Opinion ID: 1947893
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 5

Heading: the application of the appropriate standard to the facts of this case

Text: We now consider whether the circumstances of this case satisfy the legal standards set forth above. The State attacks the IAB's findings by asserting that the psychological injury experienced by Cephas was primarily caused by two events unrelated to work: (1) the end of a romantic relationship with a female co-worker in February 1990, and (2) his automobile accident on February 9, 1990. The State also points to several passages in the testimony of Varipapa to show that his testimony was not a sufficient basis upon which the IAB could determine that the claimant's alleged injuries were substantially caused by his employment at DCC. First, Varipapa testified that although he knew Cephas was a guard at DCC, he was not certain of the claimant's duties. Second, the doctor stated on cross-examination that he had no psychological tests or detailed knowledge of the claimant's psychiatric state relating to his employment in Delaware. Third, Varipapa acknowledged that he could not state with reasonable medical probability that the stress experienced by Cephas was disabling. Although this is a somewhat close case, we find that there is sufficient relevant evidence as a reasonable mind might accept as adequate to support a conclusion that the conditions under which Cephas was working were actually stressful and were a substantial cause of his mental disorder. See Olney, 425 A.2d at 614. First, his headaches began when his caseload was increased from 375 to 1100 inmates. A reasonable mind could conclude that such a drastic increase in responsibility and stress could cause some form of psychological injury. Second, his symptoms began to subside when he was away from his work environment. Third, a neurologist diagnosed Cephas as exhibiting the classic symptoms of migraine headaches. Fourth, a neurologist testified that such migraine headaches can be caused by job stress. Although reasonable minds may differ on the impact of the claimant's personal life on his mental problems and the adequacy of Varipapa's medical conclusions, our standard of review requires deference to the findings of the IAB. 29 Del.C. § 10142(d). Cephas presented objective evidence that the significant increase in his caseload and the nature of his work created objectively stressful conditions. Dr. Varipapa's testimony supports the finding that this stress was a substantial cause of his migraine headaches. Therefore, there is sufficient evidence in the record to support the IAB's findings and satisfy the applicable legal standards.