, the deputy found that claimant had not demonstrated an injury arising out of or in the course of employment.  On the fourth, a knee injury was found, but there was found to be no temporary or permanent disability (Christenson).  Claimant appeals.  The commissioner's designee  (Copley) finds that the hearing deputy correctly found that there was no compensable injury on the first three claims.  The deputy notes that there was no reference to a work-related incident in the medical records and only an insidious onset of pain cited.  With respect to the fourth claim, the deputy also affrims, finding that claimant told the doctor that her knee pain had resolved. Claimant was pro se in this proceeding.  3 months from arbitration to appeal decision.  


Hodgson v. Brett Voss Construction, No. 5048684 (App. Dec. 5, 2018) - The deputy concluded that claimant had failed to demonstrate an injury arising out of and in the course of employment (Elliott).  Claimant appeals.  The commissioner affirms without further analysis.  18 months from arbitration to appeal decision.  

November 2018


Hudson v. Quality Mfg. Co., No. 5063522 (App. Nov. 30, 2018) - Claimant was found to have functional disability of 6% of the body as a whole due to bilateral upper extremity injuries, but was denied benefits for an alleged right shoulder injury.  Claimant appeals. Without further elaboration, the commissioner affirms. 4 months from arbitration to appeal decision.

Clay v. Bridgestone Americas, No. 5051700, 5051104 (App. Nov. 30, 2018) - On one file, claimant was found to have sustained a temporary injury and medical expenses were awarded.  On the second file, an industrial award of 35% was made (Walsh). Defendants appeal and claimant appeals on the issue of permanency with respect to the first injury.  On the first injury, the commissioner concludes that claimant, although she sustained an incisional hernia, did not suffer any permanent disability as a result of this injury.  The commissioner concluded that this hernia was asymptomatic by the time of the hearing and he affirmed the findings of the deputy.  On the second claim, which involved a back injury, the commissioner accepted the findings of Dr. Bansal over Dr. Boarini, and affirmed the finding that claimant had a 35% industrial loss. Claimant had moved to a less physically taxing position in the plant, and her pay had been reduced from $22.90 to $17.00 per hour.  20 months from arbitration to appeal hearing.

Hansen v. Lowe's Home Centers, Inc., No. 5052960 (App. Nov. 29, 2018) - Claimant was found to have sustained a 20% industrial disability as a result of  his low back injuries (McElderry).  Defendants appeal and claimant urges affirmance of the decision.  On appeal, the commissioner affirms without additional comment.  17 months from arbitration to appeal decision.

Pope v. City of Strawberry Point, No. 5053571 (App. Nov. 26, 2018) - Claimant appeals a 65% industrial award for a back injury and defendants cross appeal (McElderry). Claimant urges that he is PTD and defendants claim the injury was temporary.  Without additional analysis, the commissioner affirms.  18 months from arbitration to appeal decision. 

Moenck v. John Deere Davenport Works, No. 5057569 (App. Nov. 21, 2018) - Claimant was awarded benefits and an $8000 penalty award (Walsh).  FILE NOT FOUND.  Eight months from arbitration to appeal decision.


Polito v. Weitz Industrial, LLC, No. 5056875 (App. Nov. 20, 2018) - Claimant was found to have suffered a neck injury but was not at MMI at the time of hearing. Healing period benefits were awarded and defendants were ordered to provide treatment for claimant's neck condition (Walshire). Defendants appeal, and without further analysis, the commissioner affirms the deputy's decision.  18 months from arbitration to appeal decision.  


Nassif v. Anamosa Penitentiary, No. 5056715 (App. Nov. 15, 2018) - The commissioner affirms the arbitration decision which found a 20% industrial loss, with the exception of payment for an IME (McElderry). On this issue, the commissioner concludes that because defendant's doctor did not provide a rating of impairment, but only a causation finding, this was not sufficient to trigger 85.39.  20 months from the date of the arbitration to appeal decision.


Moyer v. Interstate Power and Light and SIF, No. 5047944 (App. Nov. 15, 2018) - This action involves an arbitration decision finding that claimant suffered a 15% impairment to the leg and did not prove a first injury for SIF purposes (Fitch). The commissioner affirms on both issues.  The decision on appeal creates an unrealistic burden for claimant to establish in making a finding that there was a first injury. Despite the fact that claimant had knee surgery as a result of the first injury and suffered a 10% impairment, the commissioner finds this is not sufficient to conclude that there was a first injury.  The rationale is that claimant did not have restrictions from an initial FCE (although Sassman gave restrictions), that there was no way to determine when the claimant's cartilage interval (the basis of the rating) had occurred and rejected claimant's testimony about the effects of the injury despite the fact the deputy had found this to be clear and convincing.  The decision appears to be a further tightening of the standards used to adjudicate Fund cases, despite the clear presence of an earlier injury.  20 months from arbitration to appeal decision.


Davis v. Bowling Motors and RV Sales, No. 5051704 (App. Nov. 9, 2018) - Claimant was awarded PTD benefits following hearing (Walshire).  Defendants challenge the PTD award as well as the award of certain medical expenses.  The commissioner affirms the PTD award without additional comment. With respect to the medical expenses, certain expenses related to claimant's suicide attempt are challenged.  The commissioner finds that claimant's depression was related to the work injury and affirms the allocation of these charges to defendants. The commissioner also finds that other charges related to treatment of pain were reasonable and necessary treatment for claimant's work injury. 18 months from arbitration to appeal decision. 


Arter v. ABCM Corp., No. 5054309 (App. Nov. 6, 2018) - Claimant was found to have a knee injury that was compensable and 4.4 weeks of benefits were awarded (Pals). A $6000 penalty for unreasonable denial of the claim was also awarded.  Defendants appeal, arguing that notice wasn't provided, claimant was not entitled to healing period and permanency and the penalty award was erroneous.  On appeal, the commissioner affirms without further comment. 19 months from arbitration to appeal decision. 


Ditsworth v. Icon AG, No. 5054080 (App. Nov. 5, 2018) - Claimant was found to have a 60% industrial disability following hearing (Walshire).  After apportionment, 250 weeks of benefits were due.  On appeal, the commissioner reduces the industrial disability award to 50%, or 150 weeks of benefits after apportionment.  Although the commissioner concurred with the deputy that claimant had suffered two injuries arising out of his employment, and had a 15 pound lifting limit, he reduces the industrial award by 10% without really giving a reason for the reduction.  He notes that claimant had two truck driving jobs since leaving the employer, which did not involve tarping and loading and indicates that he was making $15 per hour at the time of hearing versus $16.75 before hearing.  

There is a somewhat confusing discussion of the apportionment question.  The appeal decision indicates that at the time of hearing, the parties were the in process of settling on the first injury.  Despite this language, the deputy at hearing ruled on the first injury and found claimant had a 20% industrial disability, with a 60% combined disability from the first and second injuries. In looking at the arbitration decision, the deputy indicates that Nationwide's payments were pursuant to a compromise settlement, which would seem to preclude apportionment, even if the same employer were involved  If , in fact, the 2013 case was settled on a compromise basis, apportionment wouldn't come into play at all, as 85.34(7)(b) only applies if the earlier injury were compensable and a compromise settlement is one where the compensability of the claim is being disputed.  19 months  from arbitration to appeal decision.  


Senteras v. Brandt Construction, No. 5054813 (App. Nov. 1, 2018) - Claimant was found to have a 25% industrial loss as a result of his injury (Grell).  Defendants appeal, arguing that the industrial disability finding was too high and that the rate was also too high. On appeal, the commissioner affirms without additional comment.  17 months from arbitration to appeal hearing. 

October 2018


Young v. Huckleberry Entertainment, No. 5053858 (App. Oct. 31, 2018) - Claimant was found to have sustained a left shoulder injury and was awarded 15% industrial disability and the costs of the IME (Walshire).  Defendants appeal.  Without additional analysis, the decision is affirmed. 17 months from arbitration to appeal decision. 


Pedro v. Tyson Foods, Inc.,  No. 5056938 (App. Oct. 31, 2018) - Claimant was found to have a finger and right shoulder injury and was awarded a 30% industrial award as well as healing period and costs (Fitch).  Without further analysis, the commissioner affirms the decision in its entirety.  4 months from arbitration to appeal decision.  


Martin v. Prestige Properties, No. 5048828 (App. Oct. 31, 2018) - Claimant was found to have a 27% loss of use of his left lower extremity (Walsh).  Defendants appeal, alleging that claimant was not an employee.  Claimant cross-appeals, arguing that the injury was industrial. The commissioner reverses the arbitration decision and finds that claimant was an independent contractor and thus not entitled to workers' compensation benefits.  The appeal decision indicates that the employer owns several properties in Iowa City and provides maintenance to those properties, but hired outside vendors when a project was outside of their employees' skillset.  

The commissioner concludes that Martin appeared to outsiders to have a functioning general contracting business, although the business had been ended.  There was no indication in the record that the employer's agent knew that Martin had ceased doing business or was focused in another area.  No W-9 was filed and the parties did not enter into a written agreement.  Ultimately a W-9 was filed, which listed "Martin Construction Services" and not claimant.  The testimony of Martin and his wife as to what was said to the employer's representative were said to be "embellished" and not "overly persuasive or convincing."  The evidence was that Martin was given free reign to perform the job as necessary and was not supervised by the employer.  

Ultimately, the commissioner concludes that Prestige did not have the right to control Martin's performance if his work and this was the most salient factor in concluding that he was not an employee.  The factors listed in Nelson v. Cities Service Oil. Co., 146 N.W.2d  261, 263-64 (Iowa 1966) were considered and found to weigh against an employer/employee relationship. 19 months from arbitration to appeal decision.


Marchant v. Salvation Army and SIF, Nos. 5055127, 5055128 (App. Oct. 25, 2018) - Claimant was found eligible for 4.4 weeks of benefits against the employer and a $400 penalty was awarded.  This was true for both right and left leg injuries suffered by claimant. Reimbursement of the IME was denied (McGovern).  A 5% industrial award was made against the fund, which totaled  16.2 weeks after credits.  Claimant appeals.  Without further discussion, the commissioner affirms the arbitration award.  18 months from arbitration to appeal decision. 


Carter v. Belle City Amusements, No. 5054486 (App. Oct. 23, 2018) - Claimant was found not to have met her burden of demonstrating that she was an employee when she was injured (Christenson). On appeal, the commissioner affirms without additional comment. 18 months from arbitration to appeal decision. 


Ramsey v. John Deere Dubuque Works, No. 5056671 (App. Oct. 22, 2018) - Claimant was found to have sustained a neck and shoulder injury and was provided a 75% industrial disability (Gerrish-Lampe).  Defendant appeals, arguing that claimant's neck injury did not have a disability attributable to his neck.  If that fails, defendant argues claimant hasn't reached MMI or should have a much lower industrial disability.  Claimant cross-appeals, arguing that he is PTD.  The commissioner concludes that the deputy did not find that claimant was not credible, finds that permanency benefits are to be paid, but concludes that industrial disability is to be reduced to 50%.  This is based on claimant not having sincerely put his skills to work after leaving Deere, making minimal efforts to find other work, an invalid FCE and possible malingering issues.  

There was also a rate issue and the rate is reduced based on a July 12, 2017 declaratory order filed by the commissioner, which excluded weekly continuous improvement pay (CIPP) and a portion of the quarterly CIPP pay.  The rate was reduced from $750.47 to $670.48.  18 months from arbitration to appeal decision.  


Hansen v. Waste Management of Iowa, No. 5052825 (App. Oct. 11, 2018) - Claimant was found to be permanently and totally disabled as a result of a sequela injury of CRPS (Walshire).  Defendants appeal and with minimal additional comment, the commissioner affirms. 19 months from arbitration to appeal decision.  


Perla v. Tyson Fresh Foods, Inc., No. 5046388 (App. Oct. 11, 2018) - Claimant originally filed a claim which led to the assessment of a running healing period.  She later filed a review-reopening petition and was found to be permanently and totally disabled.  On appeal, the employer argues that causation or permanent total disability was not proven by claimant and that the decision was not consistent with the purpose of the Workers' Compensation Act or public policy (Grell).  The commissioner's designee (Palmer) finds that new causation opinions provided by the employer in the review-reopening decision addressed issues that had already been litigated and found against the employer and under the law of the case doctrine could not be relitigated.  The argument that somehow the 2017 changes to the act affected the law of the case doctrine in this case was rejected.  21 months from arbitration to appeal decision.


Brown v. Camanche Community School District, No. 5034722 (App. Oct. 11, 2018) - Claimant originally (2012) was found to have a pulmonary injury that arose out of her employment.  Permanency was tried after the case went up the appellate ladder.  Claimant was found to have an 85% industrial loss as a result of her occupational asthma, apparently being denied PTD because she was unmotivated to work (Gerrish-Lampe).  Benefits were said to commence on January 31, 2015.  Defendants appeal and urge an earlier commencement date.  Claimant cross-appeals, arguing that her heart condition is attributable to steroid use and that she is PTD.  On appeal, the commissioner's designess (Copley) finds that the heart condition was not attributable to steroids, reduces the industrial award to 45% and finds that  permanency benefits commenced in 2012.  Dr. Hartley is accepted for the proposition that the heart condition was not related over Dr. Kline.  Similarly, some of Kline's restrictions are rejected because they relate to the heart condition and accordingly the industrial award is also reduced, again based on Hartley's conclusion that claimant would not be precluded from working in the majority of workplaces.  MMI was based on the time that claimant plateaued following treatment, which was 2012.  20 months from arbitration to appeal decision.  


