C. Soles v. Garnet Valley S.D. (WCAB) ( 2023 )

IN THE COMMONWEALTH COURT OF PENNSYLVANIA
Connor Soles, :
Petitioner :
:
v. : No. 123 C.D. 2022
: Submitted: November 4, 2022
Garnet Valley School District, :
(Workers’ Compensation Appeal :
Board), :
Respondent :
BEFORE: HONORABLE PATRICIA A. McCULLOUGH, Judge
HONORABLE MICHAEL H. WOJCIK, Judge
HONORABLE LORI A. DUMAS, Judge
OPINION NOT REPORTED
MEMORANDUM OPINION
BY JUDGE DUMAS FILED: April 14, 2023
Connor Soles (Claimant) petitions this Court to review an adjudication
of the Workers’ Compensation Appeal Board (Board), affirming the decision of the
Workers’ Compensation Judge (WCJ). The WCJ denied Claimant’s review petition
and granted a petition filed by Garnet Valley School District (Employer) to terminate
his disability benefits under the Workers’ Compensation Act (Act).1 Claimant
argues that Employer failed to satisfy its burden of proving Claimant’s full recovery
based on legally insufficient testimony from its medical expert. Further, Claimant
avers that the WCJ failed to issue a “reasoned” decision under the Act. After careful
consideration, we affirm.
1
Act of June 2, 1915, P.L. 736, as amended, 77 P.S. §§ 1-1041.4, 2501-2710.
I. BACKGROUND2
Claimant worked as a paraprofessional for Employer.3 In October
2019, he sustained a work-related injury when he was hit in the face with a basketball
while monitoring students in the gym. Employer accepted the injury as a
“contusion” via a Notice of Compensation Payable (NCP). See Bureau Docs., NCP,
11/18/19 (NCP). In April 2020, Employer filed a termination petition alleging
Claimant’s full recovery as of February 2020. In July 2020, Claimant filed a review
petition, seeking to expand the NCP injury description to include post-concussion
syndrome and cervical and left-shoulder injuries. The parties’ respective petitions
were consolidated for review before the WCJ.
For his part, Claimant testified by deposition and at the WCJ’s virtual
hearing. Concerning the incident, Claimant admitted that he did not fall off his chair
when hit with the basketball and did not recall any bruising after he was hit.
Claimant also described the aftermath of the injury, explaining that in January 2020,
he twice attempted to return to his pre-injury position; however, he reinjured himself
on one occasion and passed out on the other. He detailed symptoms such as
developing multiple personalities, continued headaches, dizziness, difficulty with
hearing and memory, mood swings, nausea, and vomiting.
Claimant also introduced testimony from his treating physician, Eric
Lake, D.O., a board-certified family medicine doctor, who is also qualified in sports
medicine. Dr. Lake opined that Claimant suffered severe head trauma and a cervical
strain from the work-related injury. He testified that Claimant was not fully
2
Unless stated otherwise, we adopt the factual background for this case from the WCJ
Decision, which is supported by substantial evidence of record. See WCJ Dec., 7/6/2021.
3
A paraprofessional is “a trained aide who assists a professional person (such as a teacher
or doctor).” Paraprofessional, MERRIAM-WEBSTER.COM, https://www.merriam-
webster.com/dictionary/paraprofessional (last visited April 13, 2023).
2
recovered from the work injury and could not return to his pre-injury position
without restriction.
In response, Employer presented the medical testimony of Bryan
DeSouza, M.D., a board-certified neurologist, who performed an Independent
Medical Examination (IME) on Claimant in February 2020. Dr. DeSouza stated that
Dr. Lake’s report contained “a lot of contradictions . . . that don’t have any
anatomical . . . or neurological basis.” Dep. of Bryan DeSouza, M.D., 9/11/20, at
42. According to Dr. DeSouza, Claimant sustained a facial contusion from his work
injury but showed no signs of ongoing concussion, or injury to his head, brain, or
cervical spine. Dr. DeSouza testified that Claimant had fully recovered from his
work injury, could return to work without restriction, and required no further medical
treatment following the work injury.
Employer also offered the testimony of Jeffrey Malumed, M.D., a
board-certified orthopedic surgeon, who performed a second IME on Claimant in
September 2020. Dr. Malumed testified that Claimant’s examination revealed
“multiple findings of symptom magnification.” Dep. of Jeffrey Malumed, M.D.,
2/8/21, at 20. Dr. Malumed opined that Claimant’s physical examination was
normal, making it inconceivable that the work injury caused a left-shoulder injury
but possible that he sustained a neck strain or sprain from which he had fully
recovered. He testified that Claimant required no further medical treatment and
could return to work without restriction.
In reviewing the evidence, the WCJ credited the testimonies of Drs.
DeSouza and Malumed. The WCJ rejected Dr. Lake’s testimony, finding it vague
and incomplete and, further, that Drs. DeSouza and Malumed were more qualified
3
to opine on Claimant’s injury. The WCJ also found Claimant neither credible nor
convincing based on his behavior and demeanor at the hearing.
