IMPORTANT NOTICE NOT TO BE PUBLISHED OPINION
THIS OPINION IS DESIGNATED “NOT TO BE PUBLISHED.” PURSUANT TO THE RULES OF CIVIL PROCEDURE PROMULGATED BY THE SUPREME COURT, CR 76.28(4)(C), THIS OPINION IS NOT TO BE PUBLISHED AND SHALL NOT BE CITED OR USED AS BINDING PRECEDENT IN ANY OTHER CASE IN ANY COURT OF THIS STATE; HOWEVER, UNPUBLISHED KENTUCKY APPELLATE DECISIONS, RENDERED AFTER JANUARY 1, 2003, MAY BE CITED FOR CONSIDERATION BY THE COURT IF THERE IS NO PUBLISHED OPINION THAT WOULD ADEQUATELY ADDRESS THE ISSUE BEFORE THE COURT. OPINIONS CITED FOR CONSIDERATION BY THE COURT SHALL BE SET OUT AS AN UNPUBLISHED DECISION IN THE FILED DOCUMENT AND A COPY OF THE ENTIRE DECISION SHALL BE TENDERED ALONG WITH THE DOCUMENT TO THE COURT AND ALL PARTIES TO THE ACTION. RENDERED: OCTOBER 28, 2021 NOT TO BE PUBLISHED
Supreme Court of Kentucky 2020-SC-0333-WC
BRENDA HUTCHISON APPELLANT
ON APPEAL FROM COURT OF APPEALS V. NOS. 2018-CA-1136 AND 2018-CA-1167 WORKERS’ COMPENSATION BOARD NO. WC-14-01437
BULLITT COUNTY BOARD OF EDUCATION; APPELLEES HONORABLE GRANT S. ROARK, ADMINISTRATIVE LAW JUDGE; DANIEL CAMERON, KENTUCKY ATTORNEY GENERAL; AND WORKERS’ COMPENSATION BOARD
MEMORANDUM OPINION OF THE COURT
AFFIRMING
Brenda Hutchison appeals from the Court of Appeals’ opinion affirming
in part, reversing in part, and remanding the Workers’ Compensation Board
(“Board”) opinion which affirmed in part, vacated in part, and remanded the
Administrative Law Judge’s (“ALJ”) order on reopening denying increased
benefits based on a finding Hutchison had failed to carry the burden of proving
a worsening of her condition, and dismissing new claims as not being causally
related to the work injury. Following a careful review, we affirm. Hutchison was employed by the Bullitt County Board of Education
(“Bullitt County”) as a teacher. She filed a Form 101 on July 14, 2014, alleging
injuries to both hips, both shoulders, left leg, left arm, left knee, left wrist, and
a finger. The injuries were alleged to have occurred on three separate
instances between November 2012 and January 2014. It was undisputed
Hutchison had sustained injuries in a 2007 motor vehicle collision and a 2008
work-related incident. The ALJ ultimately determined only a December 7,
2012, fall causing injuries to her right hip and right shoulder was
compensable, dismissing all other claims. Hutchison received benefits based
on a 7% whole person impairment rating in the ALJ’s June 29, 2015, Opinion,
Award and Order.
Hutchison underwent a right rotator cuff repair in November 2015 and a
right hip arthroscopy with labral repair in August 2016. She has not returned
to work following these procedures but has been released from care by her
treating physicians. On June 7, 2016, Hutchison moved to reopen her
previous claim, alleging her hip and shoulder symptoms had worsened causing
an increase in disability and impairment rating.
Dr. Warren Bilkey performed an independent medical examination
(“IME”) at Hutchison’s request. Dr. Bilkey opined Hutchison suffered a right
hip strain and labrum tear and developed a post-surgical residual painful gait.
Dr. Bilkey attributed these issues to Hutchison’s December 2012 work injury
and determined the treatment she received was reasonable, necessary, and
causally related to her work injury. He assigned Hutchison a 17% whole
2 person impairment rating resulting from her conditions which he fully
attributed to the December 2012 injury.
Dr. Thomas Loeb performed an IME for Bullitt County, noting
Hutchison’s subjective complaints were not supported by objective medical
findings. Dr. Loeb found no worsening of symptoms, instead noting a marked
improvement in Hutchison’s condition over time, likely stemming from
successful surgical interventions. He assessed a 0% impairment rating for
Hutchison’s hip based on normal findings, and further assessed a 6%
impairment rating for the right shoulder surgery. However, Dr. Loeb concluded
any disability attributable to the shoulder was due to preexisting degenerative
changes and was causally unrelated to the December 2012 injury.