Easton v. Mike McMurrin Trucking, No. 5056183 (App. Oct. 9, 2018) -  At hearing, claimant was found to have failed to carry his burden of demonstrating that the employer's offer of light duty work was unreasonable (Palmer).  Claimant had moved following his injury and did not have a driver's license and had transportation difficulties getting to the light duty work.   Because claimant was offered suitable work, healing period benefits were denied.  Without additional analysis, the arbitration decision is  affirmed.  17 months from arbitration to appeal decision. 


Adair v. Lennox Industries, No. 5056125 (App. Oct. 2, 2018) - At hearing, claimant was found to have a 6% functional loss to her bilateral arms.  Since this had been paid out prior to hearing, costs were not awarded (Pals). On appeal, the commissioner's designee (Palmer) affirms the arbitration decision without further comment.  14 months from arbitration to appeal decision. 

September 2018


Sainz v. Tyson Fresh Meats, Inc., No. 5053964 (App. Sept. 28, 2018) - Claimant was found to have a neck, but not a shoulder injury and was awarded a 25% industrial disability plus payment of Dr. Bansal's IME (Gordon).  Defendant appeals, arguing that the injury did not extend beyond the arm. On appeal, the commissioner affirms the decision of the agency, with the exception of the payment for the IME and payment for the costs of an FCE.  The commissioner continues to indicate that FCE's requested by claimant's attorneys are not payable as costs.  The IME costs for a first IME were rejected because prior to the IME there had been no prior assessment of impairment.  6 months from arbitration to appeal decision. 


Parish v. ABCM Corp., No. 5053102 (App. Sept. 26, 2018) - Claimant was found to have a 12% impairment to the left leg, but the claim that claimant's depression and anxiety was aggravated by the injury was rejected. Claimant appeals, asserting that she is permanently and totally disabled.  The decision of the deputy is affirmed.  The commissioner finds that in determining aggravation, the ultimate question is whether there was a material aggravation.  Dr. Rogers' report was rejected because he had not reviewed claimant's extensive history of depression and anxiety. Amy Mooney and Dr. Augspurger were found to be the most convincing, as they had access to information about claimant's pre-existing condition.  19 months from arbitration to appeal decision.  


Weatherman v. Lennox Industries, No. 5053707 (App. Sept. 26, 2018) - Claimant argued he was permanently and totally disabled at his arbitration hearing and was awarded a 10% industrial disability (Grell).  Alternate medical care was denied.  The commissioner affirms, noting that Dr. Fehrle had no explanation for why claimant's presentation two years after being released by Dr. Vinyard was so different.  Dr. Vinyard suggested that these were degenerative age-related changes.  18 months from arbitration to appeal decision. 


Basler v. Geonetric, Inc., No. 5063196 (Remand Sept. 25, 2018) - This is another partial commutation remand with the same result as the others this month.


Zesch v. Heartland Express, No. 5053955 (App. Sept. 24, 2018) - Claimant was found to have a 20% industrial disablity, with permanency benefits beginning on July 15, 2013 (Palmer).  Defendants appeal and claimant argues that permanency should have begun on September 30, 2013, when claimant's restricted work hours ended.  Without additional analysis, the commissioner affirms.  18 months from arbitration to appeal decision. 


Marshall v. Menard, Inc., No. 5048490 (App. Sept. 24, 2018) - Claimant was found to have sustained an 85% industrial disability. (Gerrish-Lampe).  IME costs were awarded and alternate medical care was also awarded.  Defendants appeal and claimant cross-appeals.  On appeal, the commissioner questions the credibility about claimant's doctors' opinions about causation and permanency.  Claimant had been shocked and the commissioner concludes that there is no objective way to establish a causality between claimant's shock incident and the alleged symptoms. The commissioner rejected defendants' contention that because claimant's objective testing was normal, there was no injury.  Although the commissioner finds disability, he then reduces the industrial disability to 50% because claimant's credibility was questionable with respect to the severity of her complaints. The alternate medical care finding was affirmed, as was the IME award.  18 months from arbitration to appeal decision. 


Cowan v. Iowa Steel and Wire, Inc., No. 5056223 (App. Sept. 20, 2018) - The hearing deputy concluded claimant had not met his burden of proof (Elliott). On appeal, the commissioner's designee (Copley) affirmed that claimant had not proved that his arm and shoulder injury had arisen out of his employment.  Claimant had preexisting TOS for which he had surgery. The Mayo Clinic attributed pain to claimant's residual scarring from this surgery.  Dr. Bansal found a SLAP tear and inferior glenolabral tear.  Dr. Aviles viewed the actual MRI films and he said he had difficulty visualizing the labral tears found by the radiologist. The deputy found Dr. Aviles' opinions more convincing than those of Bansal and affirmed the arbitration decision.  6 months from arbitration to appeal decision. 


Young v. Cambrex Charles City, Inc., No. 5062984; Vangetson v. Aero Concrete, Ltd., No. 5058412; Erlbacher v. REM Iowa, No. 5056101; Snitker v. Birdnow Enterprises, No. 5065702 (Remand Sept. 19, 2018) - These cases are all remands dismissing partial commutations in light of Sloan.  See Norris and Sandberg, below.  


Ball v. Adecco, No. 5054638 (App. Sept. 19, 2018) - Defendants appeal a decision finding that claimant had a 69% impairment to the left leg, arguing that the injury was not work-related (Pals). Without additional analysis, the commissioner affirms the decision of the deputy.  5 months from arbitration to appeal 


Taylor v. Cameron Mitchell, Inc. and SIF, Nos. 5049728, 5052054 (App. Sept. 19, 2018) - The deputy found a 14% permanent partial disability for a second injury to the right leg.  A sequela injury to the left leg was denied.  An 8% injury to the left arm  was also found as a first injury, resulting in a 30% industrial disability assessment against the Fund. (Elliott). Claimant appeals.  Neither the defendant nor SIF appeals.  On appeal, the commissioner's designee (Gordon) affirms the decision of the hearing deputy.  The appeal decision finds that the opinion of Dr. Meyer, the treating physician, was more persuasive than that of Dr. Bansal.  The decision also finds that the FCE restrictions were reasonable.  23 months from arbitration to appeal decision.  


Estrada-Colores v. Heartland Finishes, No. 5054538 (App. Sept. 14, 2018) - Claimant was found to be permanently and totally disabled under both traditional analysis and odd lot (Walshire).  Defendants appeal and without further discussion, the arbitration decision is affirmed.  18 months from arbitration to appeal decision.  


Sandberg v. Riverbend Restoration, No. 5058404 (Remand Sept. 13, 2018) - See Norris, below.  Partial commutation petition dismissed, consistent with Sloan.


Norris v. South Central Coop, No. 5058397 (Remand Sept. 13, 2018) - This is a partial commutation remand from the district court.  The district court ordered a remand for the purpose of explaining or ruling consistent with the Sloan decision.  On remand, the commissioner dismisses claimant's partial commutation appeal, consistent with Sloan.  


Drahozal v. American Airlines, No. 5056606 (App. Sept. 12, 2018) - Claimant was found to have an injury to her hands and a permanent sequela mental injury.  As a result of the combined effects of the injuries, claimant was found to have an 80% industrial disability (Palmer). PTD benefits were denied.  Defendants appeal and claimant cross-appeals.  Without further elaboration, the commissioner affirms the arbitration decision.  9 months from arbitration to appeal decision.


Cosenza v. Automotive Enterprises Co., Inc., No. 5047579 (App. Sept. 11, 2018) - At the time of the first hearing, permanency was not ripe for adjudication, so the only issues were claimant's rate and entitlement to temporary benefits.  The deputy concluded the rate was $692.14 and awarded a running healing period.  A second hearing awarded claimant a 45% industrial disability, from which claimant appeals (Walsh).   On appeal, the commissioner's designee (Copley) affirms the decision of the hearing deputy on the industrial disability issue. The appeal decision indicates that the original deputy was not penalizing claimant for staying out of the labor market, only indicating that it was more difficult to determine loss of earning capacity while claimant decided to take care of his children while his wife pursued her career.  The decision concludes that claimant failed to demonstrate more than a 45% disability and the hearing award was affirmed.  6 months from arbitration to appeal decision.  

Stourac-Floyd v. MDF Endeavors, Inc., No. 5053328 (App. Sept. 11, 2018) - At hearing, claimant was found to have suffered a permanent injury to her back, but a depression claim was denied.  Claimant was awarded a 65% industrial disability (Elliott).  On appeal, the commissioner's designee (Copley) reduces the award to 40%.  Following her back injury, claimant was found to be limited to carrying no more than 15-20 pounds and alternating between sitting, standing and walking according to Dr. Kreiter.  Claimant was found to be unable to return to her prior work as a waitress.  Because claimant subsequently obtained her bachelor's degree and found seasonal full-time employment as an essay scorer.  This job paid approximately twice as much as her previous work.  Because claimant's injury did not interfere with her ability to remain a full-time student and eventually obtain a college degree, the industrial disability award was limited to 40%. 18 months from arbitration to appeal decision.

Marquette v. John Deere Davenport Works, No. 5055018 (App. Sept. 11, 2018) - Claimant was found not to have met her burden of proving an injury that arose out of and in the course of her employment (Pals).  On appeal, the commissioner affirms, without additional comment. 19 months from arbitration to appeal decision. 

Tammen v. Echo Powerline Leasing, LLC, No. 5053791 (Remand Sept. 7, 2018) - Claimant filed for a partial commutation and the commissioner dismissed on the basis that it was premature.  On appeal, the claim was found to be interlocutory.   Claimant filed for judicial review.  The district court remanded to the agency for an explanation or ruling consistent with the ruling in Sloan.  Based on Sloan, the commutation petition is dismissed without prejudice.  4 months from date of remand.


Davis v. Florilli Transportation, LLC, No. 5047765 (App. Sept. 7, 2018) - Claimant was found to have sustained only a temporary work injury and permanency was denied (Grell).  Claimant appeals and without further analysis, the commissioner affirms. 19 months from arbitration to appeal decision. 

Lewis v. Windsor Windows and Doors, No. 5048698 (App. Sept. 7, 2018) - Claimant was found not to have met his burden of demonstrating an injury that arose out of and in the course of his employment (Palmer).  Claimant was found not credible and took nothing from the proceedings.   On appeal, the commissioner affirms the decision of the deputy without further comment.  17 months from arbitration to appeal decision.  

August 2018

Haltom v. JBS USA, No. 5054528 (App. Aug. 31, 2018) - Claimant had two separate industrial injuries (Pals).  At hearing, claimant was found to have a 20% disability from the first injury and a 70% disability from the second injury. Without additional analysis, the commissioner affirms the decision of the deputy.  19 months from arbitration to appeal decision.

Irvine v. B&D Services, No. 5054750 (App. Aug. 30, 2018) - Claimant was found not to have met her burden of proving a mental/mental injury under Brown v. Quik Trip (Christenson).  On appeal, the commissioner's designee (Copley) affirms the decision of the deputy.  On the Brown issue, the deputy found that claimant was not in any imminent danger, not in fear for her life and well-being and did not witness any ghastly or gruesome injuries.  In interpreting Dunlavey, the deputy concludes that the activity of claimant's patient (laying down in stores and on roads) was not out of the ordinary and was addressed as a part of a behavior plan.  In this case, the patient layed down on a railroad track.  This was not sufficiently different than his normal behavior.   Therefore, claimant was not exposed to any stress over and above that of other employees in a similar field.  The dismissal of the claim was affirmed. 18 months from arbitration to appeal decision.

Osorio v. Tyson Fresh Meats, No. 5052625 (App. Aug. 30, 2018) - This claim involves a situation where claimant was found to have a permanent neck injury and to have suffered a 15% industrial loss (Grell). On appeal, the commissioner's designee (Gordon), rejects defendants' arguments that the deputy erred in taking Dr. Bansal's opinions over those of other doctors and provides reasons for that opinion.  He also affirms the deputy's decision that claimant had permanent impairment and permament restrictions against the opinions of Dr. Smith and Dr. Schulte that no permanent impairment or restrictions existed.  22 months from arbitration to appeal decision.

Liu v. Hy-Vee, Inc., No. 5055451 (App. Aug. 30, 2018) - Claimant was found to have sustained a 25% industrial award following hearing as a result of a right shoulder injury (Gerrish-Lampe). Claimant appeals.  Without further analysis, the commissioner affirms. 17 months from arbitration to appeal decision.

Huffman v. Centtennial Warehousing Corp., No. 5062709 (App. Aug. 29, 2018) - Claimant was found to have sustained a right shoulder injury and was provided with an 8% industrial disability award (McGovern). Healing period was awarded.  Payment for claimant's IME was denied.  Defendants appeal.  Claimant argues that the decision should be affirmed.  Without further discussion, the commissioner affirms. 6 months from arbitration to appeal decision.

