Court Opinion

ID: 4642206
Source: CourtListenerOpinion
Date Created: 2020-12-11 20:16:36.994688+00
Date Added: 2024-06-11T08:00:29.280570
License: Public Domain

STATE OF WEST VIRGINIA

                           SUPREME COURT OF APPEALS

SARAH GILLMAN, WIDOW OF CLIFFORD GILLMAN,
                                                                                             FILED
Claimant Below, Petitioner                                                               December 11, 2020
                                                                                      EDYTHE NASH GAISER, CLERK

vs.)   No. 19-0968 (BOR Appeal No. 2054102)                                           SUPREME COURT OF APPEALS
                                                                                          OF WEST VIRGINIA
                   (Claim No. 950013482)

WEST VIRGINIA OFFICE OF
INSURANCE COMMISSIONER,
Commissioner Below, Respondent

and

MUTUAL MINING, INC.,
Employer Below, Respondent

                              MEMORANDUM DECISION
         Petitioner Sarah Gillman, widow of Clifford Gillman, by Counsel Robert M. Williams,
appeals the decision of the West Virginia Workers’ Compensation Board of Review (“Board of
Review”). The West Virginia Office of Insurance Commissioner, by Counsel James W. Heslep,
filed a timely response.

       The issue on appeal is dependent’s benefits. The claims administrator denied Mrs.
Gillman’s request for dependent’s benefits on December 21, 2017. The Workers’ Compensation
Office of Judges (“Office of Judges”) affirmed the decision in its March 11, 2019, Order. The
Order was affirmed by the Board of Review on September 25, 2019.

        The Court has carefully reviewed the records, written arguments, and appendices contained
in the briefs, and the case is mature for consideration. The facts and legal arguments are adequately
presented, and the decisional process would not be significantly aided by oral argument. Upon
consideration of the standard of review, the briefs, and the record presented, the Court finds no
substantial question of law and no prejudicial error. For these reasons, a memorandum decision is
appropriate under Rule 21 of the Rules of Appellate Procedure.

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        Mrs. Gillman, widow of Mr. Gillman, a coal miner, alleges that occupational
pneumoconiosis materially contributed to her husband’s death. On October 11, 1977, the
Occupational Pneumoconiosis Board found that Mr. Gillman had 15% impairment due to
occupational pneumoconiosis. Mr. Gillman was reevaluated on November 21, 1995, and July 8,
1999, and found to have no more than 15% impairment. Arterial blood gas studies performed on
November 5, 1999, showed readings below the predicted normal ranges. The Office of Judges
granted an additional 5% impairment for a total of 20% due to occupational pneumoconiosis on
May 19, 2000.

        A chest CT scan performed on November 29, 2007, showed post-surgical changes, pleural
thickening and fluid in the right lung base, scattered mediastinal lymph nodes, scattered
granulomas, a few nodules in the right lung base, and pulmonary fibrosis. On June 11, 2008, a
chest CT scan showed changes from a partial right lung resection, unchanged lymph nodes,
bilateral gynecomastia, interstitial fibrosis in both lungs, and scattered granulomas. The report
indicated that the scan was performed for lung cancer status post chemotherapy and shortness of
breath. A chest CT scan performed on December 17, 2008, showed no evidence for mass or
lymphadenopathy, fibrotic changes in each lung, a few scattered granulomas, and a few nodular
densities in each lung.

        On May 15, 2009, a chest x-ray showed advanced pulmonary fibrosis. A chest CT scan
was performed on June 12, 2009, and revealed chronic interstitial changes with several calcified
and noncalcified nodules in both lungs, compatible with granuloma. On July 28, 2010, a chest CT
scan showed chronic interstitial fibrotic changes in both lungs, a few scattered nodular opacities
likely due to granulomas disease, unchanged lymph nodes, coronary artery calcification, pleural
thickening, and a few calcified pleural plaques consistent with prior asbestos exposure. Mr.
Gillman underwent a chest x-ray on March 14, 2011, that showed progression of extensive
pulmonary fibrosis. A May 5, 2011, chest CT scan showed progressed pulmonary interstitial
fibrosis with a few areas of subpleural end stage honeycomb lung. Myocardial perfusion testing
showed no evidence of ischemia or previous infarction. An EKG was negative for ischemia on
June 10, 2011. It was noted that the right ventricle was hypertrophied.

