Opinion ID: 1868759
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 3

Heading: sufficiency of the evidence

Text: The employer asserts that the claimant failed to offer substantial evidence to show what services Deana performed, when she performed them, or how long they took and also asserts that some of the services were performed simply as a loving wife rather than due to medical necessity. The employer complains that the award was improper because the ALJ relied on Deana's self-serving testimony alone rather than on documentary evidence such as daily records, time slips or logs, or lists of activities performed. We disagree. The claimant had the burden to prove every element of his claim, including that the services Deana provided were medically necessary, performed competently, and for the cure and relief of his injury's effects. The ALJ determined that he satisfied that burden; thus, the question on appeal is whether the decision was reasonable under the evidence. [6] We hold that it was. The ALJ based the award of caregiver benefits on substantial evidence. The claimant clearly sustained severely disabling injuries for which the employer provided some home nursing services from January 1, 2000, through February 1, 2002, and offered the services of an aide thereafter. Deana testified regarding his physical and mental conditions and also testified that his physicians, therapists, and nurses advised her concerning what services to perform and how to perform them. Ms. Mojara listed the services in detail and opined that the claimant required 24-hour personal care, either at home or in an assisted living residence. Dr. Corbett agreed. Testimony from Ms. Rose also supported the claim. The record contained ample evidence that since some point after the injury Deana had provided at least six hours of reasonable and necessary services for the effects of the claimant's injuries each day; that she did so competently; and that $10.00 per hour was reasonable payment. The decision of the Court of Appeals is affirmed. All sitting. All concur.