Opinion ID: 1379394
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 3

Heading: Payne's Claim

Text: Appellant Payne, a retired plant worker, filed an application for occupational pneumoconiosis benefits on September 27, 1995. He was examined by the OP Board on November 7, 1996. Ventilatory function tests were conducted and resulted in an actual FVC of 3.15. Applying the Kory predicted normals, a FVC percent of predicted of 78% was generated. Based on the test results and other evidence, the OP Board, in its findings dated November 7, 1996, stated that it could not make a diagnosis of occupational pneumoconiosis. In accordance with the OP Board's findings, the Division issued an order on January 7, 1997, refusing to grant an award. Payne and Appellee Montgomery Tank Lines protested the Division's order. In support of his protest, Payne submitted the results of ventilatory function tests which were administered at Dr. Gaziano's direction in June 1995. These tests yielded an actual FVC of 3.20 and a FVC percent of predicted of 73%, using the Morris predicted normal values. At a hearing before an ALJ on January 27, 1999, Dr. Walker testified that neither the test results obtained by Dr. Gaziano in June 1995 nor the OP Board's tests in November 1996 supported any degree of impairment of pulmonary function. Dr. Kinder agreed with Dr. Walker. After the hearing, the matter was submitted for a decision. In a decision dated March 19, 1999, an ALJ affirmed the Division's January 7, 1997, order. Payne appealed, and by order dated September 30, 1999, the Appeal Board affirmed the ALJ's decision.