Court Opinion

ID: 4637918
Source: CourtListenerOpinion
Date Created: 2020-11-28 18:40:04.395959+00
Date Added: 2024-06-11T07:58:44.000844
License: Public Domain

FILED
                                                                                               Sep 17, 2020
                                                                                              02:32 PM(CT)
                                                                                           TENNESSEE COURT OF
                                                                                          WORKERS' COMPENSATION
                                                                                                 CLAIMS

             TENNESSEE BUREAU OF WORKERS’ COMPENSATION
            IN THE COURT OF WORKERS’ COMPENSATION CLAIMS
                             AT JACKSON

    RONNIE McCAIG,                                      ) Docket No. 2019-07-0745
           Employee,                                    )
    v.                                                  )
    LENNOX HEARTH PRODUCTS, INC.,                       ) State File No. 24821-2017
           Employer,                                    )
    And,                                                )
    EMPLOYERS INS. CO. OF WAUSAU,                       ) Judge Allen Phillips
           Carrier.                                     )

                                   COMPENSATION ORDER

       This case came before the Court for a Compensation Hearing on September 2, 2020.
The only issues were whether Mr. McCaig’s hearing loss arose primarily out of his
employment at Lennox and, if it did, whether it caused permanent disability. The Court
holds that Mr. McCaig’s hearing loss arose out of his employment and as a result he
sustained a seven-percent permanent partial disability.

                                          History of Claim

       Mr. McCaig attributed his hearing loss to exposure to loud machinery at Lennox
from 2004 to 2014. He first noticed problems with his hearing in 2009 and said it worsened
over time. After his employment ended, he obtained counsel and reported his claim to
Lennox.1

       In August 2017, Lennox authorized an evaluation with otolaryngologist Dr.
Christopher Hall, who recorded Mr. McCaig’s history of exposure “to industrial noise for
many years.” Mr. McCaig also provided a history of cardiovascular problems including a
heart attack.

1
 Lennox initially raised notice and statute of limitations defenses but did not assert them at the hearing.
Specifically, Lennox admitted that it did not provide Mr. McCaig with hearing test results during his
employment to make him aware of potential work-related hearing loss.
                                                    1
       Dr. Hall noted a perforation in Mr. McCaig’s right ear drum, and audiometric testing
showed a “mild to severe sensorineural” hearing loss in the left ear and a “mixed
conductive and sensorineural” loss in the right. Dr. Hall believed the sensorineural losses
were “more likely than not secondary to noise exposure,” but the hearing loss would be
“proportional,” and any audiograms during Mr. McCaig’s employment “would aid in
proportioning Lennox’s accountability[.]” He recommended surgical repair of the right ear
drum followed by the fitting of hearing aids. However, Lennox provided no further
evaluation or treatment.

        In August 2019, Mr. McCaig obtained an attorney-arranged evaluation from
otolaryngologist Dr. Karl Studtmann, who recorded his history of noise exposure. Like Dr.
Hall, Dr. Studtmann observed the right ear drum perforation but said its location would
have a “minimal effect on the hearing.” Audiometric testing revealed both low- and high-
frequency losses that Dr. Studtmann called “entirely sensorineural, not conductive.” He
explained that sensorineural losses are caused by a problem with “getting the sound through
the ear canal to the hearing nerve,” and that a “good portion” of Mr. McCaig’s hearing loss
was from noise exposure.

      Dr. Studtmann said audiometric tests performed by Lennox showed a “significant”
change for the worse over the years, and noise exposure was “likely the primary cause.”
Based on his own tests, Dr. Studtmann assigned a seven-percent permanent partial
impairment due to hearing loss.

        For its part, Lennox offered the testimony of otolaryngologist Dr. Ronald Kirkland,
whose audiograms also showed significant hearing losses in both ears. However, he
believed the losses were “primarily conductive rather than sensorineural,” meaning they
were “independent of noise exposure.” He based that opinion on the perforated right ear
drum and what he called a “floppy” left ear drum, explaining those “circumstances create
a situation where the eardrum does not properly conduct the sound from the environment
to the hearing bones in the inner ear.” Thus, Dr. Kirkland believed Dr. Studtmann’s
audiograms were inaccurate because they did not consider the eardrum defects. He also
said Mr. McCaig’s cardiovascular problems could have played a role in his hearing loss.

       When Dr. Kirkland reviewed the Lennox audiograms, he said they revealed a
“significant change” for the worse in the left ear between 2004 and 2014 with some lesser
changes in the right ear. Dr. Kirkland conceded, in response to a hypothetical by Mr.
McCaig’s counsel, that one might make an argument that the hearing losses seen in
Lennox’s audiograms were noise-related, and he did not “have anything to counter that
[argument] with.”