Fondell v. John Deere Dubuque Works, No. 5054975 (App. Aug. 24, 2018) - Claimant was found to be eligible for a 50% industrial award as a result of a right shoulder injury (Grell).  Penalty benefits of $3000 were awarded.  Defendants appeal and on appeal the commissioner affirms the decision without additional analysis.  17 months from arbitration to appeal decision.

Keyser v. Certainteed Gypsum, No. 5061026 (App. Aug. 24, 2018) - Claimant was found to be eligible for payment of IME fees and costs (Grell)   Defendants appeal the award of the entire IME, arguing that portions of the IME attributable to the second injury fund should not be paid by the employer.  The deputy's decision is modified.  The commissioner's designee (Pals) finds that the employer is not responsible for those portions of the IME related to the fund. The IME did not delineate the time spent on the second injury versus the first injury.  The commissioner finds that an award of half of the IME costs is reasonable.  The commissioner concludes that if the entire IME were awarded, the quid pro quo allowing IME costs to claimant would "become lopsided in favor of the claimant."  The commissioner does indicate in the course of the opinion that under section 85.39, both the evaluation charges and reports charges are available.  21 months from arbitration to appeal decision.

Danielson v. American Ordnance, Nos. 5047294, 5051683 (App. Aug. 24, 2018) - Following hearing, the deputy concluded that claimant did not sustain a new bilateral upper extremity injury in one file (Walsh).  On the other file, a 45% industrial award was made for a shoulder injury. Both parties appeal.  Without additional analysis, the commissioner affirms.  18 months from arbitration to appeal decision.

Christensen v. Pottawattamie County, No. 5051440 (App. Aug. 24, 2018) - Claimant was found to have carried his burden of demonstrating a mental-mental claim but found that the claim was time-barred by the statute of limitations (Grell).  Claimant argues on appeal that because the employer paid regular wages in lieu of workers' compensation benefits, the claim was timely filed. The commissioner affirms.  On the statute of limitations issue, the commissioner indicates that there was no documentary proof that claimant was paid his regular salary and the commissioner finds this assertion to be "baseless."  Although claimant was paid sick time, this is not considered to be salary in lieu of benefits.  17 months from arbitration to appeal decision.  

Bajgai v. Marzetti Frozen Pasta, Inc., Nos. 5051657, 5056031 (App. Aug. 20, 2018) - At hearing, claimant was awarded 65% industrial benefits (Walshire).  Defendants appeal, arguing that the industrial award was excessive.  There were also arguments that the second claim was not timely filed and that the second injury was only a temporary aggravation.  On appeal, the commissioner's delegee (Grell) did not accept all of the credibility findings made by the presiding deputy.  The decision concluded that claimant, a Nepalese national, could undertand the questions propounded to  him at the hearing and that he knew of the seriousness of his 2012 accident within a month after the injury occurred.  The 2012 accident was found to have been the subject of a petition outside the statute of limitations.  The 2014 accident was found, based on the reports of Dr. Kuhnlein's DME, to be only a temporary aggravation of a preexisting condition.  The appeal decision finds that claimant testified that Dr. Kuhnlein's history of the injuries was more accurate than that of Dr. Bansal. The appeal decision also finds that although there may have been a change in claimant's MRI between 2012 and 2016, when a second MRI was accomplished, claimant had not demonstrated that such a permanent aggravation had occurred.  Ultimately, the appeal decision finds that although claimant had a permanent injury as a result of the 2012 event, this claim was filed outside the statute of limitations period.  The 2014 events were found to lead to only a temporary aggravation.  Thus, the 65% award was taken away and claimant was left with only temporary benefits. 20 months from arbitration to appeal decision.

Van Wyhe v. Wilson Trailer, No. 5049975 (App. Aug. 17, 2018) - Claimant was awarded a 70% industrial award following hearing, but claimant's mental health condition was found not to have arisen out of employment (Walsh).   On appeal, the denial of the mental health claim is affirmed, as is the finding that claimant sustained permanent disability as a result of his back injury, but reduces the industrial disability from 70% to 40%. 

In reducing industrial disability, the commissioner found that claimant's wife had altered short term disability papers, which resulted in claimant's termination.  The commissioner concludes that the deputy's decision that the employer's termination was "baseless" was incrorrect.  The commissioner also finds that the deputy erred in concluding that the defendant-employer  failed to rehire claimant in good faith.  the commissioner rejects portions of both doctor's reports, finding that Dr. Martin's release without restrictions were not credible and finding that Dr. Bansal's 20 pound restrictions were suspect.  The commissioner concluded that since the ratings were modest and reduces industrial disability to 40%. 19 months from arbitration to appeal decision.  


Schindel v. Casey's Marketing Co., No. 5053577 (App. Aug. 14, 2018) - Claimant was found to have failed to carry her burden to demonstrate permanent disability to her lumbar spine (Palmer).  Without additional analysis, the decision of the deputy is affirmed.  18 months from arbitration to appeal decision.  


Sloss v. Tyson Foods, Inc., No. 5053811 (App. Aug. 14, 2018) - This is a hearing loss case in which the arbitration decision (Pals) found that claimant's hearing loss and tinnitus did not arise out of and in the course of employment.  Dr. Tyler's IME was awarded.  On appeal, the commissioner affirms without additional comment. 17 months from arbitration to appeal decision.

Wooten v. Tyson Foods, Inc., No. 5033585, 5046429 (App. Aug. 10, 2018) - Claimant's review-reopening action was found to be timely filed and the deputy further concluded that claimant demonstrated an economic change in condition, warranting a 40% increase in industrial disability (Walsh).  A separate claim for a bilateral arm injury resulted in a 5% award under 85.34(2)(s).  On appeal, the commissioner concludes that although the claim was timely filed, additional benefits were restricted to 75 weeks, not the 200 weeks in the arbitration decision.

There is a discussion of the timeliness of the review-reopening petition, as counsel did not originally plead the original date of injury, nor the file number for that date of injury, nor indicate that benefits had previously been paid.  Counsel later amended the petition to make these corrections and the amendment was accepted by the agency. The commissioner allows the amendment, as had the deputy. Defendants' argument that they were surprised by the amendment was rejected in light of conversations that had occurred between counsel.  The amendment related back to the review-reopening petition.

In reducing the award, the commissioner found that a significant portion of claimant's departure from her condition was due to factors unrelated to the injury. Furthermore, claimant did not apply for any jobs after being terminated and had no intention of working again.  Although the commissioner rejected defendants' Overholser challenge, because of the fact that a significant portion of the change was not due to the work injury and because of the lack of motivation, claimant was entitled to an additional award of only 15%.  19 months from arbitration to appeal decision.

True v. Heritage Care and Rehabilitation, No. 5035753 (App. Aug. 10, 2018) - Claimant filed a claim for penalty benefits only, which was denied (McGovern). Without further analysis, the commissioner affirms. 20 months from arbitration to appeal decision.

Torres v. John Deere Waterloo Works, No. 5053687, 5053688, 5053689, 5053690 (App. Aug. 10, 2018) - Claimant was found not to have met her burden of proof establishing that her injury arose out of and in the course of employment (McElderry).  On appeal, the commissioner affirms without additional analysis. 17 months from arbitration to appeal decision.

Deshaw v. G&A Farms, No. 5038609 (App. Aug. 2, 2018) - File not found.

Irwin v. Catholic Health Initiatives, No. 5052646 (App. Aug. 1, 2018) - Claimant's claim was found to be barred under the SOL.  Claimant pleaded discovery rule and this was rejected at the arbitration level (Palmer).  On appeal, the commissioner affirms without additional discussion.  20 months from arbitration to appeal decision. 


July 2018


Marshall v. City of Maxwell, No. 5255382 (App. July 31, 2018) - Claimant was awarded  a running healing period at hearing.  Penalty benefits were denied with respect to one period of benefits, but a $500 penalty was awarded for another (Grell). Defendants appeal and claimant cross appeals on the penalty denial. The commissioner specifically discusses the issue of whether claimant had reached MMI and affirms that decision.  On penalty, the commissioner affirms the decision to deny penalty on a period for benefits because defendants properly relied on the opinions of Dr. Nelson and Dr. Boarini.  The commissioner finds that defendants had a reasonable basis for concluding that claimant had reached MMI, by relying on the opinion of Dr Nelson that claimant had reached MMI.  The remaining penalty award is affirmed.  

Claimant made an additional argument for penalty at hearing, arguing that although there is an 11 day grace period for benefits, benefits once initiated are due each 7 days following the date of injury.  The commissioner affirms the deputy and finds that compensation due dates are eleven days after the injury and every seven days thereafter.   Citing Ball v. Fleetguard, No. 1281646 (App. Dec. 20, 2002). 19 months from arbitration to appeal decision.


Calderon v. Tyson Fresh Meats, Inc., No. 5051782, 5056141 (App. July 30, 2018) - In this case, claimant was found not to have demonstrated that he suffered injuries arising out of and in the course of his employment in one file and was found not to have a permanent impairment in the other (Pals) The costs of the IME were awarded to claimant. The commissioner affirms without additional analysis. 17 months from arbitration to appeal decision.


Ealy v. Weitz Industrial LLC, No. 5054511 (App. July 30, 2018) - Claimant was awarded 425 weeks of benefits following hearing, but appeals, alleging that he was PTD and odd lot (Gerrish-Lampe). Penalty benefits of about $900 were also awarded.  Defendants appeal, arguing that claimant's mental condition did not arise out of his employment. Without further analysis, the commissioner affirms the decision of the deputy. 18 months from arbitration to appeal decision.


Thielking v. Glazier's Distributors of Iowa, Inc., No. 5053369 (App. July 26, 2018) -  File not found.  At hearing, claimant was awarded healing period benefits and 25 weeks of permanency for a 5% industrial disability as a result of a hernia (McElderry).  20 months from arbitration to appeal decision.  


Hannan v. SIF, No. 5052402 (App. July 25, 2018) - In this action against the Fund alone, the deputy awarded permanent total disability benefits for a first injury to the right leg and second injury to the left leg (Elliott). The Fund was also ordered to pay the costs of a vocational report from Barbara Laughlin.  On appeal, the commissioner affirms the permanent total award under the "traditional industrial disability analysis, but reverses the costs portion of the decision.  The commissioner concludes that section 85.64 does not allow costs against the fund and finds that section 85.66 does not allow Fund monies to be distributed for any other purposes other than for the purposes stated in this chapter.  19 months from arbitration to appeal decision.  


O'Brien v. Seedorff Masonry, Inc., No. 5052056 (App. July 24, 2018) - Claimant was found to have a 20% industrial disability following hearing.  At the hearing the deputy allowed claimant to introduce a late report from Dr. Delbridge and the record was kept open to take Dr. Delbridge's deposition (Grell).  Defendants appeal and the decision is affirmed on appeal without further comment.  19 months from arbitration to appeal decision. 


Phipps v. Midwest Ambulance Service of Iowa, No. 5055117 (App. July 20, 2018) - Following hearing, claimant was found not to have sustained permanent disability (Grell).  TTD benefits were also denied, as was alternate medical care.  On appeal, the commissioner affirms with no additional analysis. 17 months from arbitration to appeal decision.


Ordonez v. City of Bouton, No. 5052627 (App. July 20, 2018) - Claimant was found not to have sustained an injury arising out of and in the course of his employment (Grell).   Claimant appeals and the commissioner affirms without additional analysis. 18 months from arbitration to appeal decision.


Halladay v. Menards, Nos. 5051327, 5051329, 5051330 (App. July 19, 2018) - Claimant was found to have a 25% industrial disability as a result of her neck injury.  A neck injury was found not to result in permanent disability.  A 60% industrial disability was found for a skin allergy, which allowed another 175 weeks of benefits after defendants' credit for the shoulder injury. (Walsh).  On appeal, the commissioner affirmed the 25% industrial disability award for the shoulder, and granted defendants a credit for overpayment of weekly benefits.  

The bulk of the decision is devoted to a discussion of the skin allergy question.  Dr. Barry, who was a dermatologist chosen by defendants, concluded that claimant had work related hand eczema and was not able to return to her prior job or where she was exposed to similar products.  A DME found that claimant's dermatitis was no exacerbated by the workplace and did not believe there was any impairment.  Dr. Sassman provided a 5% rating due to the skin disorder.  The commissioner found that the skin disorder was related to claimant's employment.  He accepted the opinion of Dr. Barry that the impairment was permanent and accepted Dr. Sassman's 5% rating.  On the extent of disability, claimant lost her job at Menard's as a result of her skin disorder.   The commissioner noted that claimant was still capable of working in an office setting.  Based on this and the "lack of tenacity" in her job search, industrial disability was reduced to 40%.  20 months from arbitration to appeal decision.


Loukaitis v. Menard and SIF, No. 5052710 (App. July 17, 2018) - Following hearing, claimant was found to have permanent disabilities to his lower extremities and low back (Gerrish-Lampe).  25% industrial disability was ordered.  No benefits were awarded against the fund because of the industrial finding.  Without additional discussion, the commissioner affirms the arbitration decision.  19 months from arbitration to appeal decision.  


