Opinion ID: 1436
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 29

Heading: Treatment Records

Text: In Dempsey v. Sewell Coal Co., 23 B.L.R. 1-47 (2004) (en banc), the Board held that treatment records, containing multiple pulmonary function and blood gas studies that exceed the limitations at § 725.414, are properly admitted. This is so regardless of whether the records are offered by a claimant or an employer. In the present case, treatment records were submitted into evidence. In February 1998, at St. Mary's Hospital, the Claimant underwent a fiberoptic bronchoscopy. The diagnosis was improving hemoptysis and resolving infiltrate, possibly due to bronchitis or pneumonitis. (EX 9) In September 2000, the Miner was evaluated at the Rangely Family Medicine Encounter. Complaints included shortness of breath on walking. (EX 8) Spirometry revealed a 15% improvement after bronchodilator therapy. (EX 8) Impressions were chronic obstructive pulmonary disease with reversibility and fatigue. (EX 8). In September 2001, the Claimant reported dyspnea on climbing a grade to Dr. Bechtel. (EX 6) Spirometry in September 2000 had shown moderate lung disease with a significant response to bronchodilators. (EX 6) Examination was negative except for a little wheeze on the right and a small amount of sputum production. (EX 6)