      Based on his audiograms, Dr Kirkland assessed a thirteen-percent permanent
impairment, but if he considered only testing focused on the small bones of the ear, then
Mr. McCaig would have no impairment. However, he noted the Guides do not consider

                                            2
bone testing a proper rating methodology.

        At the hearing, Mr. McCaig said he had neither significant noise exposure nor
hearing problems before working at Lennox. Currently, his hearing is poor, and he believes
it is getting worse. He worked only odd jobs after leaving Lennox, and none with noise
exposure. He is disabled from COPD and heart problems.

       Mr. McCaig relied on Dr. Studtmann’s testimony. Lennox relied on Dr. Kirkland’s
testimony, both as to the losses being conductive rather than noise-related, and that Mr.
McCaig’s cardiovascular problems could have contributed to his hearing loss.

      The parties agreed Mr. McCaig’s compensation rate was $519.41, and that he
reached maximum medical improvement on August 1, 2017. They further stipulated that
he had not returned to work, was over age forty, and lacked a high school education or its
equivalent.

                       Findings of Fact and Conclusions of Law

      Mr. McCaig must establish all elements of his claim by a preponderance of the
evidence. Tenn. Code Ann. § 50-6-239(c)(6) (2019).

                              Arising out of employment

       The first issue is whether Mr. McCaig’s hearing loss arose primarily out of his
employment at Lennox. To establish this, Mr. McCaig must show by a preponderance of
the evidence that his employment contributed more than fifty percent in causing his hearing
loss when considering all causes. Tenn. Code Ann. § 50-6-102(14)(B). He must show this
contribution to a reasonable degree of medical certainty, which means that, in the opinion
of the physician, it is more likely than not. Id. at (14)(D).

        Here, Dr. Studtmann said noise exposure at Lennox was “likely the primary cause”
of Mr. McCaig’s hearing loss; Dr. Kirkland disagreed. In deciding which medical opinion
to believe, the Court may consider the qualifications of the experts, the circumstances of
their examination, the information available to them, and the evaluation of the importance
of that information by the other experts. Bass v. The Home Depot U.S.A., Inc., 2017 TN
Wrk. Comp. App. Bd. LEXIS 36, at *9 (May 26, 2017).

      When applying those factors, the Court finds the physicians equally qualified. The
circumstances of their examinations and the similar information available to them also keep
them on equal footing. However, the importance attached to the information makes Dr.
Studtmann’s opinion more persuasive.

      Specifically, Dr. Studtmann explained the mechanics of sensorineural hearing

                                            3
losses and said Mr. McCaig’s losses were primarily related to his noise exposure at Lennox.
This mirrors the statement Dr. Hall made two years earlier. Likewise, Dr. Studtmann
reviewed the audiograms performed at Lennox and said they showed a significant
worsening of Mr. McCaig’s hearing during his employment. Notably, Dr. Hall said review
of audiograms from Lennox would aid in determining Lennox’s “accountability” for the
hearing loss.

        Turning to Dr. Kirkland, the Court notes his concise description of conductive
hearing loss and his explanation of the objective findings supporting it. However, Dr.
Kirkland agreed the audiograms performed at Lennox revealed a significant change in the
left ear between 2004 and 2014 and some lesser changes in the right, and he admitted to
having nothing to rebut Mr. McCaig’s argument that those losses were noise related. When
the Court couples the latter statement with Dr. Studtmann’s opinion, which is supported by
Dr. Hall’s statements, the Court finds Dr. Studtmann more accurate.

       Finally, a work relation is bolstered by Mr. McCaig’s own credible testimony.
Tennessee law has long held that the employee’s own assessment of his physical condition
and resulting disability is competent testimony not to be disregarded. Orrick v. Bestway
Trucking, Inc., 184 S.W.3d 211, 217 (Tenn. 2006). By its direct observation via
videoconference, the Court finds Mr. McCaig was honest, forthcoming, and succinct when
describing his hearing loss and its cause. Likewise, his subjective assessment of his current
hearing was believable and untainted by exaggeration. See Kelly v. Kelly, 445 S.W.3d 685,
694-695 (Tenn. 2014) (discussing indicia of witness credibility).

        For these reasons, the Court holds that Mr. McCaig established by a preponderance
of the evidence that his hearing loss arose primarily out of his employment at Lennox.

                                   Permanent Disability

       Having found a compensable injury, the Court turns to the extent of Mr. McCaig’s
permanent disability. In Baumgardner v. United Parcel Serv., 2017 TN Wrk. Comp. App.
Bd. LEXIS 63, at *10-11 (Oct. 18, 2017), the Appeals Board held that a permanent medical
impairment rating is the “statutory mechanism” for calculation of permanent partial
disability.