        Treatment notes from Pulmonary Associates indicate Mr. Gillman was treated for shortness
of breath due to a restrictive lung disease. It was noted on October 22, 2012, that Mr. Gillman also
suffered from coronary artery disease. On January 23, 2014, Mr. Gillman was noted to be doing
well overall and was going to participate in pulmonary rehabilitation. On July 10, 2014, Mr.
Gillman presented with upper respiratory congestion. A chest x-ray showed stable end stage
pulmonary fibrosis. On November 14, 2015, and March 26, 2015, pulmonary function studies
showed moderate restrictive lung disease. Mr. Gillman was seen on June 8, 2015, for a hospital
discharge follow up for pulmonary fibrosis, pneumonia, and asbestosis. On July 30, 2015, it was
noted that Mr. Gillman’s pulmonary status was declining. Pulmonary function studies showed
moderate to severe restriction.

        Treatment notes from David Lee Outpatient Cancer Center indicate Mr. Gillman was
treated for lung cancer. He was diagnosed in August of 2005 and underwent a lobectomy and
chemotherapy. On September 13, 2011, it was noted that there was no evidence of relapse. On
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September 20, 2012, Mr. Gillman reported worsening shortness of breath. Examination showed
bilaterally coarse scattered rales likely due to fibrosis. A chest x-ray was performed on March 21,
2012, which showed pulmonary fibrosis with chronic right pleural thickening. On January 2, 2013,
a chest x-ray revealed chronic fibrotic changes.

        March 21, 2013, treatment notes from Charleston Area Medical Center indicate Mr.
Gillman was admitted for increased dyspnea and shortness of breath. Pulmonary function studies
showed mild to moderate restrictive lung disease with reduced diffusion capacity. Mr. Gillman
was discharged with diagnoses of acute gastritis, dehydration, chronic obstructive pulmonary
disease, pulmonary fibrosis, rheumatoid arthritis, and osteoarthritis. Mr. Gillman was again
admitted to the hospital on May 15, 2013. He reported chest pain and was diagnosed with atypical
chest pain, coronary artery disease status post bypass, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease status
post lung cancer, and pulmonary fibrosis.

       Mr. Gillman sought treatment from Charleston Area Medical Center Emergency Room on
March 20, 2015, for shortness of breath. An EKG showed atrial fibrillation initially, but a repeat
study was normal. A chest x-ray showed pulmonary edema, cardiomegaly, and small pleural
effusions. He was diagnosed with dyspnea, pneumonia, and tachycardia. Mr. Gillman was
admitted to Charleston Area Medical Center on October 24, 2014, for fever, chills, wheezing,
nausea, and weakness. On March 21, 2015, Mr. Gillman returned to the hospital for increased
shortness of breath and wheezing. A chest x-ray showed bilateral chronic pleural effusion and
increased vascular congestion. He was diagnosed with acute bronchitis, exacerbation of chronic
obstructive pulmonary disease, and coronary artery disease.

         On April 6, 2015, Mr. Gillman was admitted to Charleston Area Medical Center for
shortness of breath and respiratory distress. Chest x-rays showed bilateral pleural effusion and
interstitial changes. A CT angiogram showed findings consistent with pulmonary fibrosis and
asbestos plaques. Mr. Gillman was diagnosed with acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive
pulmonary disease and pulmonary fibrosis. On May 25, 2015, Mr. Gillman was transported to
Charleston Area Medical Center for shortness of breath. He was diagnosed with exacerbation of
chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, sinus tachycardia, viral bronchitis/human
metapneumovirus, pulmonary fibrosis, and history of lung cancer.

       A July 2, 2015, chest CT scan showed honeycombing suggestive of interstitial pneumonia.
Asbestosis was also possible because calcified pleural plaques were present. A cytology report
showed broncho-alveolar lavage, no malignant cells, and inflammation on August 7, 2015.
Bronchial washing performed the following day showed moderate white blood cells. On August
9, 2015, a chest CT scan showed numerous pulmonary emboli.

        An August 10, 2015, treatment note from Charleston Area Medical Center indicates Mr.
Gillman was admitted for shortness of breath. He was diagnosed with numerous pulmonary emboli
and dyspnea. A treatment note from Charleston Area Medical Center indicates Mr. Gillman was
admitted for melanotic stool, progressive generalized weakness, and dyspnea on August 19, 2015.
He was diagnosed with a gastrointestinal hemorrhage. A pan upper endoscopy showed no bleeding
in the esophagus, stomach, or duodenum on August 21, 2015.
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        Mr. Gillman returned to Charleston Area Medical Center on November 2, 2015, and was
admitted for acute bronchitis and exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. A stress
test and echocardiogram showed a fixed defect in the left ventricle. A chest CT scan showed
resolution of his prior pulmonary emboli with no recurrence. It also showed extensive pulmonary
fibrosis and stable, nonspecific mediastinal adenopathy.