Seamon v. Wolseley Investments, No. 5043765 (App. July 17, 2018) - Following hearing, claimant was awarded permanent total disability and $1850.00 in penalty (Elliott).  On appeal, the commissioner's designee (Christenson) finds that claimant had no permanent impairment to his back, crediting the reports of Dr. McMains over those of Dr. Sassman.  Claimant had also alleged a physical mental claim, which is what led to the PTD finding.  On appeal, the finding that claimant had suffered PTD from his mental injury was reversed.  The opinion of Dr. McCormick, who found that the work injury played a minor role in claimant's depression, was credited over that of Dr. Mittauer.  Claimant was found to have been untruthful about incidents that traumatized him in his adolescence.  The arbitration decision was reversed and claimant takes nothing. 22 months from arbitration to appeal decision.  


Bauman v. Bridgestone/Firestone, No. 5054286 (App. July 16, 2018)  - Claimant was found to have a 27% impairment of the left knee following hearing (Gordon).  Costs were also awarded, in the form of $2341.00 for the preparation fee of the report of Dr. Bansal. Without additional comment, the commissioner affirms the decision of the deputy. 18 months from arbitration to appeal decision. 


Samaniego v. JTV Manufacturing, Inc., No. 5049712 (App. July 16, 2018) - Claimant was found to have a 50%  loss to his right eye following hearing (Walsh).  A $7500.00 penalty was also imposed. Defendants appeal.  On appeal, the commissioner found that claimant had a permanent injury to his eye, but concludes that the injury sustained was only a 35% loss.  The decision discusses the opinions of Dr. Schweitzer, the treating physician, which were rejected and the IME reports of Dr. Dwyer, which were based on the 4th edition of the Guides, but which were accepted but reduced.  On the penalty issue, the commissioner reversed because the question of whether uncorrected or corrected vision is to be used in determining the extent of impairment had not been definitively decided when defendants relied on Dr. Schweitzer's opinion that claimant had a 0% impairment.  18 months from arbitration to appeal decision.  


Kramer v. Dohrn Transfer Co., Inc., No. 5052289 (App. July 12, 2018) -  At hearing, claimant was awarded a running healing period, beginning on January 15, 2015 (Christenson).   TTD benefits before this time were denied.  Both parties appeal, and the commissioner affirms without additional comment. 20 months from arbitration to appeal decision.  


Laidlaw v. Cognizant Technology Solution Services, No. 5043159 (App. July 12, 2018) -  Claimant was found not to have sustained an injury arising out of and in the course of his employment (Fitch).  On appeal, the commissioner affirms without additional comment.  26 months from arbitration to appeal hearing.  


Welsh v. Best Buy, No. 5053417 (App. July 10, 2018) - The arbitration decision concluded that claimant had not established that his injury extended beyond the foot and found that claimant failed to demonstrate CRPS (Palmer). 7.5 weeks of benefits were awarded.  Claimant appeals and the commissioner affirms without additional comment. 19 months from arbitration to appeal decision.


Olhausen v. 1st Step Chiropractic, No. 5045054, 5045055 (App. July 9, 2018) - Claimant was found not to have sustained permanent impairment in either of the files in question (Fitch). Certain reimbursements for medical benefits were provided.  The commissioner affirms without additional comment except to note that credibility was in issue and deference was given to the hearing deputy.  21 months from arbitration to appeal decision.  


Walker v. Quaker Oats Co., No. 5044625 (App. July 6, 2018) - In this review-reopening action, the deputy concluded that claimant 's disability had increased from 32.5% to permanent total disability (Gordon).  Penalty benefits of $350.00 were awarded.  On review, the commissioner affirmed the decision of the deputy without additional comment.  18 months from arbitration to appeal decision.  


Harrod v. Advance Services, No. 5048596 (App. July 6, 2018) - At hearing, claimant was awarded a 40% industrial disability (McElderry).  Penalty benefits of $4500 were also awarded.  The claim was assigned to Deputy Fitch as a designee for the commissioner.  On review, the deputy reduced the industrial disability award to 25% and reversed the award of penalty benefits.  The industrial award was reduced based on the fact that claimant had returned to light duty assignments with hourly wages approximately 20% below what she had been receiving at the time of the injury.  The penalty award was reduced because the evidentiary record was devoid of evidence regarding the date that defendants issued payment of the indemnity benefits.  22 months from arbitration to appeal decision.  

Bahe v. Iowa Dept. of Transportation, No. 5054363 (App. July 3, 2018) - Following hearing, claimant was found to have a 40% industrial disability (McElderry).   Defendants appeal.  Claimant cross appeals on a rate issue.  Without additional comment, the commissioner affirms the decision of the deputy. 18 months from arbitration to appeal decision.  

June 2018


Hall v. Apple Creek Kennel, No. 5044786 (App. June 29, 2018) - Defendants filed a review reopening action against claimant, arguing that she was no longer permanently and totally disabled (Christenson) The deputy rejected defendants' argument, finding there had been no economic or physical change. Without additional analysis, the commissioner affirms the decision of the deputy. 19 months from arbitration to appeal decision.

Hager v. U.S. Bank National Association, No. 5051056 (App. June 28, 2018) - File not found.  Deputy was Gerrish Lampe, who awarded 100 weeks of benefits.  19 months from arbitration to appeal decision.

Long v. Thombert, Inc., No. 5055046 (App. June 28, 2018) - Claimant appeals from a decision concluding that he failed to meet his burden of proving that his injury arose out of and in the course of his employment (Gerrish-Lampe). Claimant appeals, and the commissioner affirms the deputy without additional comment. 18 months from arbitration to appeal decision.

Perkins v. Wilken & Sons Auto Wrecking, No. 5055189 (App. June 27, 2018) - Following hearing, claimant was found to have suffered a 30% impairment of the right leg (Walsh).  The deputy concluded that the disability did not extend beyond the leg.  The 30% finding was not based on an impairment rating from a doctor. Defendants appeal and claimant asserts that the decision should be affirmed. The commissioner reverses on the 30% award, reducing that award to 9%, largely based on the report of Dr. Mooney.  The commissioner rejected the deputy's conclusion that Dr. Mooney's findings were not logical, and finds that Dr. Mooney correctly discounted claimant's pain because it was not correlated by objective proof .  The commissioner also relied on an FCE, which found inconsistent performance on the part of claimant and on the opinion of Dr. Gilarski, who also provided a 9% rating. The commissioner indicated that although lay testimony was to be considered, the Guides were to be considered prima facie evidence of the extent of an impairment.  The IME performed by Dr. Scherb did not provide any ratings or restrictions.  8 months from arbitration to appeal decision.

Saffell v. Peters Service Center, No. 5057015 (App. June 21, 2018) - Following hearing, claimant was awarded 50% industrial disability (Christenson). Defendants appeal, arguing that the award was too large.  Without further comment, the commissioner affirms the arbitration decision.  7 months from arbitration to appeal decision.

Law v. Hy-Vee Distribution, No. 5055461 (App. June 20, 2018) - Claimant was found to have a 55% industrial disability following hearing (Grell).  Both parties appeal, claimant asserting permanent total disability and defendants arguing the award was too high.  Without additional comment, the commissioner affirms the arbitration decision.  10 months from arbitration to appeal decision.

Maurer v. Gerdau Ameristeel U.S. Corp., No. 5056359 (App. June 20, 2018) -  Claimant was awarded 5% industrial following hearing (Grell).   Claimant appeals.  The commissioner affirms without further comment.  9 months from arbtitration to appeal decision.

Martinez v. Tyson Fresh Meats, Inc., No. 5039651 (App. June 19, 2018) - The underlying case was a review-reopening action in which the deputy (Elliott) concluded that claimant's 25% award should be increased to 90% based on a physical change of condition following settlement.  The decision also ordered that the IME be paid.   Defendants appeal and on appeal the commissioner affirms without further comment.  10 months from arbitration to appeal decision.

Freeman v. Tyson Foods, No. 5054755 (App. June 15, 2018) - At hearing, the deputy (McElderry) found that claimant had sustained a permanent shoulder injury in addition to an injury to the arm and provided a 65% industrial award, despite the fact that claimant was still working for the employer at her pre-injury job with no formal restrictions.  On appeal, the commissioner's designee (Grell) accepts the opinion of Dr. Vinyard over Dr. Bansal with respect to the shoulder, strips away the industrial awarded a provides claimant a 3%a arm award.  16 months from arbitration to appeal decision.

Robison v. Tri City Energy, No. 5033149 (App. June 15, 2018) - Claimant was found to be entitled to a partial commutation on August 1, 2016 (Pals).  Defendants appeal.  The commissioner's designee (Gordon) affirms, finding that claimant was not required to produce a financial or business plan that guarantees an income to replace her weekly benefit checks.  The plan must only be reasonable, citing Diamond v. Parsons Co., 129 N.W.2d 608, 616-617 (Iowa 1964).  The commissioner finds that although there was a risk that claimant might invest unwisely, the preference and benefit of receiving a lump sum payment outweighs that risk.   22 months from arbitration to appeal decision.

Meek v. John Deere Davenport Works,  No. 5029817 (App. June 13, 2018) - In this peition for partial commutation, the deputy ruled that claimant had not established that it was in his best interests for benefits to be commuted (Gordon).   Claimant appeals, and without further discussion, the denial of the partial commutation was affirmed.  11 months from arbitration to appeal decision.  

Baker v. Henniges Automotive, No. 5054847 (App. June 13, 2018) - Claimant was found to be entitled to a 50% industrial award following hearing (McElderry).  Defendants appeal.  Without further comment, the commissioner affirms.  13 months from arbitration to appeal decision.

Powell v. Smith Fertilizer and Grain, No. 5055682 (App. June 13, 2018) -  Claimant was awarded 70% industrial disability following hearing (McElderry) .Claimant appeals, alleging that he was permanently and totally disabled.  The commissioner affirms the decision of the deputy.  On appeal, the commissioner notes that two FCE's were performed, one of which found claimant could perform sedentary work, the other which indicated light work.  The treating doctor agreed with the light work restrictions, and Dr. Bansal provided sedentary restrictions. It was undisputed the claimant could not return to his former employment.   The commissioner sides with the treating doctor, Dr. Scott.  The commissioner also notes that Phil Davis had prepared a vocational report for claimant and Scott Mailey had done the same for defendants.  Davis found there was 90% loss of access to the job market and Mailey found 50% (which the commissioner found 'overly optimistic'), but ultimately his opinion was found "closer to reality" and the decision of the deputy was affirmed. 12 months from arbitration to appeal decision.


Pruismann v. Iowa Tank Lines, No. 5053398 (App. June 8, 2018) - The deputy found that claimant had a 45% industrial disability (Fitch)  and the commissioner affirms with no additional analysis.  It should be noted that in all decisions that award claimant benefits, the commissioner has been including the following with respect to interest:

"Defendants shall pay accrued weekly benefits in a lump sum together with interest at the rate of ten percent for all weekly benefits payable and not paid when due which accrued before July 1, 2017, and all interest on past due weekly compensation benefits accruing on or after July 1, 2017 shall be payable at an annual rate equal to the one-year treasury constant maturity published by the federal reserve in the most recent H15 report settled as of the date of injury, plus two percent.  See Gamble v. AG Leader Technology, File No. 5054686 (App. Apr. 24, 2018)."

16 months from arbitration to appeal decision.  

Allen v. Annett Holdings, No. 5024900 (App. June 7, 2018) - In this review-reopening action, the deputy concluded that claimant had not demonstrated that he suffered a change in condition. (Palmer).  Claimant had been awarded 50% industrial in the initial decision.  Claimant was also found not to be entitled to payment for an IME and the parties were to pay their respective costs.  Without further analysis, the commissioner adopts the decision of the deputy. 15 months from arbitration to appeal decision.

Heiss v. Genuine Parts Co., No. 5054997 (App. June 7, 2018) - The deputy concluded that claimant had suffered a 40% industrial disability and awarded $836 in penalty benefits for healing period and an additional $685.92 for TPD benefits (Walshire).  Defendants appeal, and the commissioner affirms without further comment.  14 months from arbitration to appeal decision.

Ocegueda v. Hy-Vee, Inc., No. 5052846, 5052847 (App. June 6, 2018) - Claimant was found not to be entitled to benefits in 5052846, and was found entitled to a 20% industrial disability in 5052847.  Claimant appeals and argues that the industrial award should be substantially increased.  Without further analysis, the arbitration decision is affirmed.

Goodman v. Rupp Tire Shop, No. 5045203 (App. June 6, 2018) - Claimant was awarded 250 weeks of benefits following hearing (Gerrish-Lampe).  Defendants appeal. Defendants also argue on appeal that the claim was barred by the statute of limitations. This defense apparently turned on whether and when the last payments were mailed to claimant.  At hearing, defendants did not produce any evidence of when those benefits were mailed.  Because of this, the deputy found that the defense failed and the commissioner's designee (Pals) affirms on this point.  Defendants also argue issue and claim preclusion, but because the issues were all a part of the same action, these defenses did not apply.  The  industrial award was affirmed.  22 months from arbitration to appeal decision.

