No. 00-01213 (2002). Hatfield v. Sycamore Fuels, Inc.

• Case Date: March 13, 2002
• Court: Kentucky

Kentucky Workers Compensation 2002. No. 00-01213 (2002). Hatfield v. Sycamore Fuels, Inc LYNN HATFIELD PETITIONER VS. SYCAMORE FUELS, INC.; TALL TIMBER COAL COMPANY; UNINSURED EMPLOYERS' FUND and HON. IRENE STEEN, ADMINISTRATIVE LAW JUDGE RESPONDENTSOPINION ENTERED: March 13, 2002CLAIM NOS. 00-01213 and 00-01211APPEAL FROM HON. IRENE STEEN, ADMINISTRATIVE LAW JUDGE AFFIRMING * * * * * * BEFORE: LOVAN, Chairman, STANLEY and GARDNER, