State News : Kentucky

Cumulative Trauma - Sufficiency of Evidence 

Lexington Fayette Urban County Gov’t v. Gosper, 2021-SC-0386-WC (not final)

Claimant worked exclusively as firefighter and EMT for employer for 18 years. He presented to his treating physician, Dr. Balthrop, in December of 2017 with unbearable bilateral knee pain which his physician stated was work-related. He underwent two total knee replacement surgeries paid through workers’ compensation. Claimant had treated for knee problems for years and was diagnosed with osteoarthritis in 2012. He had a prior right knee work injury in 2007 that led to a meniscectomy. Dr. Balthrop testified that Claimant’s physically exacting work demands combined with his varus deformity accelerated the gradual deterioration of his knees and his occupation worsened his arthritis. The employer’s IME expert, Dr. Prince acknowledged that sustained, repetitive, and strenuous work is a risk factor for arthritis and would have accelerated Claimant’s degenerative changes. Dr. Prince, attributed 75% of his left knee impairment and 50% of his right knee impairment to non-occupational factors, including his varus deformity and being overweight. He testified that without the work-related component, Claimant would likely not have needed the knee replacement surgery at the age he had it. Claimant’s IME expert, Dr. Burke, noted that while Claimant experienced intermittent knee pain, he continued to work, however by the end of 2017 his knees deteriorated to where he couldn’t function with regular duty activities. Dr. Burke diagnosed progressive development of bilateral osteoarthritis contributed significantly by the nature and duration of his work. The employer also had a report prepared by Dr. Lyon, who attributed 50% of Claimant’s right knee condition to work and 0% of the left knee condition. Dr. Lyon emphasized Claimant’s history of knee pain and bowleggedness.

The ALJ found that the nature and duration of Claimant’s work aggravated his degenerative condition into active physical impairment sooner than would have been, awarding PPD benefits with the 3x multiplier and medical benefits. The employer appealed, arguing that the Claimant did not meet his burden of proving a work-related injury, noting injury does not include the effects of the natural aging process. The Supreme Court of Kentucky held that substantial evidence existed to support the ALJ’s determination, finding that three doctors, including one of the employer’s IME experts, acknowledged that the Claimant’s job duties significantly contributed to the acceleration or aggravation of his degenerative knee condition.