Ayard v. Masterbrand Cabinets, Inc., No. 5054866 (App. June 4, 2018) - At the arbitration hearing, claimant was found to have sustained a sequela injury to his left shoulder and was awarded a running healing period (Walshire).  On appeal, the commissioner's designee (Gerrish-Lampe) affirms the causation finding and running healing period award. On appeal, claimant was found credible, affirming the decision of the hearing deputy.  Although defendants had two employees who indicated that claimant did not violate his restrictions in his light duty job, neither was claimant's supervisor or observed claimant throughout the day.  Based on the credibility finding concerning claimant, Dr. Kuhnlein's report was given credence and the arbitration decision was affirmed. 16 months from arbitration to appeal decision.

Boles v. Enxco, Inc.,  and SIF, Nos. 5036958, 5036959 (App.  June 4, 2018) - In this review-reopening action, the Fund appeal from a finding that claimant sustained a change in condition and was entitled to a  permanent total disability, increased from a 65% industrial award (Pals).  On appeal, the commissioner affirms with no additional comment. 19 months from arbitration to appeal decision.

Streit v. Streit Construction, Inc., No. 5043612 (Remand. June 1, 2018) - At hearing, claimant was found to have sustained an infection caused by MRSA, which arose out of employment.  This decision was reversed by the commissioner on the arising out of portion of the claim.  The district court remanded the case to the agency for a determination under Chapter 85 of the Code, rather than Chapter 85A.  Various doctors had opined on causation at hearing.  Dr. Comstock, who treated claimant when he was hospitalized, indicated that the "overwhelming possibility was that his illness arose out of his working conditions."  Another treating doctor found this was not work related and yet another did not opine on causation.  Dr. Kuhnlein, who was the IME doctor for claimant, found that if there was no objective proof of work-related MRSA exposure, then it was speculative to assume this was work related MRSA.  The commissioner again finds that claimant failed to meet his burden of proof and distinguished IBP v. Burress, because in that case claimant had documented cuts and abrasions while working for IBP (of course there was evidence that claimant in this case also had such cuts, but this didn't seem to be considered).  Based on the weight of the medical evidence, the commissioner again found that claimant's condition did not arise out of or in the course of his employment.  7 months from remand to decision.  

May 2018

Malloy v. Carroll Area Nursing Services, No. 5055317 (App. May 31, 2018) - Claimant was in an auto accident, which was found to have arisen out of and in the course of employment by the deputy (Palmer).  The underlying decision discussed the "special errand" and "personal vehicle" exceptions to the going and coming rules and found that claimant's trip was encompassed by the personal vehicle exception.  The deviation rule was also discussed.  A running healing period was awarded. Without further analysis, the commissioner affirms the arbitration decision.  16 months from arbitration to appeal decision.

Hernandez v. Tyson Foods, Inc., No. 5051333 (App. May 30, 2018) - At hearing, the deputy concluded that claimant's injury to her hand was limited to the hand and was not a body as a whole injury (Walsh).  Claimant had argued that the claim was industrial because of phantom pain following the loss of two of her fingers.  Claimant appeals.  Without further analysis, the commissioner affirms. 16 months from arbitration to appeal decision.

Tripp v. Catholic Health Initiatives, No. 5053166 (App. May 30, 2018) - Claimant was found to have sustained a 50% industrial disability and was awarded costs (McGovern).  Defendants appeal.  Without further discussion, the commissioner affirms the arbitration decision. 18 months from arbitration to appeal decision.

Stromley v. Reyes Holdings, Inc. No. 5055978 (App. May 30, 2018) - Claimant was found to have suffered a 10% industrial disability (Palmer).  Defendants appeal.  Without further discussion, the commissioner affirms.  15 months from arbitration to appeal decision.

Anderson v. Marting Mfg of Iowa, Inc., No. 5051117 (App. May 24, 2018) - At hearing, claimant was found to have suffered a cumulative injury and defendants' notice defense was rejected (Walsh). Healing period benefits were awarded, as claimant had recently had surgery from which he was still recovering.  The deputy concluded that the manifestation date was November 22, 2013 and that notice was provided on February 19, 2014.  On appeal, the commissioner affirms without additional comment.  17 months from arbitration to appeal decision.

Malget v. John Deere Waterloo Works, No. 5048441 (Remand May 23, 2018) - The claim was remanded from the district court on the issue of "whether the arc flash position created for Malget after sustaining his work injury is available on the competitive labor market."  If not, the agency was ordered to redetermine claimant's industrial loss.  On remand, the commissioner finds that there was little evidence in the record regarding the availability of the arc flash job in the labor market. A Deere employee had testified that this was a normal job for electricians at all Deere facilities.  Although this was not a make work job, since there was little evidence about the availability of the job in the overall labor market, claimant's overall industrial loss was reconsidered.

The decision notes that claimant has not made an application for work or looked for work and indicated that a loss of earning capacity due to voluntary choice or lack of motivation to return to work is not compensable (citing five cases).  Although claimant had been found disabled by social security, this was not controlling.  Kent Jayne is excoriated for finding repeatedly that claimants are precluded from the competitive labor market and is found not credible.  It was noted that claimant was a city council person for the City of Oelwein at the time of the hearing.  Claimant was found to be 60% disabled, which was 10% more than was the case before remand.

Dikutole v. Tyson Foods, Inc. No. 5054404 (App. May 11, 2018) - Claimant was found to have an unscheduled injury and was awarded a 40% industrial benefit (Palmer).  Defendant appeals and argues that claimant's injuries were scheduled injuries.  In this case, there were skin grafts associated with the claim.  The commissioner reverses the arbitration decision and concludes that the injuries were scheduled injuries. Although the skin graft on the left leg was found to have occasioned a 5% whole person impairment, the commissioner concludes that because the graft was taken from claimant's left thigh and utilized on his lower left leg, the injury remained within the leg.  The commissioner does not address the question of whether the skin is a body as a whole injury.  The functional loss to the body parts injured in the accident amounted to 18% of the body.  The commissioner surveys a number of cases and holds that an injury to the skin is not to be treated as a body as a whole injury. 17 months from arbitraton decision to appeal decision.

Trembly v. Hy-Vee, Inc., No. 5053539 (App. May 8, 2018) - Claimant was awarded temporary benefits following hearing, as well as medical expenses (McElderry).  The commissioner affirms the decision of the deputy and provides additional analysis of the issues.  Claimant had suffered an earlier MVA for which a stimulator had been implanted.  While at work, claimant stepped on a bread rack, causing him to fall.  Claimant testified that following the incident, he turned the stimulator from 8-10 because he was having additional pain.  He did not fill out an injury report, but mentioned the injury to someone at the store who he believed was the back room manager. Apparently, the fall caused damage to the stimulator leads and following this, claimant sought further medical treatment.  The spinal cord stimulator was later replaced and claimant was off work after surgery.  The commissoiner concludes that claimant's descriptions of the incident are largely consistent and not contradictory, as defendants had argued. The commissioner affrims the finding that claimant was a credible witness and affirms the decision of the deputy. 16 months from arbitration to appeal decision.

Botello-DeSilva v. IAC Iowa City, No. 5047339 (Remand May 7, 2018) - On judicial review, the district court indicated that the opinion of Dr. Cory Christiansen had not been considered.  The court remanded under Meyer v. IBP, indicating that ignoring relevant and important evidence  was an abuse of discretion.  On remand, the commissioner notes that the opinion of Dr. Christiansen was noted in the arbitration decision.  Although he causally connected claimant's hip pain to the original injury, he did not provide an opinion as to permanency.  The commissioner finds that the opinion is not persuasive as he fails to provide a rational for why he believes there is a causal connection between the hip pain and the original injury.  Three and half months from remand decision by district court to this decision.

Benson v. Rabiner Treatment Center, No. 5054312 (App. May 3, 2018) - Claimant was found to have sustained a 70% industrial disability (Pals).. $4200 in penalty benefits were also awarded.  Defendants appeal and claimant cross-appeals, arguing that claimant was permanent total.  Without further analysis, the commissioner affirms. 16 months from arbitration to appeal decision.

Houston v. Harding Enterprises, No. 5052683 (App. May 3, 2018) - Claimant was awarded permanent total disability and penalty benefits following hearing (McElderry).  Defendants appeal. The commissioner's designee (Pals) affirms with the exception of certain medical expenses. The deputy finds that claimant attempted to return to work following his injury but was unable to work a complete day of  work.  The deputy describes defendants' argument that claimant returned to work without restrictions "disingenuous."  She also finds that a functional rating  (8% in this case) did not directly correlate to the degree of industrial disability. Penalty in the amount of $5000 was also affirmed.  A few medical bills, related to claimant's lipoma removal, were disallowed, as this was not causally related to the work injury. 22 months from arbitration to appeal hearing.

Hildreth v. All Star Group Companies, No. 5027979 (App. May 3, 2018) - Claimant was found to have a 60% functional disability of the right leg (Walshire).  In making this determination, the deputy concluded that the impairment ratings under the Guides did not address claimant's actual loss of use of the right leg (claimant could only stand and walk for 10 minutes).  The deputy described this loss of use as more onerous than a partial amputation and provided a 60% functional loss finding. No BAW injury was found..  Defendants appeal.  On appeal, the commissioner reduces the functional rating from 60% to 18%. The commissioner also reverses a finding that an FCE charge be paid.  Dr. Femino had performed six surgeries on claimant's leg.  An FCE recommended by Dr. Femino, showed that claimant could only perform sedentary work.  A second physical therapist found claimant could perform medium work.  Dr. Chen found that claimant had a 10% impairment of the leg.  Dr. Kirkland believed that claimant had an SI sprain because of the leg injury and provided a 7% whole person impairment rating.  The commissioner affirms the finding that the injury was confined to the leg.  Ultimately, the commissioner agrees with Dr. Kirkland's impairment rating to the leg (18%) and finds that the functional losses demonstrated by the FCE were not to be considered.   Hence, the award was reduced to 18% from 60%.  The commissioner holds to  his view that FCE's cannot be paid for under 4.33(6) unless they are ordered by a physician. 17 months from arbitration to appeal hearing.

Bowers v. Premium Transportation Staffing, No. 5040646 (App. May 1, 2018) - The deputy commissioner found that defendants were responsible for $50,000 in penalty benefits (McElderry).  The employer argues on appeal that they provided the carrier with sufficient funds to pay the claim and should not be found liable for penalty.  The employer had a $1 million deductible.  

In the initial hearing. claimant was found permanently and totally disabled, but penalty benefits were denied.  The insurer filed a bankruptcy petition after the decision.  The receiver in the bankruptcy petition had indicated that workers' compensation payments should continue to  be made. Defendants' counsel indicated they were filing a petition for judicial review and would not make payments.  On judicial review, defendants requested a stay of proceedings pending the bankruptcy proceedings.  The court denied this request. 

The Iowa Insurance Guaranty Association indicated that there was a $1 million deductible on the claim and therefore the Guaranty Association was not a part of the claim.  Claimant prevailed at the district court and court of appeals, with the COA decision issued on October 14, 2015.Defendants did not pay the claim, even at this point.  Claimant obtained a judgment of approximately $100,000 and filed a notice of foreign judgment in Ohio.  The employer issued a check for about $64,000 on February 24, 2016, but didn't pay the remaining benefits, interests or costs.  The employer argued that it was not responsible for the penalty and that the insurer was responsible, citing Section 515B of the Code provides that the term "covered claim" does not include any amount that is a fine, penalty or examplary damages and that consequently they are not responsible for the penalty.

The commissioner finds that there is no coverage afforded under section 515B because the deductible is not a covered claim and thus the Guaranty Fund is not implicated.  With respect to the employer's argument that they were not liable for penalty because they had paid the insurer sufficient funds to pay claimant's claim, the commissioner found this argument had no basis under Iowa law and affirmed the penalty benefits in the amount of $49,830.87.  22 months from arbitration to appeal decision. 

April 2018

Bruning v. Farner Bocken Co., Nos. 5062213, 5062214, 5062215 (App. April 30, 2018) - This case is a part of the numerous partial commutation actions filed in advance of July 1, 2017.  The case had been remanded by the district court following the commissioner's ruling that the cases were interlocutory and thus not a proper subject of appeal.  The district court remanded for a decision for an explanation or ruling consistent with the Sloan  decision.  In Sloan, the commissioner found that if a decision had not been made on the merits of a claim, commutation was inappropriate.  Citing Sloan, the commissioner dismisses the partial commutation appeal.

Wood v. Phillips Healthcare, No. 5049753 (App. April 27, 2018) - Following hearing, claimant was found to have a 60% industrial disability (Christenson).  Travel expenses were awarded, as was the second of two IME's by Dr. Kuhnlein.  On appeal, the commissioner's designee (McGovern) affirms the decision without additional comment.  19 months from arbitration to appeal decision.

Hyten v. The Hon Company, No. 5051067 (App. April 26, 2018) - The only issue involved in this appeal is a penalty finding.  Following hearing, defendants wrere assessed a 50% penalty on the 62.5 weeks of benefits that were not paid in a timely fashion following an IME by Dr. Taylor (Walsh).  Defendants produced no evidence that they have ever produced a written explanation fot the delay. On appeal, Deputy Grell, acting as designee, affirms the decision without further discussion. 17 months from arbitration to appeal decision.

