Opinion ID: 389454
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 2

Heading: Permanent Total Disability

Text: 8 The Benefits Review Board determined that substantial evidence supported the ALJ's finding of no permanent total disability. We reach the same conclusion. When administrative hearings began on Davis' claim, Davis was suffering from disabling leg pains. Surgery performed during the course of the hearings, however, apparently cured those pains. Davis' surgeon, Dr. Dow, testified that when he examined Davis on December 15, 1977, Davis' pains had ceased and with reasonable medical certainty Davis could return to work as a carpenter. Tr. 345-46. 4 Dr. Yochelson, a psychiatrist who examined Davis in November 1977, testified that Davis' emotional problems would not impair his ability to work. On the contrary, Yochelson urged Davis to return to work immediately and to continue therapy while working full time. Tr. 650-51. Davis' own psychiatrist, Dr. Frank, did express reservations about whether Davis was emotionally fit to work full time. Tr. 552, 556, 580. Even Frank, however, testified that if Davis felt he could return to work, a return to work would be therapeutic. Tr. 582. Davis, finally, testified that there was no apparent reason why he could not return to work immediately and that he would do so as soon as his doctors gave him the go ahead. Tr. 510-12. He adamantly maintained, moreover, that his alcoholism would not interfere with his work. On this record, therefore, we find ample evidence to support the ALJ's decision that Davis was not permanently and totally disabled. 5