Opinion ID: 2343923
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 3

Heading: permanent disability board assessed experts

Text: The second issue Simmons raises concerns the Board's award for permanent neck impairment of only 5%. Dr. Gelman testified that Simmons had less than 5% permanent impairment to the neck in accordance with the AMA Guide. Dr. Kahlbaugh testified that Simmons had a 25-30% permanent impairment to her neck. Dr. Kahlbaugh admitted that he did not use any specific guide in reaching his permanent impairment rating. Dr. Kahlbaugh testified as follows: My estimate is probably 25-30%, as I've previously stated. And this is based on the element of pain that she has. And also the fact that certain movements, doing certain things, aggravate the muscle spasm and create more pain. The Board indicated that it did not find the testimony of Dr. Kahlbaugh persuasive because he did not rely on any guides. Simmons argues that the Board's decision is contrary to the decision in Wilmington Fibre Specialty Co. v. Rynders, Del.Super., 316 A.2d 229 (1974), aff'd, Del.Supr., 336 A.2d 580 (1975). Simmons' reliance upon the Rynders case is misplaced. The Rynders case does not stand for the proposition that testimony based upon the AMA Guide should not be accepted as credible. In Rynders, the Superior Court held that permanent impairment must be determined based upon the ability of the employee to use the member or part, and conversely, the loss of use represents that degree of normal use which is beyond the ability or capability of the employee. Wilmington Fibre Specialty Co. v. Rynders, 316 A.2d at 231. This Court affirmed the decision of the Superior Court in Rynders, holding that, since the proper focus is the employee's actual capability, the Board may properly rely on a medical expert's testimonial assessment of the claimant's pain without regard to a statistical chart. Wilmington Fibre Specialty Co. v. Rynders, 336 A.2d at 580. This Court's decision in Rynders does not support Simmons' contention that the Board must rely on such testimony. The Board did not err in accepting Dr. Gelman's testimony and rejecting Dr. Kahlbaugh's testimony regarding the extent of permanent impairment to Simmons' neck. It is entirely proper and appropriate for the Board to accept the medical testimony of one expert witness over that of another. General Motors Corp. v. Veasey, Del.Supr., 371 A.2d 1074 (1977), overruled on other grounds by Duvall v. Charles Connell Roofing, Del. Supr., 564 A.2d 1132 (1989). Accord DiSabatino Bros., Inc. v. Wortman, Del.Supr., 453 A.2d 102 (1982). Simmons' challenge on this issue is without merit.