Dennis O'Neal Milligan v. Ten-State, Inc .

This workers' compensation appeal has been referred to the Special Workers' Compensation Appeals Panel of the Supreme Court in accordance with Tennessee Code Annotated Section 5-6-225(e)(3) for hearing and reporting of findings of fact and conclusions of law. On or about July 9, 1993, while employed by the defendant, the claimant was attempting to move a mobile home with the assistance of fellow employees when his foot slipped and he was caused to twist and fall to his knee. He felt a burning sensation in his lower back shortly thereafter and reported this to his supervisor. The company referred him to a Dr. Howard Thomas, who in turn referred him to Dr. R. J. Hornsby. In the course of his examinations and treatments by these physicians, he underwent not only an MRI, an EMG and nerve conduction study, but also an epidural block and myelogram, which gave him a severe spinal headache. Because he continued to complain of pain in the low back upon examination, he was also evaluated by a physical therapist, who reported, ". . . he was totally inconsistent in every test and no impairment was noted that was consistent." (Notes of Dr. Hornsby). No permanent disability rating was given by either Dr. Hornsby or Dr. Thomas. However, claimant was referred by his attorney on October 4, 1994 to Dr. Robert Barnett, for an evaluation. Dr. Barnett saw him one time. Dr. Barnett said that he "thought that he had some lumbar radiculopathy, probably aggravation of preexisting degenerative changes." Dr. Barnett was also of the opinion that the claimant has a permanent impairment of ten percent (1%) of the whole body. When asked what the opinion was based upon, the doctor replied, Medically documented injury with the pain and stiffness, with some radiculopathy, and some limited motion, [giving a reference to the AMA guides]. (Deposition of Dr. Barnett, page 9). The doctor was then asked whether or not the history of claimant injuring himself in July of 1993 on the job "was consistent" with his diagnosis of lumbar radiculopathy and a ten percent (1%) permanent impairment to the body as a whole. The doctor 2