The ALJ found Dr. Loeb’s opinions persuasive and held Hutchison’s hip
and shoulder conditions had improved since entry of the original Opinion,
Award and Order and Hutchison failed to meet her burden of proving her
condition had worsened. The ALJ further concluded no evidence existed
establishing either surgical procedure was necessitated by the December 2012
injury. Finally, the ALJ determined no increase in benefits was warranted
beyond the two multiplier under KRS1 342.730(1)(c)(2).
Hutchison appealed the ALJ’s findings regarding her failure to prove a
worsening of her condition and compensability of her hip surgery. Bullitt
County cross-appealed asserting the ALJ failed to state the tier-down
1 Kentucky Revised Statutes.
3 provisions contained in the 1994 version of KRS 342.730 were applicable. The
Board affirmed the ALJ’s finding that Hutchison failed to carry her burden of
proving a worsening of her condition but vacated the finding of non-
compensability of Hutchison’s hip surgery and remanded for further findings
on the reasonableness and necessity of the surgery. The Board also instructed
the ALJ to utilize the version of KRS 342.730(4) in effect at the time of the
amended decision. Both parties petitioned for review in the Court of Appeals.
The Court of Appeals affirmed the Board’s decision affirming the ALJ’s
conclusion Hutchison failed to carry her burden of proof of worsening and the
decision vacating and remanding to the ALJ for further findings regarding the
reasonableness and necessity of Hutchison’s hip surgery. Further, citing this
Court’s recent decision in Holcim v. Swinford, 581 S.W.3d 37 (Ky. 2019), the
Court of Appeals reversed and remanded to the ALJ for entry of an award
applying the 2018 version of KRS 342.730(4).
Hutchison filed the instant appeal challenging only the decision that she
failed to carry her burden of proving her condition had worsened. Hutchison
argues the ALJ erred in failing to find Dr. Bilkey’s opinions more credible than
those of Dr. Loeb. She further contends even if Dr. Loeb’s opinions were
entitled to more weight, his own impairment measurements compel a
conclusion her condition had worsened.
The ALJ as fact finder has the sole authority to judge the weight,
credibility, substance, and inferences to be drawn from the evidence.
Paramount Foods, Inc. v. Burkhardt, 695 S.W.2d 418, 419 (Ky. 1985). In
4 reaching his decision, the ALJ is free to choose to believe or disbelieve parts of
the evidence from the total proof, no matter which party offered it. Caudill v.
Maloney’s Discount Stores, 560 S.W.2d 15, 16 (Ky. 1977). It is axiomatic that a
claimant bears the burden of proving each of the essential elements of her
claim. Burton v.
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IMPORTANT NOTICE NOT TO BE PUBLISHED OPINION
THIS OPINION IS DESIGNATED “NOT TO BE PUBLISHED.” PURSUANT TO THE RULES OF CIVIL PROCEDURE PROMULGATED BY THE SUPREME COURT, CR 76.28(4)(C), THIS OPINION IS NOT TO BE PUBLISHED AND SHALL NOT BE CITED OR USED AS BINDING PRECEDENT IN ANY OTHER CASE IN ANY COURT OF THIS STATE; HOWEVER, UNPUBLISHED KENTUCKY APPELLATE DECISIONS, RENDERED AFTER JANUARY 1, 2003, MAY BE CITED FOR CONSIDERATION BY THE COURT IF THERE IS NO PUBLISHED OPINION THAT WOULD ADEQUATELY ADDRESS THE ISSUE BEFORE THE COURT. OPINIONS CITED FOR CONSIDERATION BY THE COURT SHALL BE SET OUT AS AN UNPUBLISHED DECISION IN THE FILED DOCUMENT AND A COPY OF THE ENTIRE DECISION SHALL BE TENDERED ALONG WITH THE DOCUMENT TO THE COURT AND ALL PARTIES TO THE ACTION. RENDERED: OCTOBER 28, 2021 NOT TO BE PUBLISHED
Supreme Court of Kentucky 2020-SC-0333-WC
BRENDA HUTCHISON APPELLANT
ON APPEAL FROM COURT OF APPEALS V. NOS. 2018-CA-1136 AND 2018-CA-1167 WORKERS’ COMPENSATION BOARD NO. WC-14-01437
BULLITT COUNTY BOARD OF EDUCATION; APPELLEES HONORABLE GRANT S. ROARK, ADMINISTRATIVE LAW JUDGE; DANIEL CAMERON, KENTUCKY ATTORNEY GENERAL; AND WORKERS’ COMPENSATION BOARD
MEMORANDUM OPINION OF THE COURT
AFFIRMING
Brenda Hutchison appeals from the Court of Appeals’ opinion affirming
in part, reversing in part, and remanding the Workers’ Compensation Board
(“Board”) opinion which affirmed in part, vacated in part, and remanded the
Administrative Law Judge’s (“ALJ”) order on reopening denying increased
