Court Upholds Commissioner's Resolution of Conflicting Medical Opinions

The Iowa Court of Appeals ruled that substantial evidence supported a decision of a workers’ compensation commissioner to deny a worker’s request for permanent disability benefits after weighing the conflicting opinions of two doctors. Case: Merrick v. Crestridge Inc., No. 17-0745, 03/21/2018, published. Facts: Velene Merrick began working at a retirement home operated by Crestridge Inc. in April 2011. After a few months on the job, she suffered an injury to her right shoulder. Merrick went to see Dr. Jerald Bybee on the day of her injury. An X-ray revealed no fractures or ...