Logan v. ABF Freight System, Inc., No. 5047979 (App. April 25, 2018) - Following hearing, claimant was found to have a 15% industrial loss (Walsh).  Defendants appealed and claimant cross-appealed.  The commissioner's designee on appeal (Grell) discusses the issue involved in the case and affirms the 15% industrial award, the wage rate, the determination of healing period and alternate medical care.  On this issue, the deputy finds that providing no care for the right shoulder injury was inferior to and less extensive than the care requested by the employee.  20 months from arbitration to appeal decision.

Shariff v. Kraft Foods, Inc., No 5037146 (App. April 25, 2018) - Claimant had a hearing in 2013 which was a take nothing opinion. On appeal, the commissioner reversed and ordered a running healing period.  Defendants sought judicial review, lost and filed an appeal, filing a supersedeas bond.  Claimant filed a post-hearing penalty petition.  The COA ultimately affirmed the running healing period. Defendants made payment of the award on March 15, 2016.

In the post-hearing penalty proceeding, the deputy (Gordon) found that claimant was entitled to post-hearing penalty benefits from 4/30/14 to 4/27/15 and from 3/24/16 to 5/4/16.  Penalty of $11,500 was awarded.  On appeal, and without further comment, the commissioner affirms the penalty award.  18 months from arbitration to appeal decision.

Gamble v. AG Leader Technology, No. 5054686 (App. April 24, 2018) - The deputy in this case provided a 60% industrial disability award (Walshire). Defendants appeal.  On appeal, the commissioner affirms the industrial disability award without additional comment.

The commissioner also addresses the issue of interest under the 2017 revisions to the workers' compensation act.  With respect to this issue, the commissioner concludes that under the former version of section 535.3, defendants were under an "obligation or liability to pay interest at the rate of ten percent on accrued temporary partial disability benefits that were payable and not paid when due from September 30, 2013."  From July 1, when the new statute took effect, defendants are obligated to pay interest at the rate settled "pursuant to the H15 report settled as of the date of claiman's injury, plus two percent."  Although the decision indicates that the rate is the rate payable as of the time of the injury, he concludes that claimant is to be paid 4.14% interest after July 1, 2017, which is quite a bit higher than the rate at the time of claimant's injury on May 9, 2013, so this conclusion is a bit confusing.  This would appear to be the commissioner's view on the issue of interest in light of the new statute.  18 months from arbitration to appeal decision.

Johnston v. Mohawk Industries, Inc., No. 5052017 (App. April 20, 2018) - In this case, the deputy found that claimant was entitled to a 35% industrial disability (Elliott).  Defendants appeal and on appeal the commissioner affirms without additional comment.  18 months from arbitration to appeal decision.

Hoefer v. CB Richard Ellis, Inc., No. 5052635 (App. April 18, 2018) - The deputy concluded that claimant had suffered a permanent scheduled member injury and a sequela injury to the body as a whole (Palmer).   A 20% industrial award was provided.  A $1200 penalty was assessed.  Claimant was denied payment for the full charge for Dr. Sassman's IME.  Both parties appeal and without additional comment, the commissioner affirms.  18 months from arbitration to appeal decision.

Ondler v. Quaker Oats Co.,  No. 5052607 (App. April 11, 2018) - The deputy found that claimant failed to carry his burden of proof that he suffered hearing loss and tinnitus arising out of and in the course of employment (Fitch).  This is a Hansen vs. Tyler claim in which Hansen prevails because Tyler allegedly did not consider medical records from procedures during claimant's childhood. Without further comment, the commissioner affirms the decision of the deputy.  17 months from arbitration to appeal decision.

Garcia v. Vander Waal Feedlot, Inc., No. 5034267 (App. April 11, 2018) - In this review-reopening action, the deputy found that claimant had sustained his burden of demonstrating a change in his physical condition due to a sequela injury to his hip and low back (Walsh).  Claimant was awarded15% industrial disability benefits with credit for the scheduled member payments that had been made previously. The commissioner affirms the decision of the deputy without further analysis.  17 months from arbitration to appeal decision.

Bell v. 3E, No. 5034021 (App. April 10, 2018) -  Claimant was found not to have sustained a change in condition in this review-reopening action. The commissioner affirms most of the award without further comment, but finds that claimant is entitled to interest on unpaid healing period benefits for the period from January 12-30, 2012.

Rosario Romero v. Curly's Foods, No. 5049896 (App. April 10, 2018) - In this claim, the deputy (McGovern) found that claimant had not provided notice of her cumulative shoulder condition for 210 days after she should have discovered the injury.  Claimant appeals, arguing that the last injurious exposure to the working conditions that led to shoulder problems was within the notice period.  The commissioner affirms, finding that "this is one of those extremely rare cases where a claim should be barred by a claimant's failure to comply with the 90 day notice requirement . . ."  The commissioner indicates that claimant did not state the she did not understand the nature, seriousness and probable compensable character until March 27, 2014 because she testified she reported the condition to defendants in May of 2013, which defendants denied.  The commissioner indicates that by arguing that she reported the injury in May of 2013, she was conceding the seriousness of her condition as of that date.  Of course, the courts have not equated seriousness to the mere reporting of an injury and seriousness is not the only prong of the discovery rule.  Claimant also argued that her last injurious exposure was in May of 2014, a contention the commissioner does not  address.  18 months from arbitration to appeal decision.

Wood v. A-Tec Recycling, No. 5049820 (App. April 6, 2018) - Claimant was awarded a 10% industrial disability in addition to payment of a copayment of $2575 for treatment for the work injury (Fitch). IME costs were also awarded.  Both parties appeal.  Without further comment, the commissioner affirms the decision of the deputy. 19 months from arbitration to appeal decision.

Tilton v. H.J. Heinz, No. 5053002 (App. April 5, 2018) - In this case, the hearing deputy (McElderry) found that  claimant's petition was filed untimely..  The deputy concluded that claimant had been aware of the nature, seriousness and probable compensability of the injury well before the April 15, 2013 date alleged in the petition.  Since the petition was filed on March 27, 2015, it was untimely.  On appeal, the commissioner's designee (Christenson) also dismissed claimant's claim, but on the basis that she had not provided notice within 90 days.  The deputy found that claimant's manifestation date was September 8, 2010 and she did not notify the employer until May 3, 2013.  Based on this finding, the statute of limitations finding was not addressed.  21 months from arbitration to appeal decision.

Ramirez v. The Weitz Co., No. 5041465 (App. April 5, 2018) - Claimant was found to have a 60% industrial disability following hearing (Pals).  Costs were also awarded against defendants for payment of Dr. Kirkland's IME.  Defendants appeal and the commissioner affirms without further comment. 19 months from arbitration to appeal decision.

Buchanan v. Presbyterian Homes and Services, No. 5054053 (April 2, 2018) - The deputy concluded that claimant had suffered injuries to her left foot and ankle with a permanent sequela injury to her low back and provided a 65% industrial award (Walshire).   Penalty benefits were also imposed in the amount of $5,428.97 for unreasonable delay in paying benefits.  Defendants appeal and claimant cross appeals, but asserts that the decision should be affirmed.  Without further discussion, the commissioner affirms.  20 months from arbitration to appeal decision.  

March 2018

Huff v. Alcoa, Inc., No. 5052230 (App. March 30, 2018) - Claimant was found to have suffered a 25% industrial disability following hearing (Elliott).  Defendants were found to be entitled to a credit and the costs of the IME were denied. Defendants appeal.  With further analysis, the commissioner affirms.  17 months from arbitration to appeal decision.

Baker v. Pyramid Wall Systems, No. 5059101 (Remand March 27, 2018) -  This is a remand order from district court on a partial commutation matter.  The partial commutation petition was dismissed as premature because claimant alleged that he was entitled to "TBD" for purposes of the commutation.  A notice of appeal was dismissed as interlocutory and this action was appealed to the district court, which remanded for an explanation or ruling consistent with Sloan v. Mark D. Sloan, No. 5065386, where the commissioner had earlier ruled that 86.45 provides that a prerequisite for a commutation is that the amount of compensation payable can be definitely determined.  On remand, the commissioner sets forth much of the Sloan  ruling and again dismisses the petition for commutation.  

Hall v. Cargill Meat Solutions, No. 5044361 (App. March 27, 2018) - At hearing, claimant moved to exclude reports by Dr. Ascheman.  The hearing deputy denied this request because it was made two months after hearing and because the exhibit had already been admitted as a part of the Joint Exhibits (Palmer).  On appeal, the commissioner finds that  the appeal of this issue was entirely without merit.

On the merits of the case, the deputy concluded that claimant failed to carry his burden of demonstrating a physical-mental injury. With further discussion, the commissioner affirms the arbitration decision.  17 months from arbitration to appeal decision.

Reh v. Tyson Foods, Inc., No. 5053428 (App. March 26, 2018) - The sole issue in this appeal is whether claimant was entitled to reimbursement for the costs of Dr. Tearse's IME.  The deputy awarded the IME costs (Pals).  On appeal, the commissioner reverses the award for the IME.  Claimant had a work related injury to his right shoulder and treated with Dr. Gorsche, who recommended surgery.  The surgeon, Dr. Gordon, did not believe that claimant's injury was work related.  Dr. Tearse subsequently performed an IME, charging $1600.00, with no breakdown of costs.  Claimant argued that the no causation findings triggered claimant's right to an 85.39 exam.  Claimant argued that proving an injury arose out of and in the course of employment was not a requirement for entitlement to an 85.39 exam.  Defendants argued that because their doctors did not provide ratings, only causation opinions, the prerequisites of section 85.39 were not met. 

The commissioner finds that a finding of no causation, without an evaluation of permanent disability, was insufficient to trigger claimant's right to an 85.39 exam.  Here, according to the commissioner, there was no rating of impairment.  Dr. Tearse's costs were also not taxable as costs because Dr. Tearse did not break down what was charged for the written report and for the examination.  Claimant takes nothing from this proceeding.  17 months from arbitration to appeal decision.

Echols v. Elite Staffing and Jacobson Staffing Co., No. 5047498 (App. March 26, 2018) -  At hearing, claimant was found to have suffered an aggravation of a pre-existing low back condition, which led to permanent and total disability. Claimant was also found eligible for medical care.  The hearing deputy based claimant's rate on a combination of testimony and tax returns.  A mental injury claim was rejected (Walsh).

On appeal, defendants challenge causation and the PTD award, but not the rate.  The claim was delegated to the commissioner's designee, Deputy Gerrish-Lampe, who affirmed the decision of the deputy.  Defendants argued the claimant was not a credible witness.  The hearing deputy had found that claimant was trying to be honest.  On appeal, determinations of credibility are given deference.  Since it was undisputed the claimant slipped and fell down a number of steps, there was clearly an event that could have caused the back problems  Dr. Sassman's report was credited over that of Dr. Miller.  18 months from arbitration to appeal decision.  

McMurray v. Vermeer Mfg., No. 5047980 (App. March 26, 2018) - Claimant was found to have failed to carry his burden of proving that his work injury was the cause of any permanent disability (McElderry). Dr. Bansal's IME was awarded under 85.39.  Costs were assessed to claimant.  On appeal, the commissioner's designess (Gordon) affirms the decision of the hearing deputy.  Claimant had a prior cervical fusion in 2012 and had a work injury in January 2014.  The deputy relied primarily on the opinions of Dr. Boarini, who had performed the fusion surgery, to support the conclusion that there was no additional permanent from the work injury.  Dr. Bansal's opinion was not credited, primarily because he did not address the findings of Dr. Boarini or Dr. Miller.

There is a discussion of the XRTS hand strength assessment which is troubling.  The decision notes that the FCE report includes numerous references to articles "that presumably support the grip strength testing method."  Of course, most of those articles are written by the folks who developed the XRTS method.  Regardless of the FCE, however, the decisoin finds that claimant still failed to carry his burden of proving causal relationship between his limitations and the work injury.  Although Bansal's report is ordered to be paid, the arbitration decision is affirmed in awarding costs against claimant.  24 months from arbitration to appeal decision.

Cockrell-Colton v. Catholic Health Initiatives, No. 5051851, 5055856 (App. March 23, 2018) - Claimant was found to have an 8% right thumb injury on one claim and a 35% industrial disability on the second claim (Grell).  The commissioner affirms without additional comment.  20 months from arbitration to appeal decision.

Dillavou v. John Deere Des Moines Works, No. 5051562 et al. (App. March 22, 2018) - I this case, the deputy found that claimant was entitled to a 40% industrial disability award in addition to temporary benefits.  Dr. Bansal's IME costs were awarded under section 85.39, with the deputy finding that no rating was equivalent to a 0% payment, thus triggering 85.39 (Pals).  Defendants had taken the position that claimant had returned to baseline and suffered no permanent impairment.   On appeal, the commissioner appeals on the merits, but concludes that there was no support for the argument that providing no impairment rating was equivalent to a 0% impairment and finding the this would be inconsistent with Des Moines Area Regional Transit v. Young. 19 months from arbitration to appeal decision.  