       The Court finds Dr. Studtmann’s seven-percent rating the most accurate for the
same reasons it adopted his causation opinion and uses it to calculate Mr. McCaig’s
permanent disability. First, under Tennessee Code Annotated section 50-6-207(3)(A), Mr.
McCaig is entitled to an original award of seven-percent permanent partial disability to the
body, a period of thirty-one and one-half weeks of benefits. At the stipulated rate of
$519.41, Mr. McCaig’s original award is $16,361.42. (450 weeks x 7% x $519.41).
Second, the parties agreed Mr. McCaig meets the criteria for increased benefits under
section 50-6-207(3)(B). Here, the increased benefits are calculated using the following

                                             4
factors: 1.35 times the original award because Mr. McCaig did not return to work; 1.2 times
the original award because he is over age forty; and 1.45 times the original award because
he lacks a high school diploma or its equivalent. Application of those factors to the original
award entitles Mr. McCaig to total increased benefits of $22,071.54.

        In sum, the combined original award and increased benefits equal $38,432.96. The
total award of permanent partial disability is accrued and payable in a lump sum based on
the stipulated date of maximum medical improvement, August 1, 2017.

                                 Future Medical Expenses

      Mr. McCaig is entitled to lifetime future medical benefits made reasonably
necessary by his injury. Tenn. Code Ann. § 50-6-204(a)(1)(A); Lindsey v. Strohs Cos., 830
S.W.2d 899, 903 (Tenn. 1992). Lennox shall designate the authorized treating physician.

IT IS, THEREFORE, ORDERED as follows:

1.     Lennox shall pay Mr. McCaig permanent partial disability benefits equal to a seven-
       percent permanent partial disability to the body, a period of 31.5 weeks, which at
       the stipulated weekly compensation rate of $519.41 equals $16,361.42, and
       increased benefits of $22,071.54, for a total award of permanent partial disability
       benefits of $38,432.96. The award shall be paid in a lump sum.

2.     Mr. McCaig’s attorney is entitled to a twenty-percent fee of the award under
       Tennessee Code Annotated section 50-6-226(a)(1) in the amount of $7,686.59. Mr.
       McCaig may move the Court for an award of discretionary costs, unless the parties
       reach an agreement on the issue.

3.     Lennox shall pay future medical benefits under Tennessee Code Annotated section
       50-6-204(a)(1)(A) and will designate the authorized treating physician.

4.     The Court taxes the $150.00 filing fee to Lennox, to be paid to the Court Clerk under
       Tennessee Compilation Rules and Regulations 0800-02-21-.06 (August, 2019)
       within five business days of this order becoming final, and for which execution
       might issue if necessary.

5.     Lennox shall prepare and submit to the Court Clerk a Statistical Data Form (SD2)
       within ten business days of this order becoming final.

6.     Unless appealed, this order shall become final thirty days after issuance.

                                              5
      ENTERED September 17, 2020.

                                  _____________________________________
                                  JUDGE ALLEN PHILLIPS
                                  Court of Workers’ Compensation Claims

                                      APPENDIX

Exhibits
   1. Medical Records of Dr. Christopher Hall
   2. Deposition of Dr. Karl Studtmann
   3. Deposition of Dr. Ronald Kirkland

Technical record
   1. Petition for Benefit Determination
   2. Dispute Certification Notice with attachments (April 22, 2020)
   3. Scheduling Order
   4. Post-Discovery Dispute Certification Notice
   5. Employee’s Witness List
   6. Employee’s Notice of Filing Medical Records
   7. Employee’s Pre-Compensation Hearing Statement
   8. Employer’s Pre-Compensation Hearing Statement
   9. Employer’s Witness List
   10. Motion for Video Compensation Hearing
   11. Order for Video Compensation Hearing

                            CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE

       I certify that a copy of this Compensation Order was sent as indicated on September
17, 2020.

 Name                                        Email   Service sent to:
 Jeffrey P. Boyd,                             X      jboyd@borenandboyd.com
 Employee’s Counsel                                  scallison@borenandboyd.com
 Shaterra Reed Marion,                          X    shaterra.marion@libertymutual.com
 Employer’s Counsel

                                         _____________________________________
                                         Penny Shrum, Clerk of Court
                                         Court of Workers’ Compensation Claims
                                         WC.CourtClerk@tn.gov

                                            6
                        Compensation Hearing Order Right to Appeal:
     If you disagree with this Compensation Hearing Order, you may appeal to the Workers’
Compensation Appeals Board or the Tennessee Supreme Court. To appeal to the Workers’
Compensation Appeals Board, you must:
   1. Complete the enclosed form entitled: “Notice of Appeal,” and file the form with the
      Clerk of the Court of Workers’ Compensation Claims within thirty calendar days of the
      date the compensation hearing order was filed. When filing the Notice of Appeal, you
      must serve a copy upon the opposing party (or attorney, if represented).

