Opinion ID: 877406
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 1

Heading: forty percent disability

Text: The first issue presented on appeal is whether there is substantial evidence to support a finding of 40% disability of the whole man. We cannot substitute our judgment for that of the trial court as to the weight of the evidence on questions of fact. Where there is substantial evidence to support the Workers' Compensation Court, this Court cannot overturn the decision... Steffes v. 93 Leasing Co., Inc. (1978), 177 Mont. 83, 86-87, 580 P.2d 450, 453. We find that there is substantial evidence to support the trial court's determination of 40% disability of the whole man, and we affirm. In determining disability, the court should consider the claimant's age, education, work experience, pain and disability, actual wage loss, and loss of future earning capacity. Flake v. Aetna Life & Cas. Co. (1977), 175 Mont. 127, 129, 572 P.2d 907, 909. After the claimant's injury, he was repeatedly told by doctors to avoid strenuous work. Thus, the claimant cannot return to his career choice, ranching. Claimant has experience working in a sawmill, as an equipment operator, and as a truck driver; but these are also strenuous jobs. Finally, claimant has studied English and acting in college but has not found employment in these fields. Consequently, claimant's choice of careers has been significantly limited by the injury he received at the age of twenty-five. Medical testimony of Dr. Robbins indicated that as of 1976 the claimant suffered 15% impairment of the whole body. Claimant testified that his physical movements have been constricted and that he continues to experience pain and stiffness. Claimant has been compensated for wage loss immediately following his injuries, but the injury also adversely affects his future earning capacity, for which he has not been compensated. Therefore, we conclude that there is substantial evidence supporting the trial court's finding of 40% disability of the whole man.