benefits based on a finding Hutchison had failed to carry the burden of proving
a worsening of her condition, and dismissing new claims as not being causally
related to the work injury. Following a careful review, we affirm. Hutchison was employed by the Bullitt County Board of Education
(“Bullitt County”) as a teacher. She filed a Form 101 on July 14, 2014, alleging
injuries to both hips, both shoulders, left leg, left arm, left knee, left wrist, and
a finger. The injuries were alleged to have occurred on three separate
instances between November 2012 and January 2014. It was undisputed
Hutchison had sustained injuries in a 2007 motor vehicle collision and a 2008
work-related incident. The ALJ ultimately determined only a December 7,
2012, fall causing injuries to her right hip and right shoulder was
compensable, dismissing all other claims. Hutchison received benefits based
on a 7% whole person impairment rating in the ALJ’s June 29, 2015, Opinion,
Award and Order.
Hutchison underwent a right rotator cuff repair in November 2015 and a
right hip arthroscopy with labral repair in August 2016. She has not returned
to work following these procedures but has been released from care by her
treating physicians. On June 7, 2016, Hutchison moved to reopen her
previous claim, alleging her hip and shoulder symptoms had worsened causing
an increase in disability and impairment rating.
Dr. Warren Bilkey performed an independent medical examination
(“IME”) at Hutchison’s request. Dr. Bilkey opined Hutchison suffered a right
hip strain and labrum tear and developed a post-surgical residual painful gait.
Dr. Bilkey attributed these issues to Hutchison’s December 2012 work injury
and determined the treatment she received was reasonable, necessary, and
causally related to her work injury. He assigned Hutchison a 17% whole
2 person impairment rating resulting from her conditions which he fully
attributed to the December 2012 injury.
Dr. Thomas Loeb performed an IME for Bullitt County, noting
Hutchison’s subjective complaints were not supported by objective medical
findings. Dr. Loeb found no worsening of symptoms, instead noting a marked
improvement in Hutchison’s condition over time, likely stemming from
successful surgical interventions. He assessed a 0% impairment rating for
Hutchison’s hip based on normal findings, and further assessed a 6%
impairment rating for the right shoulder surgery. However, Dr. Loeb concluded
any disability attributable to the shoulder was due to preexisting degenerative
changes and was causally unrelated to the December 2012 injury.
The ALJ found Dr. Loeb’s opinions persuasive and held Hutchison’s hip
and shoulder conditions had improved since entry of the original Opinion,
Award and Order and Hutchison failed to meet her burden of proving her
condition had worsened. The ALJ further concluded no evidence existed
establishing either surgical procedure was necessitated by the December 2012
injury. Finally, the ALJ determined no increase in benefits was warranted
beyond the two multiplier under KRS1 342.730(1)(c)(2).
Hutchison appealed the ALJ’s findings regarding her failure to prove a
worsening of her condition and compensability of her hip surgery. Bullitt
County cross-appealed asserting the ALJ failed to state the tier-down
1 Kentucky Revised Statutes.
3 provisions contained in the 1994 version of KRS 342.730 were applicable. The
Board affirmed the ALJ’s finding that Hutchison failed to carry her burden of
proving a worsening of her condition but vacated the finding of non-
compensability of Hutchison’s hip surgery and remanded for further findings
on the reasonableness and necessity of the surgery. The Board also instructed
the ALJ to utilize the version of KRS 342.730(4) in effect at the time of the
amended decision. Both parties petitioned for review in the Court of Appeals.
The Court of Appeals affirmed the Board’s decision affirming the ALJ’s
conclusion Hutchison failed to carry her burden of proof of worsening and the
decision vacating and remanding to the ALJ for further findings regarding the
reasonableness and necessity of Hutchison’s hip surgery. Further, citing this
Court’s recent decision in Holcim v. Swinford, 581 S.W.3d 37 (Ky. 2019), the
Court of Appeals reversed and remanded to the ALJ for entry of an award
applying the 2018 version of KRS 342.730(4).