Based on these findings, the WCJ granted Employer’s termination
petition, finding that Claimant had fully recovered from the work-related injury. The
WCJ also denied Claimant’s review petition, finding that he had failed to meet his
burden of showing that he suffered additional injuries. Claimant appealed to the
Board, which affirmed the WCJ’s decision, and then Claimant petitioned this Court
for review.4
II. ISSUES
Claimant presents two issues on appeal. First, he contends that
Employer presented insufficient evidence to show that his work injury had resolved.
See Claimant’s Br. at 17-20. Claimant also asserts that the WCJ failed to issue a
“reasoned” decision on the review petition under Section 422(a) of the Act, 77 P.S.
§ 834. Id. at 20-26. Employer responds that substantial, competent evidence exists
to support the WCJ’s decision to grant Employer’s termination petition and deny
Claimant’s review petition. See generally Employer’s Br. at 18-31.
III. DISCUSSION
Claimant challenges factual findings and credibility determinations of
the WCJ. The WCJ serves as the ultimate factfinder and has exclusive authority to
decide evidentiary weight, render credibility determinations, and resolve conflicts of
evidence. Dep’t. of Corr.- SCI Chester v. Faison, 266 A.3d 714, 736 (Pa. Cmwlth.
2021). Our authority in these matters is limited to whether the record contains
4
Our review is limited to determining whether an error of law was committed,
constitutional rights were violated, and necessary findings of fact are supported by substantial
evidence. Montano v. Advance Stores Co., Inc. (Workers’ Comp. Appeal Bd.), 278 A.3d 969, 976
n.3 (Pa. Cmwlth. 2022).
4
evidence that a reasonable person might find sufficient to support the WCJ’s factual
findings. Id. “[W]here there is substantial evidence to support a WCJ’s factual
findings, and those findings in turn support conclusions, it should remain a rare
instance in which an appellate court would disturb an adjudication . . . .” Id. (internal
citation omitted).
A. Sufficient Evidence Supports Termination of Claimant’s Benefits
Claimant asserts that the WCJ erred in terminating his disability
benefits. See Claimant’s Br. at 17-20. According to Claimant, Employer had
accepted that Claimant suffered multiple head injuries when he was hit by a
basketball. Id. at 19. Based on this premise, Claimant argues that Dr. DeSouza’s
failure to acknowledge all of the injuries accepted by Employer rendered his
testimony incompetent and insufficient to establish that Claimant had fully
recovered. Id.
To prevail in terminating disability benefits, an employer bears the
burden of proving that a claimant’s disability has ceased. Baumann v. Workers’
Comp. Appeal Bd. (Kellogg Co.), 147 A.3d 1283, 1289 (Pa. Cmwlth. 2016). An
employer’s medical witness must acknowledge the NCP-accepted injury and reach
an opinion that the claimant has fully recovered from that injury. GA & FC Wagman,
Inc. v. Workers’ Comp. Appeal Bd. (Aucker), 785 A2d 1087, 1092 (Pa. Cmwlth.
2001). To testify competently, an employer’s medical expert must, at minimum, be
aware of the claimant’s injury. Elberson v. Workers’ Comp. Appeal Bd. (Elwyn,
Inc.), 936 A.2d 1195, 1200 (Pa. Cmwlth. 2007).
It is also sufficient if the medical expert assumes the presence of the
work-related injury and then evaluates whether the claimant remains disabled. Id.
at 1199. Similarly, where a medical expert opines that the claimant has fully
5
recovered from any injury the claimant may have suffered, the expert’s doubts
concerning injury causation do not render the opinion invalid. To v. Workers’ Comp.
Appeal Bd. (Insaco, Inc.), 819 A.2d 1222, 1224-25 (Pa. Cmwlth. 2003).
Here, Employer accepted that Claimant suffered a contusion to multiple
parts of his head. See NCP.5 Appropriately, Dr. DeSouza acknowledged that
Claimant “sustained a contusion of the face” when he was hit with a basketball. Dep.
of Dr. DeSouza at 49. During Claimant’s physical examination, Dr. DeSouza
observed “no bruises, no cuts, no abrasions in the areas that [Claimant] said he was
hit.” Id. at 25. He also reported that Claimant’s diagnostic tests were normal and
revealed no evidence of a facial or head contusion, concussion, head injury, cervical
spine impairment, or medical or neurological proof of brain injury. Id. at 31-32, 49.
He concluded that “[C]laimant was fully recovered from any and all injuries that he
sustained[.]” Id. at 50. Thus, not only did Dr. DeSouza credibly testify that Claimant
had fully recovered from his contusion, but Dr. DeSouza also considered the
possibility the Claimant may have suffered other injuries never acknowledged by
Employer and, based upon his examination and the diagnostic results, concluded that
Claimant had fully recovered. Accordingly, Dr. DeSouza’s testimony was
competent and sufficient to establish that Claimant’s disability had ceased. See
Baumann; To; Elberson.
