Opinion ID: 1434400
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 1

Heading: (a). total and permanent disability

Text: ISIF attacks the Commission's finding, that claimant is a member of the odd-lot category and therefore totally and permanently disabled, on three grounds. Initially, ISIF argues that Claimant Nielson failed to present a prima facie case by failing to show what other types of employment he has attempted since his industrial accident. Secondly, ISIF contends that even if claimant has made out a prima facie case, that case has been rebutted by ISIF's presentation of evidence showing suitable work which is regularly and continuously available to claimant. Finally, ISIF asserts that the Commission erred when it denied ISIF's motion to have claimant undergo an artificial hip replacement prior to the determination of claimant's disability. In order for a claimant to make out a prima facie case that he is an odd-lot worker, he must show what other types of employment he has attempted. Gordon v. West, 103 Idaho 100, 105, 645 P.2d 334, 339 (1982). ISIF contends that Claimant Nielson has failed to show that he has attempted any employment other than as a truck driver since his accident, and that therefore, he has failed to show that he is a member of the odd-lot category. The determination of whether or not a claimant is a member of the odd-lot category is a factual determination within the discretion of the Commission. Carey v. Clearwater County Road Department, ___ Idaho ___, 686 P.2d 54 (1984); Gordon v. West, supra ; Reifsteck v. Lantern Motel & Cafe, 101 Idaho 699, 619 P.2d 1152 (1980). Where contested findings of the Commission are supported by substantial, competent evidence, those findings will not be disturbed on appeal. I.C. § 72-732(1); In re Chavez, 104 Idaho 279, 658 P.2d 950 (1983); Bush v. Bonners Ferry School Dist. No. 101, 102 Idaho 620, 636 P.2d 175 (1981); Maez v. Thunderbird Market, 101 Idaho 128, 609 P.2d 660 (1980). Although there were no findings by the Commission that Claimant Nielson had attempted other types of employment, the Commission did find that Nielson had sought employment unsuccessfully. In addition, the Commission found that claimant was 55 years of age, had an eighth grade education, was considerably restricted in his movements and ambulation, and was unable to use any of the skills he had acquired due to the injuries to his hip and back. All of these findings are supported by substantial, competent evidence, and therefore, we hold that Claimant Nielson did make a prima facie showing that he is an odd-lot worker. Consequently, the burden shifted to ISIF to demonstrate the availability of suitable work for the claimant. ISIF contends that it met its burden of proof by putting on evidence of a job survey conducted by Mr. Loya, a field consultant with the Industrial Commission Rehabilitation Division. According to the testimony of Mr. Loya, five different employers had had openings at various times during 1981 for sedentary jobs. However, as we stated in Lyons v. Industrial Special Indemnity Fund, 98 Idaho 403, 565 P.2d 1360 (1977), ISIF had the burden of introducing evidence that there was an actual job within a reasonable distance from claimant's home which he was able to perform, or for which he could have been trained. Furthermore, ISIF had the burden of showing that claimant had a reasonable opportunity to be employed at that job. Id. While Mr. Loya's testimony in regard to the past availability of sedentary employment in the Pocatello area may be relevant, we agree with the Commission's conclusion that this testimony alone was insufficient to show that the claimant had a reasonable opportunity to be employed at any specific job. Consequently, we affirm the Commission's conclusion that ISIF failed to show some kind of suitable work regularly and continuously available to claimant. Lastly, ISIF contends that the Commission should not have made any determination as to claimant's disability until claimant agreed to undergo an artificial hip replacement. However, neither of the doctors who examined Claimant Nielson recommended a hip replacement at the present time. Therefore, we affirm the Commission's denial of ISIF's motion to have claimant undergo an artificial hip replacement.