Court of Appeals Affirms Commissioner's Denial of Permanency and Medical Care
In Reefer v. Gold-Eagle Cooperative , No. 14-0191 (Iowa App. Dec. 24, 2014), the Court of Appeals affirmed a decision of the commissioner finding that claimant had not demonstrated permanency, nor entitlement to medical care. The court concluded that there was substantial evidence in the record to support the agency's findings. Claimant had a back spasm at work, which caused him to fall to the ground. Dr. Jew, and later Dr. Igram, found that he had back spasms. Ultimately, Dr. Igram released claimant to work with no restrictions and assigned no permanent impairment. Claimant sought treatment on his own at the Low Back and Neck Care Institute in Minnesota. He was diagnosed with spondylosis. An IME from Dr. Kuhnlein concluded that claimant had a 10% impairment. Following the finding of MMI by Dr. Igram, claimant's employment was terminated. At hearing, the existence of a work related injury was stipulated. The deputy, however, found the ...