Green v. Inkster Public Schools, 051506 MIWC, 2006-188

• Case Date: May 15, 2006
• Court: Michigan

MATTIE GREEN, S.S.# xxx, Plaintiff,/RESPONDENT, v. INKSTER PUBLIC SCHOOLS, SELF-INSURED, DEFENDANT/PETITIONER. No. 2006-188 Michigan Workers Compensation State of Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Growth Board of Magistrates May 15, 2006          The social security number and dates of birth have been redacted from this opinion.           HEARING DATES 5/10/06           Plaintiff was not represented by counsel           David Williams (P33830) appeared on behalf of defendant           OPINION           MARY C. BRENNAN, MAGISTRATE (178), JUDGE          STATEMENT OF CLAIM          Plaintiff is currently being paid benefits pursuant to order, following a 1987 injury to her back. On October 13, 2005, defendant filed the instant petition to stop payment of benefits and for recoupment, claiming that any continuing disability is not related to the 1987 injury. It bases its petition on the examination and report of Dr. Obianwu.          EXHIBITS          Plaintiff          None          Defendant          1. Report of Emmanuel Obianwu, M.D.          DISCUSSION, FINDINGS OF FACT AND CONCLUSIONS OF LAW          The sole issue raised by defendant is whether plaintiff’s ongoing disability is related to the back injury she sustained in 1987. I previously found that plaintiff had injured her back as a result of a lifting incident at work that the injury had resulted in an ongoing disability. Defendant now contends that if plaintiff continues to be disabled, the disability is not related to the 1987 back injury.          In support of its petition, defendant submitted the narrative report of Dr. Obianwu. Dr. Obianwu examined plaintiff on April 15, 2005, and concluded that plaintiff was disabled due to severe arthritis of her lumbar spine. He characterized the condition as “entirely age-related” and denied that it was related...