        On March 12, 2016, Mr. Gillman was admitted to Charleston Area Medical Center for
increased shortness of breath. He was in acute respiratory failure. Mr. Gillman was placed on a
ventilator for about two weeks, but his condition continued to decline. He passed away on March
31, 2016. An autopsy of the lungs was performed on April 1, 2016. It showed bilateral interstitial
pneumonia/fibrosis superimposed on subacute pneumonia. There was evidence of coal dust, iron,
and silica crystals in the lung tissue consistent with Mr. Gillman’s work history. Pleural plaques
were present, but there was no evidence of asbestosis or progressive pulmonary fibrosis.

       In its October 31, 2017, findings, the Occupational Pneumoconiosis Board found that at
the time of his death, Mr. Gillman was eighty-two years old. The Board found an extensive history
of emphysema and post-inflammatory scarring. After review of the extensive medical evidence,
the Board concluded that occupational pneumoconiosis was not a material contributing factor in
Mr. Gillman’s death. The claims administrator denied a request for dependent’s benefits on
December 21, 2017.

        In a January 23, 2019, final hearing, Jack Kinder, M.D., testified on behalf of the
Occupational Pneumoconiosis Board that the Board examined Mr. Gillman three times, the last
being in July of 1999. Mr. Gillman had thirty years of occupational exposure. The Board made an
x-ray diagnosis of occupational pneumoconiosis. Mr. Gillman reported a seven-year history of
cigarette smoking and stated that he quit in 1982. The Board determined that Mr. Gillman had no
more than 15% permanent partial disability. Dr. Kinder stated that the autopsy report noted acute
respiratory failure superimposed on chronic respiratory failure. Mr. Gillman also had a Klebsiella,
a type of bacteria that causes pneumonia and other serious infections. Dr. Kinder noted that the
autopsy was limited to the lungs. He also noted that Mr. Gillman was admitted to the hospital for
a spine procedure and that he developed a subsequent infection. He was then placed on a ventilator
and developed ileus, which means that his bowels stopped working. He passed away about two
weeks later.

         Dr. Kinder opined that Mr. Gillman died as a result of respiratory and other system
problems. He testified that the autopsy of the lungs showed bilateral interstitial pneumonia and
fibrosis with superimposed pneumonia. Dr. Kinder opined that Mr. Gillman suffered from
pulmonary fibrosis, which the Board related to occupational exposure. Dr. Kinder noted that Mr.
Gillman suffered from chronic, severe rheumatoid arthritis, which can cause pulmonary fibrosis,
interstitial fibrosis, and honeycombing in the lung. This can be difficult to distinguish from
occupational fibrosis, so the most common thing to look for is asbestos bodies. The pathology
showed no indication of asbestos bodies or coal macules. Dr. Kinder explained that there were
some dust particles found but they were in the lymph nodes only. Dr. Kinder stated that Mr.
Gillman’s type of lung cancer is unrelated to occupational dust exposure. Dr. Kinder opined that
                                                4
occupational pneumoconiosis was not a material contributing factor in Mr. Gillman’s death.
Johnsey Leaf, M.D., and Bradley Henry, M.D., also of the Occupational Pneumoconiosis Board,
concurred with Dr. Kinder’s opinions.

        The Office of Judges affirmed the claims administrator’s denial of dependent’s benefits in
its March 11, 2019, Order. West Virginia Code § 23-4-6a provides that “the Office of Judges shall
affirm the decision following hearing unless the findings of the [Occupational Pneumoconiosis]
Board are clearly wrong in view of the reliable, probative, and substantial evidence on the whole
record.” After reviewing the record and specifically, Dr. Kinder’s testimony, the Office of Judges
determined that the Occupational Pneumoconiosis Board’s findings are not clearly wrong. It
concluded that occupational pneumoconiosis was not a material, contributing factor in Mr.
Gillman’s death. The Board of Review adopted the findings of fact and conclusions of law of the
Office of Judges and affirmed its Order on September 25, 2019.

       After review, we agree with the reasoning and conclusions of the Office of Judges as
affirmed by the Board of Review. Mrs. Gillman failed to show that the Occupational
Pneumoconiosis Board’s findings were clearly wrong and that the Office of Judges and Board of
Review erred in relying on its conclusions.

        For the foregoing reasons, we find that the decision of the Board of Review is not in clear
violation of any constitutional or statutory provision, nor is it clearly the result of erroneous
conclusions of law, nor is it based upon a material misstatement or mischaracterization of the
evidentiary record. Therefore, the decision of the Board of Review is affirmed.

                                                                                        Affirmed.
ISSUED: December 11, 2020

CONCURRED IN BY:
Chief Justice Tim Armstead
Justice Margaret L. Workman
Justice Elizabeth D. Walker
Justice Evan H. Jenkins
Justice John A. Hutchison

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