Siglin v. United Airlines, Inc., No. 5053170, 5053171 (App. March 19, 2018) - Claimant was found by the hearing deputy to have failed to carry his burden of proof on claims on hearing loss and tinnitus (Grell).  Without further elaboration, the commissioner affirms the arbitration decision.  17 months from arbitration to appeal decision.  

Kramer v. Kraft Foods Group, Inc., No. 5052150 (App. March 16, 2018) - Claimant was found eligible for temporary benefits, a 25% industrial disability and $4,000 in penalties following hearing (Palmer).  Without additional analysis, the commissioner affirms the decision of the deputy.  18 months from arbitration to appeal decision.

Hills v. John Deere Des Moines Works, No. 5052067 (App. March 15, 2018) - Claiamant was found to have sustained bilateral carpal tunnel injuries and was found eligible for a 12% award of benefits under 85.34(2)(s). (Walsh).  On appeal, the commissioner affirms that claimant suffered a work related injury, but reduces the extent of the injury from 12% BAW to 2% BAW.   The commissioner notes that Dr. Cherny's ratings included ratings for the elbows, which claimant had not alleged.  Claimant had no treatment for his elbows.  The commissioner accepts the reports of Dr. Kimelman, which had provided claimant a 2% rating.  16 months from arbitration to appeal decision.

Stevens v. Eastern Star Masonic Home, No. 5049776 (App. March 14, 2018) - Following hearing, claimant was found to have a shoulder injury and CRPS and a 60% industrial disability.  Alternate medical care was also awaarded.  On appeal, the commissioner affirms without additional comment.  19 months from arbitration to appeal decision. 

Bruce v. H.L. Corporation, dba Creston Family Restaurant, No. 5054197 (App. March 9, 2018) - Claimant was found to have sustained a 60% industrial disability following hearing (Walshire). Defendants appeal.  Without additional discussion, the arbitration decision is affirmed.  19 months from arbitration to appeal decision.  


Green v. North Central Iowa Regional Solid Waste Agency, No. 5042527 (Remand March 8, 2018) - At the agency level, the commissioner concluded that any treatment not paid by defendants was not authorized or necessary to treat the work injury.  Claimant filed a petition for judicial review and the district court remanded the case back to the agency for a determination as to whether there was a causal connection between claimant's injury and the claimed medical expenses.  

On remand, defendants are found responsible for medical expenses associated with emergency treatment for a closed head injury.  Care for followup with Dr. Rondinelli is also awarded, as this was authorized by defendants.  Costs of care a Trinity Regional Medical Center for emergency care are also awarded.  Claimant was found not to have established beneficial care for Trimark Family Practice as "there is little evidence in the record that the care was . . . beneficial."  Although claimant received care at Community Health Center, by the time this care was received, claimant had reached MMI and no further care had been recommended so payment is denied.  The remand order is very specific as to the bills that are to be paid, which was apparently not the case in the original decision.  


Luscombe v. Ida County Sheriff's Dept., No. 5047861 (App. March 7, 2018) - Claimant was found to have a 20% industrial disability following hearing, but was denied additional healing period benefits (Walsh).  The deputy concluded that claimant's hand injury was CRPS/RSD and thus treated the claim industrially.   Defendants appeal.  Without additional comment, the commissioner affirms.  17 months from arbitration to appeal decision.


Soliz v. Farmland Foods, No. 5047856 (App. March 7, 2016) - Claimant was awarded permanent total disability benefits following appeal (Elliott).  On appeal, the commissioner affirms the PTD finding without additional comment.  With respect to payment for Dr. Bansal's IME and a pyschological report, the commissioner found that Dr. Bansal's IME was not payable under section 85.39 of the Code because the findings by defendants doctors that claimant had not sustained a work related injury was not equivalent to a finding of 0% impairment.  The commissioner found this was contrary to the opinion in DART v. Young.  The IME was also found not to be a taxable cost.  Dr. Ressler's report costs were limited to $300, as this was the amount attributable to the report aspect of the evaluation.  18 months from arbitration to appeal decision.


Deciga Sanchez v. Tyson Fresh Meats, No. 5052008 (App. March 6, 2018) - In this appeal, the hearing deputy concluded that claimant suffered a permanent total disability as a result of  head, neck and mental injuries (Fitch).   On appeal, the commissioner reverses the permanent total disability award and awards a running healing.period.  The commissioner also reduces the taxation of costs for a psychologists report from $1200 to $300.  

Claimant was pushing a hog carcass which had become stuck on an overhead rail.  The carcass fell on claimant, striking him on the back of his head and neck, striking his face, arm and chest on a metal object as he was falling.  Claimant testified he was scared and in shock following the incident and felt pain throughout his body.  He apparently did not lose consciousness.  Claimant returned to work with defendant on light duty, but had difficulty with the noisy environment, leading  him to feel stress and anxiety.  Claimant was ultimately diagnosed with a mood disorder/adjustment disorder and that claimant was fixated upon and self-conscious about the scar.  Dr. Nguyen recommended treatment.  Claimant was ultimately seen by Amy Mooney and Terrence Augspurger, finding that claimant had unspecified anxiety disorder and PTSD.  They felt that the trauma was not sufficient to qualify for a PTSD diagnosis.  Treatment was with medications provided by Dr. Archer.  Ultimately, Archer indicated that claimant had reached baseline with respect to his psychological condition.  Claimant had an IME with Dr. Bansal, who found claimant had reached MMI and had post-concussive syndrome, PTSD, left ear tinnitus, headaches and concentration impairment, as well as myofascial pain syndrome to the neck.  He gave small impairment ratings and a 40 pound lifting limit.  He also advised caution in returning to work that aggravated his PTSD.  

Claimant also started to treat with a mental health counselor for his PTSD.  Claimant's employment was terminated for missing too much work and accumulating too many points, some of which related to the injury, some to no-call/no shows for non-injury related reasons.  Dr. Ressler performed a psychological IME and also administered an MMPI-2.  Her diagnosis was PTSD with dissociative symptoms. She did not believe that claimant was capable of performing his job  or any other job at the present time.  The appeal decision sets forth Dr. Ressler's conclusions in great detail.  

The commissioner affirmed the finding that claimant's scarring resulted in permanent disability.  Both Dr. Bansal and Dr. Ressler were deposed by defendants.  The commissioner finds that Dr. Bansal's conclusions concerning the permanency and extent of claimant's neck injury was to be given greater weight than that of Dr. Archer.  The commissioner concludes that Dr. Ressler's opinions on diagnosis and causation prevailed and were entitled to the greatest weight as to claimant's mental health condition.  The commissioner found, however, that claimant was entitled to a running healing period rather than a permanent total disability award.  The commissioner concluded that until such time as the treatment recommended by Dr. Ressler was provided, claimant was not at MMI.  Defendant was ordered to select and authorize an appropriate psychologist/psychiatrist to treat claimant.  The costs of Dr. Ressler's report was reduced from $1200 to $300 because the cost of producing the report itself was only $300.  19 months from arbitration to appeal decision.

February 2018


Jimenez v. JBS Swift, No. 5052294 (App. Feb. 26, 2018) - Claimant was found to have sustained a 50% industrial loss, despite the fact that he continued to work for the employer (McElderry). Defendant appeals.  The commissioner affirms without further comment.  17 months from arbtiration to appeal decision.

Jones v. John Deere Waterloo Works, No. 5052098 (App. Feb. 23, 2018) - Claimant was found not to have carried her burden of demonstrating a work related injury. (McGovern).  Without additional comment, the commissioner affirms the denial of benefits.  18 months from arbitration to appeal decision.

Leyva v. JBS USA LLC, No. 5047991 (App. Feb. 23, 2018) - Claimant was found to have suffered injuries to his bilateral hands, wrists, elbows and shoulders as a result of his work injury (Walsh). Claimant was found to be entitled to a running healing period.  Penalty benefits were denied.  On appeal, the decision is affirmed, without additional comment.  19 months from arbitration to appeal decision.

Pressley v. John Deere Harvester Works, No. 5050446 ( App.  Feb. 23, 2018) -  Following hearing, claimant was found to have failed to carry his burden that his knee replacement surgery was related to his work activities (Elliott)   Claimant appeals.  On appeal,, the commissioner affirms without additional comment.  19 months from arbitration to appeal decision.

Jimmerson v. Ultimate Automotive Service Center, Inc., No. 5052541 (App. Feb. 22, 2018) - Claimant was found to have sustained a 30% industrial loss.  Defendants were ordered to pay out of pocket medical expenses and costs, including the cost of an FCE (Elliott).   Defendants appeal. The commissioner affirms on the industrial award, but reverses on the payment of out of pocket costs because this care was without authorization from the employer.  The FCE allowance is also reversed "because the FCE was not requested by a treating or evaluating physician." Not sure where this reason for denial is in the rules, but it seems to be the predominant reason for the denial of FCE costs.  18 months from arbitration to appeal decision.

Vasquez v. Dormark Construction Co., No. 5047236 (App. Feb. 21, 2018) - Claimant was found to have sustained a 25% industrial disability as a result of cervical injuries (Gerrish-Lampe).  Penalty benefits of 50%  on late paid PPD was also awarded.  The commissioner affirms the award with no further discussion. 19 months from arbitration to appeal decision.


McDonald v. Fisher Controls, Nos. 5052226, 5052227 (App. Feb. 21, 2018) - The hearing deputy concluded that claimant failed to carry his burden of proving that he sustained injuries arising out of and in the course of employment (McElderry).   Claimant appeals.  Without further analysis, the commissioner affirms.  19 months from arbitration to appeal decision.


Zalaznik v. John Deere Dubuque Works, Nos. 5049263,5049378 (App.  Feb. 21, 2018) - Claimant was found to has sustained a 10% functional loss for injuries to the bilateral elbows, but was denied benefits for a shoulder injury which was alleged to be a sequela of the injury to the elbows (Christenson).   The shoulder injury was dismissed on statute of limitations grounds.  Claimant appeals on this claim.  On the second claim, the deputy found claimant had sustained an injury to the right shoulder which was not barred by the statute of limitations.  Claimant was found to have a 20% industrial disability. Claimant appeals on this claim as well, indicating that at least 50% industrial disability should have been awarded.  Defendants also appeal.  Without further discussion, the commissioner affirms the decision of the deputy.  20 months from arbitration decision to appeal decision.


Saghir v. Menards, No. 5052229 (App. Feb. 19, 2018) - At hearing, claimant was found to have failed to meet his burden of demonstrating a permanent injury (McElderry).   Claimant appeals.  Claimant had an earlier motor vehicle accident and neuropsychological testing at that time indicated that claimant was exaggerating his eye, ear, cognitive and psychological injuries.  On January 1, 2015, claimant was struck in the head with a board while working for Menard's.  Claimant was found to have developed a cervical strain. An MRI showed a bulging disk at C6-7, but the treating doctor did not believe that claimant's problems made sense from a neurologic standpoint.  The doctor believed that the symptoms were best addressed from a mental health standpoint.  Additional neuropsychological testing was found invalid and exaggerated. Dr. Bansal found that claimant had suffered a traumatic brain injury and had also had an aggravation of C6-7 cervical spondylosis.  Dr. Bansal did not refer to the 2010 accident in his report, despite having access to those records.

The commissioner affirms the denial of benefits based on the fact that neither claimant's eye doctor or Dr. Bansal were aware of the 2010 motor vehicle accident and the lack of credibility of claimant.  The decision goes on at length to criticize Dr. Bansal's failure to take into account the earlier MVA, calling this a "critical omission."  The claimant is also trashed for exaggerating his symptoms, malingering and for having a lack of motivation to work.  The decision of the deputy is affirmed.  It is interesting that this decision, although it could have been a pro forma affirmance of the denial of benefits, goes to great lengths to cast doubt on the veracity of claimant and to attack Dr. Bansal's credibility.  19 months from arbitration to appeal decision.


Aguilar v. Fountain West Health Center, No. 5047732 (App. Feb. 16, 2018) - Claimant was awarded 125 weeks of benefits following hearing (Elliott).  Defendants appeal.  The commissioner's delegee (Palmer) affirms the decision without additional comment. 23  months from arbitration to appeal decision.


Martin v. Midamerican Energy, No. 5055340 (App. Feb. 16, 2018) - In this claim, which involved hearing loss and tinnitus, the deputy found a hearing loss of .0022% and found a 15% industrial disability for the hearing loss and tinnitus (Walshire).  Defendants appeal. On appeal, the commissioner concludes that claimant suffered work related hearing loss and tinnitus, but reduces the industrial disability level to 5%.  Dr. Martin found there was no hearing loss, based on test results that were inconsistent.  Dr. Kenny's audiogram showing a hearing loss of.0022% was accepted as valid.  Claimant indicated he was able to perform his work despite tinnitus and hearing loss.  The only time his tinnitus bothers him is when he works on cars and engages in hobbies where he needs to read a manual because he has difficulty concentrating.  Claimant is retired.  Dr. Tyler found a 25% binaural hearing loss using the Iowa Code and 34% if the 4000Hz frequency is used.  Dr. Tyler provided a 10% loss for tinnitus.  Dr. Plakke disagreed and indicated that the hearing loss and tinnitus were not due to work.