Hutchison filed the instant appeal challenging only the decision that she
failed to carry her burden of proving her condition had worsened. Hutchison
argues the ALJ erred in failing to find Dr. Bilkey’s opinions more credible than
those of Dr. Loeb. She further contends even if Dr. Loeb’s opinions were
entitled to more weight, his own impairment measurements compel a
conclusion her condition had worsened.
The ALJ as fact finder has the sole authority to judge the weight,
credibility, substance, and inferences to be drawn from the evidence.
Paramount Foods, Inc. v. Burkhardt, 695 S.W.2d 418, 419 (Ky. 1985). In
4 reaching his decision, the ALJ is free to choose to believe or disbelieve parts of
the evidence from the total proof, no matter which party offered it. Caudill v.
Maloney’s Discount Stores, 560 S.W.2d 15, 16 (Ky. 1977). It is axiomatic that a
claimant bears the burden of proving each of the essential elements of her
claim. Burton v. Foster Wheeler Corp., 72 S.W.3d 925, 928 (Ky. 2002). If the
party with the burden of proof is unsuccessful before the ALJ, the question on
appeal “is whether the evidence was so overwhelming, upon consideration of
the entire record, as to have compelled a finding in his favor.” Wolf Creek
Collieries v. Crum, 673 S.W.2d 735, 736 (Ky. App. 1984). The ALJ’s decision is
“conclusive and binding as to all questions of fact” and the Board “shall not
substitute its judgment for that of the [ALJ] as to the weight of evidence on
questions of fact[.]” KRS 342.285(1) and (2).
The function of further review of the [Board] in the Court of Appeals is to correct the Board only where the the [sic] Court perceives the Board has overlooked or misconstrued controlling statutes or precedent, or committed an error in assessing the evidence so flagrant as to cause gross injustice. The function of further review in our Court is to address new or novel questions of statutory construction, or to reconsider precedent when such appears necessary, or to review a question of constitutional magnitude.
W. Baptist Hosp. v. Kelly, 827 S.W.2d 685, 687-88 (Ky. 1992).
Here, the ALJ was presented with conflicting expert medical opinions
regarding whether Hutchison’s condition had worsened. Ultimately, the ALJ
found most compelling Dr. Loeb’s testimony Hutchison had, in fact, improved
over time. Although Hutchison identifies evidence from Dr. Bilkey which could
support a contrary conclusion, such evidence can serve as the basis for
5 reversal only when there is a total absence of substantial evidence to affirm the
ALJ’s decision. McCloud v. Beth-Elkhorn Corp., 514 S.W.2d 46, 47 (Ky. 1974).
“[A]n ALJ may pick and choose among conflicting medical opinions and has the
sole authority to determine whom to believe.” Copar, Inc. v. Rogers, 127 S.W.3d
554, 561 (Ky. 2003) (citation omitted).
After review of the record, we are unpersuaded by Hutchison’s
arguments. She points out evidence favorable to her position and contends the
ALJ should have relied on her expert. However, it is not the function of this
Court to reweigh the evidence. Whittaker v. Rowland, 998 S.W.2d 479, 482
(Ky. 1999). Weighing evidence is solely within the province of the ALJ. Pruitt v.
Bugg Brothers, 547 S.W.2d 123, 124 (Ky. 1977). The ALJ detailed the evidence
presented and determined Dr. Loeb was the most persuasive. We cannot say
the evidence was so overwhelming as to require a finding contrary to that of the
ALJ. Crum, 673 S.W.2d at 736.
Additionally, because Hutchison has raised no question of statutory
construction, nor has she requested we reconsider precedent or review any
issue of constitutional magnitude, further review is unwarranted. Kelly, 827
S.W.2d at 688. Thus, we discern no basis for disturbing the decision of the
Court of Appeals and, for the foregoing reasons, that decision is affirmed.
All sitting. All concur.
6 COUNSEL FOR APPELLANT:
Wayne Charles Daub
COUNSEL FOR APPELLEE, BULLITT COUNTY BOARD OF EDUCATION:
James Gordon Fogle Fogle Keller Walker, PLLC
COUNSEL FOR APPELLEE, DANIEL CAMERON, KENTUCKY ATTORNEY GENERAL:
James Robert Carpenter
ADMINISTRATIVE LAW JUDGE:
Hon. Grant S. Roark
WORKERS’ COMPENATION BOARD:
Michael Wayne Alvey, Chairman