In the realm of workers’ compensation law, the calculation of permanent disability benefits often hinges on complex medical evaluations and legal interpretations. Vigil v. County of Kern is a recent Workers’ Compensation Appeals Board en banc decision that illustrates the intricate nature of determining permanent disability, particularly regarding the application of impairment ratings to multiple body parts and the concept of apportionment.

Case Background

The case involved an applicant who worked as a maintenance painter and claimed injury to both hips and back due to work-related activities. Following a trial, the Workers’ Compensation Judge (WCJ) determined that the applicant sustained 68% permanent disability. Crucially, the WCJ rejected apportionment to the hips due to previous surgical interventions, relying on the rationale that the disability stemmed directly from hip replacement surgeries. Perhaps more significantly, the WCJ also found that the Permanent Disability Ratings Schedule (PDRS) was rebutted and that the impairment for each of the hips should be added and the sum of the hips be combined with the low back impairment.

Legal Dispute

The defendant sought reconsideration of the WCJ’s findings, arguing that the methodology used to calculate disability was flawed. Specifically, the defendant contended that the WCJ erred in adding the hip impairments per Kite asserting that the QME report was not substantial evidence on that issue. Additionally, the defendant argued that the hip surgeries were successful and did not impose impairment more than what pre-existed the injury.

Medical Evidence

Central to the case was the testimony and reports of the qualified medical evaluator (QME), Dr. Peter Newton. Dr. Newton assessed the applicant’s conditions and assigned specific whole-person impairments (WPI) to the lumbar spine and each hip, emphasizing the impact of each impairment on activities of daily living (ADLs). His evaluation formed the basis for the WCJ’s decision but was challenged on grounds that it did not sufficiently justify rebutting the presumption of correctness of the CVC.

En Banc Decision

Upon review, the appeals board issued an en banc decision clarifying the standards for rebutting the CVC in PDRS assessments. The board emphasized that impairments may be added rather than combined under certain circumstances, particularly when there is a demonstrated synergistic effect on ADLs. They underscored the importance of medical evidence grounded in reasonable probability and comprehensive analysis of ADL impacts.

Implications for Workers’ Compensation Law

This case clarifies the criteria required the rebut the CVC presumption of correctness to impose application of the addition method under the Kite case:

Rebuttal of CVC: The CVC in the PDRS is not absolute and may be rebutted if there is substantial evidence showing

• No overlap in ADL impacts; or,
• A synergistic effect between impairments.

Role of Medical Evaluators: QME evaluations must be thorough and grounded in medical probability, detailing how impairments affect specific ADLs to justify deviation from standard CVC application.

Judicial Review: The appeals board’s role includes ensuring substantial justice and may necessitate further development of the medical record if evidence is insufficient.

In conclusion, the case highlights the intricate balance between medical assessments and legal interpretations in determining permanent disability benefits under workers’ compensation. It sets a precedent for how impairment ratings can be evaluated and applied in cases involving multiple body part impairments, offering clarity on when and how the CVC may be rebutted.