B. The WCJ Issued a Reasoned Decision
Claimant also contends that the WCJ failed to issue a reasoned decision
supported by substantial evidence. See Claimant’s Br. at 20-26. Principally,
5
We reject Claimant’s contention that he suffered a “multiple head injury” and a
“contusion.” See Claimant’s Br. at 5, 19. The NCP clearly delineates both the “[p]art of the body
injured” and the “[n]ature of injury.” See NCP. Read properly, it is clear that Claimant sustained
a contusion to multiple parts of his head. See id.
6
according to Claimant, the WCJ credited Employer’s medical testimonies as
persuasive and rejected the medical testimony of Claimant’s expert, Dr. Lake,
without sufficient explanation. Id. at 23-24. Thus, Claimant requests that this Court
reverse the WCJ’s denial of his review petition or remand this matter for further
consideration. Id. at 26.
Section 422(a) of the Act requires a WCJ’s decision to “clearly and
concisely state[] and explain[] the[ir] rationale.” 77 P.S. §824. A decision is
sufficiently reasoned where “it allows for adequate review by the [Board] without
further elucidation and if it allows for adequate review by the appellate courts under
applicable review standards.” Daniels v. Workers’ Comp. Appeal Bd. (Tristate
Transp.), 828 A.2d 1043, 1052 (Pa. 2003). “[T]he purpose of a reasoned decision is
to spare the reviewing court from having to imagine why the WCJ believed one
witness over another.” Dorsey v. Workers’ Comp. Appeal Bd. (Crossing Const. Co.),
893 A.2d 191, 196 (Pa. Cmwlth. 2006) (emphasis in original) (internal citation
omitted). The WCJ must provide an objective basis for his credibility
determinations, see id., and the factual findings must have a rational basis in the
evidentiary record. Green v. Workers’ Comp. Appeal Bd. (US Airways), 28 A.3d
936, 942 (Pa. Cmwlth. 2011). Deference is generally afforded to factfinders given
the “comparative advantage” they possess over an appellate court to assess witness
demeanor and review probative factors that affect testimony like temperament,
occupation, intelligence, and experience. Daniels, 828 A.2d. at 1052.
Upon reviewing the record, we reject Claimant’s assertions. The WCJ
explained that Claimant’s demeanor and behavior at the virtual hearing were
unconvincing and contradictory to the more credible medical evidence as presented
by other witnesses. See WCJ Dec., F.F. at 15a-b. Despite Dr. Lake’s additional
7
qualification in sports medicine, the WCJ found that his primary practice of family
medicine rendered him less qualified to opine on Claimant’s injuries than Drs.
DeSouza and Malumed, whose respective primary specialties are neurology and
orthopedics. See WCJ Dec., F.F. at 12a, 16a, 17a. The WCJ rejected Dr. Lake’s
diagnosis of Claimant’s severe head injury, finding it to be incomplete without
cognitive examination results, and uncredible because it primarily relied on
Claimant’s unsupported, subjective complaints. Id at 16b-e. See Dep. of Dr.
DeSouza at 25-31, 48, 65 (reporting that Claimant’s tests showed no evidence of
brain injury, which was consistent with the injury mechanism which did not result
in a loss of consciousness or lacerations).
The WCJ also found Dr. Lake’s diagnosis of Claimant’s cervical injury
unlikely. See WCJ Dec. at 16h. See Dep. of Dr. Malumed, at 21-22 (testifying that
Claimant’s symptom magnification and normal physical examination showed full
recovery from any possible sprain); see also Dep. of Dr. DeSouza at 32, 50 (opining
that the injury did not impair Claimant’s cervical spine). Finally, no medical experts
opined that Claimant injured his shoulder from being hit in the head with a
basketball. WCJ Dec. at 17c. See Dep. of Dr. Malumed at 20 (testifying that a
shoulder injury was impossible from the mechanism of injury described).
Accordingly, we need not imagine how the WCJ resolved the conflicting evidence
because he articulates a rational, objective basis for his credibility determinations,
which are supported by substantial evidence of record. See Daniels; Green; Dorsey.
Thus, the WCJ’s decision is sufficiently reasoned. 77 P.S. § 834.
IV. CONCLUSION
Here, Employer satisfied its burden of proving Claimant’s full recovery
through the testimony of its medical expert, who addressed and resolved Claimant’s
8
NCP-accepted injury. See Elberson. Moreover, the WCJ’s opinion on Claimant’s
review petition was sufficiently “reasoned” under Section 442(a) of the Act based
on the WCJ’s well-explained credibility determinations. 77 P.S. § 834. Discerning
neither error of law nor abuse of discretion, we affirm.
LORI A. DUMAS, Judge
9
IN THE COMMONWEALTH COURT OF PENNSYLVANIA
Connor Soles, :
Petitioner :
:
v. : No. 123 C.D. 2022
:
Garnet Valley School District, :
(Workers’ Compensation Appeal :
Board), :
Respondent :
ORDER
AND NOW, this 14th day of April, 2023, the order of the Workers’
Compensation Appeal Board, entered January 12, 2022, in the above-captioned
matter is AFFIRMED.
LORI A. DUMAS, Judge