Opinion ID: 72032
Heading Depth: 3
Heading Rank: 2

Heading: The ALJ's ruling

Text: The ALJ ruled in favor of Rodriguez on all issues, concluding that he was unable to work and that he was not at maximum medical improvement because of a need for back surgery. After conducting a thorough review of the evidence and the testimony of each witness, the ALJ explained that he found Rodriguez to be a credible witness and that, although he was impressed by each physician and witness who had testified or submitted reports, he found Dr. Hamsa's assessment of Rodriguez's condition to be the most accurate diagnosis. The ALJ agreed with Dr. Hamsa's recommendation that Rodriguez should receive reasonable and necessary procedures and devices, including back surgery, additional MRI testing, and orthopedic supplies. With respect to Rodriguez's eligibility for benefits under the LHWCA, the ALJ held that undocumented immigrants such as Rodriguez are indeed eligible for such benefits. Citing our opinion in Hernandez v. M/V Rajaan, [2] the ALJ concluded that Rodriguez was entitled to benefits under the LHWCA, largely because Bollinger had failed to present any evidence that Rodriguez was about to be deported or would surely be deported. The ALJ also found persuasive the D.C. Circuit's opinion in Rivera v. United Masonry, Inc., [3] in which that court declined to take into consideration an immigrant's undocumented status when determining his eligibility for benefits. The ALJ explained that he had not considered Rodriguez's legal status in any way as a factor in computing compensation, but rather [had] considered other factors such as pain levels, past work, and working capacity as considered by the [BRB] and the Fifth Circuit. In sum, the ALJ ordered that (1) Bollinger pay Rodriguez temporary total disability benefits from the date of the accident to the present, with benefits to continue until Rodriguez reached maximum medical improvement; (2) the payment should be calculated using the base rate of $568.00 per week, with two-thirds benefits per statute, totaling $378.67; (3) Bollinger should compensate Rodriguez for all reasonable past and future medical treatment, including back surgery, open MRI testing, and appropriate orthopedic devices as recommended by Dr. Hamsa; and (4) interest should be assessed on all unpaid benefits. After the ALJ issued his decision, the district director awarded attorney's fees to Rodriguez's prior counsel.