   2. You must pay, via check, money order, or credit card, a $75.00 filing fee within ten
      calendar days after filing of the Notice of Appeal. Payments can be made in-person at
      any Bureau office or by U.S. mail, hand-delivery, or other delivery service. In the
      alternative, you may file an Affidavit of Indigency (form available on the Bureau’s
      website or any Bureau office) seeking a waiver of the filing fee. You must file the fully-
      completed Affidavit of Indigency within ten calendar days of filing the Notice of
      Appeal. Failure to timely pay the filing fee or file the Affidavit of Indigency will
      result in dismissal of your appeal.

   3. You bear the responsibility of ensuring a complete record on appeal. You may request
      from the court clerk the audio recording of the hearing for a $25.00 fee. A licensed court
      reporter must prepare a transcript and file it with the court clerk within fifteen calendar
      days of the filing the Notice of Appeal. Alternatively, you may file a statement of the
      evidence prepared jointly by both parties within fifteen calendar days of the filing of the
      Notice of Appeal. The statement of the evidence must convey a complete and accurate
      account of the hearing. The Workers’ Compensation Judge must approve the statement
      of the evidence before the record is submitted to the Appeals Board. If the Appeals
      Board is called upon to review testimony or other proof concerning factual matters, the
      absence of a transcript or statement of the evidence can be a significant obstacle to
      meaningful appellate review.

   4. After the Workers’ Compensation Judge approves the record and the court clerk transmits
      it to the Appeals Board, a docketing notice will be sent to the parties. The appealing
      party has fifteen calendar days after the date of that notice to submit a brief to the
      Appeals Board. See the Practices and Procedures of the Workers’ Compensation
      Appeals Board.
To appeal your case directly to the Tennessee Supreme Court, the Compensation Hearing
Order must be final and you must comply with the Tennessee Rules of Appellate
Procedure. If neither party timely files an appeal with the Appeals Board, the trial court’s
Order will become final by operation of law thirty calendar days after entry. See Tenn.
Code Ann. § 50-6-239(c)(7).

For self-represented litigants: Help from an Ombudsman is available at 800-332-2667.
                                              NOTICE OF APPEAL
                                      Tennessee Bureau of Workers’ Compensation
                                        www.tn.gov/workforce/injuries-at-work/
                                        wc.courtclerk@tn.gov | 1-800-332-2667

                                                                                  Docket No.: ________________________

                                                                                  State File No.: ______________________

                                                                                  Date of Injury: _____________________

         ___________________________________________________________________________
         Employee

         v.

         ___________________________________________________________________________
         Employer

Notice is given that ____________________________________________________________________
                         [List name(s) of all appealing party(ies). Use separate sheet if necessary.]

appeals the following order(s) of the Tennessee Court of Workers’ Compensation Claims to the
Workers’ Compensation Appeals Board (check one or more applicable boxes and include the date file-
stamped on the first page of the order(s) being appealed):

□ Expedited Hearing Order filed on _______________ □ Motion Order filed on ___________________
□ Compensation Order filed on__________________ □ Other Order filed on_____________________
issued by Judge _________________________________________________________________________.

Statement of the Issues on Appeal
Provide a short and plain statement of the issues on appeal or basis for relief on appeal:
________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________

Parties
Appellant(s) (Requesting Party): _________________________________________ ☐Employer ☐Employee
Address: ________________________________________________________ Phone: ___________________
Email: __________________________________________________________
Attorney’s Name: ______________________________________________ BPR#: _______________________
Attorney’s Email: ______________________________________________ Phone: _______________________
Attorney’s Address: _________________________________________________________________________
                           * Attach an additional sheet for each additional Appellant *

LB-1099 rev. 01/20                              Page 1 of 2                                              RDA 11082
Employee Name: _______________________________________ Docket No.: _____________________ Date of Inj.: _______________

Appellee(s) (Opposing Party): ___________________________________________ ☐Employer ☐Employee
Appellee’s Address: ______________________________________________ Phone: ____________________
Email: _________________________________________________________
Attorney’s Name: _____________________________________________ BPR#: ________________________
Attorney’s Email: _____________________________________________ Phone: _______________________
Attorney’s Address: _________________________________________________________________________
                              * Attach an additional sheet for each additional Appellee *

                                             CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE

I, _____________________________________________________________, certify that I have forwarded a
true and exact copy of this Notice of Appeal by First Class mail, postage prepaid, or in any manner as described
in Tennessee Compilation Rules & Regulations, Chapter 0800-02-21, to all parties and/or their attorneys in this
case on this the __________ day of ___________________________________, 20 ____.

                                                           ______________________________________________
                                                            [Signature of appellant or attorney for appellant]

LB-1099 rev. 01/20                                 Page 2 of 2                                        RDA 11082