The commissioner finds that Dr. Kenny, an audiologist, is the most convincing and finds hearing loss of.0022%.  He finds that the use of the "suspect" results at Dr. Martin's office was inappropriate.  The commissioner finds Dr. Tyler's tinnitus scale "subjective" and "not credible" and says "it should not be the basis for rating permanent impairment for tinnitus."  Citing Ament v. Quaker Oats Co., No. 5044299, 5044298 (App. March 17, 2016), the commissioner concludes that Dr. Tyler's rating system for tinnitus is "not credible, not only because he uses his unscientific method to come up with it, but his impairment rating is 100 percent higher than the maximum impairment rating assignable under the AMA Guides."  The commissioner awards a 5% industrial disability rating.  If there was any doubt that the commissioner had rejected Dr. Tyler's methodology, this decision put that to rest.  19 months from arbitration decision to appeal decision.

Arreola v. Bodeans Baking Group Holding, LLC, No. 5040956, 5040974 (App. Feb. 15,6, 2018) - Claimant was awarded permanent total disability against the employer due to shoulder injuries.  Two injuries were involved and two insurance companies were involved. The PTD benefits were awarded against the employer and Indiana insurance company (the insurance company on the second claim)  as a part of the consolidated hearings.  The second decision was ultimately appealed and upheld through the district court. Claimant subsequently filed for full commutation against the employer and Indiana Insurance Company.  Farmington, the first insurance cmpany, filed for reimbursement under seciotn 85.21.  The deputy dismissed Farmington's petition, finding that this should have been raised as a part of the initial proceedings.  Claimant settled the full commutation petition with Indiana.  On appeal the case was delegated to Deputy Fitch, The decision of the hearing deputy on the contribution issue was affirmed. Deputy Fitch notes that rule 876 IAC 3.1(11) requires the paying party to file "an application and consent order" form before seeking reimbursement from another carrier, which had not been done.  Because the issue of reimbursement was not raised at the initial hearing, Farminigton had no right to seek reimbursement.  


Salazar v. Kinder Morgan, Inc., No. 5049390 (App. Feb. 13, 2018) - Claimant was awarded permanent total disability benefits following hearing (Pals).  Defendants appeal and on appeal the commissioner's desinee (Palmer) affirms the permanent total award. 22 months from arbitration to appeal decision.


Jones v. Raining Rose, Inc., No. 5048297 (App. Feb. 13, 2018) - Claimant was awarded permanent total disability benefits and penalty benefits following hearing (Heitland).  On appeal, the commissioner's designee (Christenson), reverses and provides a take nothing order for claimant.  The bulk of the order is a discussion of Dr. Hines IME versus Dr. Kuhnlein's DME, in which Kuhnlein comes out ahead.  The deputy calls out Dr. Hines finding that claimant suffered headaches, neck pain and a mental health condition from two days without an ergonomic chair.  He rejects other causation opinions because he finds that these opinions only corroborated that claimant reported symptoms after not having her ergonomic chair for two days.  Although the appeal indicates that considerable deference was given to the credibility findings, that really doesn't appear to be the case, as the appeal decision notes that there were several inconsistencies between the medical records and claimant's testimony at the hearing and at deposition.  Claimant was found not entitled to payment for Dr. Hines' IME since claimant did not prevail.  25 months from arbitration to appeal decision.


Postell v. The Weitz Group, No. 5050086 (App. Feb. 12, 2018) - Following hearing, claimant was found to be eligible for 200 weeks of permanency benefits for an injury to his left shoulder.  The arbitration decision also awarded $12,000 in penalties (Walsh).  The commissioner's designee (MdGovern) affirms the arbitration decision without additional comment.  22 months from arbitration to appeal decision.


Hoover v. Jacobson Transportation, No. 5052323 (App. Feb. 12, 2018) - Claimant was found to have sustained a 30% industrial disaiblity as a result of neck, back and right knee injuries.  A mental injury claim was rejected following hearing.  Defendants appeal.  The commissioner affirms without additional analysis.  

Staub v. Thombert, Inc., Nos. 5049959, 5049960 (App. Feb. 2, 2018) - Claimant was awarded a 60% industrial disability following hearing (Gerrish-Lampe).   Dr. Kuhnlein's IME charges of $886,37 were awarded as costs. The commissioner affirms without additional analysis.  19 months from arbitration to appeal decision.


McDonald v. Sedona Staffing, No. 5041080 (App. Feb. 2, 2018) - Claimant was found to be entitled to an industrial disability benefit of 40%. (Fitch).   Defendants appeal.  On appeal, the commissioner's designee (McGovern) affirms the decision in its entirety, without additional analysis. 22 months from arbitration to appeal decision.  

Beyer v. John Deere Dubuque Works, No. 5051906 (App. Feb. 1, 2018) - Claimant was found entitled to a 25% industrial disability (Gerrish-Lampe).    Both parties appeal.  Without comment, the commissioner affirms the arbitration decision.  19 months from arbitration to appeal decision.

January 2018


Sweeney v. John Deere Davenport Works. No. 5050662 (App. Jan. 31, 2018) - The deputy concluded that claimant had not demonstrated that her injuries to her right wrist resulted in permanent impairment (Fitch).   Defendant was ordered to pay costs.  On appeal, the commissioner affirms the decision finding there was no permanent impairment and reverses the order on costs since claimant failed to prevail on any issues in the arbitration proceeding.  21 months from arbitration to appeal decision.

Freemon v. Annett Holdings, Inc., No. 5047798 (App. Jan. 31, 2018) - Deputy concluded that claimant had established a 20% industrial disability as well as healing period benefits (Fitch).  Defendants appeal.  The commissioner affirms the decision.  The commissioner addressed an issue of light duty work in the decision.  Claimant lived in Mississippi and was asked by the employer to come back to Iowa to perform light duty work.  Claimant refused for personal reasons.  Benefits were suspended.  The commissioner, citing Annett Holdings v. Roland, 881 N.W.2d 470 (Iowa App. 2016), finds that the memorandum of understanding about light duty work violates section 85.18 of the Code.  The commissioner finds that claimant was not offered suitable work and affirms the healing period award.  21 months from arbitration to appeal decision.

Stevens v. Eaton Corp., No. 5049606 (app. Jan. 26, 2018) - Claimant was found to have sustained an injury to his right arm and was awarded healing period and 10% permanency (McElderry).  Defendants were found eligible for credit for short and long term disability paid to claimant. Defendants appeal.  On appeal defendants argue that the credit for LTD should be larger, but the commissioner indicates "it is not possible to understand [defendants'] analysis" he affrims the deputy's award.  The remainder of the decision is affirmed without comment.  21 months from arbitration to appeal decision.

Hecht v. Highline Construction, No. 5052175 (App. Jan. 25, 2018) - In this case, the deputy concluded that claimant had met his burden of demonstrating hearing loss and tinnitus and awarded claimant 30% industrial disability (Walshire).  Penalty benefits were also awarded as were the costs for Dr. Bansal's IME. Following the hearing, defendants submitted an application to submit further evidence.   Although claimant argued this was not timely filed, the additional evidence, which went to claimant's credibility, was allowed (claimant appealed from this ruling).

On appeal, the commissioner allows the newly admitted evidence and finds that this evidence established that claimant was not credible.  The permanency award is reversed, as is the penalty award.  Claimant's injury occurred when an airbrake system exploded approximately six inches from his right ear.  Testing did not reveal damage to claimant's ear structure, but an audiogram showed worsening hearing following the accident. Dr. Hansen at UIHC noted inconsistencies in audiograms. Dr. Hansen found that auditory brainstem responses and otoacoutic emissions were performed and demonstrated normal hearing.  Hansen found no hearing loss and no tinnitus.

Dr. Tyler found a 4% hearing loss and a 22% loss for tinnitus. Dr. McMains, who had provided a 10% rating for hearing loss, changed his opinion and found no hearing loss.  Dr. Bansal found that claimant had a 17% hearing loss and agreed with Tyler on the 22% loss for tinnitus.

The evidence presented after the hearing related to a job claimant had after he left Highline.  The documents indicated that claimant had been fired from that later job.

On appeal, the commissioner finds the opinions of Dr. Hansen and McMains more credible than Tyler and Bansal, finding that they had conducted no testing and that the audiograms they relied on were subjective and not consistent.  The tinnitus question was answered unfavorably to claimant because he was found not to be credible and since tinnitus is subjective and depends on claimant's credibility, there was nothing to support claimant's position.  Accordingly, the industrial disability award was reversed. The penalty award was also reversed, as was the award of costs against defendant. 19 months from arbitration decision to appeal decision.

Anderson v. Nichols Aluminum, No. 5047598 (App. Jan. 23, 2018) - Claimant alleged bilateral simultaneous injuries to the hands and was found to be entitled to 25 weeks of permanency following hearing (McElderry).  Claimant was also found to be entitled to $750 of Dr. Hines' IME fee.   Defendants appealed.  On appeal, the commissioner's designee (Christenson) reversed and found that claimant had not established that his bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome arose of out employment.  He credited the reports of the physical therapist and Dr. Frederick over Dr. Hines.  Claimant was found not entitled to payment for any of Dr. Hines' IME costs.  26 months from arbitration to appeal decision.

Drake v. Cedar Rapids Community School District, No. 5051095 (App. Jan. 18, 2018) - Claimant was found to have sustained a 90% industrial loss at hearing (Gerrish-Lampe).  Both parties appeal.  The commissioner affirms without additional analysis.  He concludes that although claimant could recover the costs of Kent Jayne's vocational report, she was not entitled to the cost of the vocational assessment (which was the bulk of the costs).  21 months from arbitration to appeal decision.

Ortiz v. JBS USA LLC,  No. 5049541 (App. Jan. 12, 2018) - Claimant was found to have suffered a permanent total disability following the arbitration hearing (Palmer).  Payment for claimant's IME was ordered but payment for an FCE was denied.  On appeal, the commissioner affirms, without additional analysis.  19 months from arbitration to appeal decision.

Escher v. Mercy Hospital Iowa City, Inc. and Second Injury Fund, No. 5051740 (App. Jan. 11, 2018) - At the arbitration hearing, the deputy (Christenson) found that claimant demonstrated that her left knee injury arose out of her work and awarded 110 weeks of benefits.  Claimant also had an earlier injury to her other knee.  She was found to have a 60% industrial disability, but the Fund was only required to pay an additional 80 weeks of benefits because of the credits (50% for each leg).  On appeal . . . . .    19 months from arbitration to appeal decision.

Cerda v. PAE, No. 5048854 (App. Jan. 10, 2018) - Claimant was found to have sustained a 10% industrial loss following hearing (Christenson).   Alternate care was denied and payment for an FCE and for the costs of the deposition transcript were also denied.  Without further analysis, the commissioner affirms the decision of the deputy.  21 months from arbitration to appeal decision.


Grandstaff v. Direct TV Home Services, Inc., No. 5051420, 5051421 (App. Jan. 10, 2018) - The underlying arbitration decision found that claimant was credible and entitled to permanency benefits (Christenson).  The commissioner's designee (Pals) gave deference to the underlying factual findings.  The appeal decision finds that defendants are entitled to credit for 35 weeks of permanency on an earlier claim, but the arbitration decision found that only 25 weeks were appropriate.  On appeal, defendants are given credit for the 35 weeks previously paid.  But on the current claim, credits were reduced from 43 to 31 weeks because a later date of the end of healing period was found at hearing. The appeal decision also finds that only the costs of preparing vocational report are taxable, not the costs of the examination, thereby reducing the amount reimbursed to claimant. 22 months from arbitration to appeal decision.

Sullivan v. West Central Cooperative, No. 5050594 (App. Jan. 10, 2018) - The commissioner's designee (Fitch) affirms the underlying decision of the deputy (McGovern), which had awarded 300 weeks of benefits.  There is a question of the credits due and the appeal decision affirms the credits found by the hearing deputy.  24 months from arbitration to appeal decision.

McAlister v. Jacobson Transportation Co., No. 5049509 (App. Jan. 5, 2018) - Claimant alleged a respiratory injury (occupational asthma) from inhalation of second hand smoke from driving trucks that had been used by smokers.  Based on the report of Dr. Gerr from Iowa City, claimant was found not to have suffered a work-related injury (Christenson).  Dr. Gerr had concluded that claimant's exposure was actually to third hand smoke, since claimant was not driving with another smoker, and he found this insufficient to support causation.  On appeal, the commissioner affirms.  19 months from arbitration to appeal decision.

Dautovic v. Concord Hospitality, Nos. 5028332, 5051676 (App. Jan. 4, 2018) - Claimant prevailed on review reopening and was found to be entitled to 450 weeks of benefits (Gerrish-Lampe). The employer had initially been found liable for 100 weeks of benefits.  The arbitration decision also found that claimant did not sustain his burden of demonstrating a new injury to the back and found that this injury was a continuation of the initial 2006 injury.  Without additional comment, the commissioner affirms the arbitration decision.  19 months from arbitration to appeal decision.

Bovy v. Second Injury Fund, No. 5042474 (App. Jan. 2, 2018) - Claimant was found to have sustained a permanent total disability based upon a first injury to the left leg and a second injury to the right arm (Gerrish-Lampe).  Without additional analysis, the commissioner affirms the decision of the deputy.  18 months from arbitration to appeal decision.


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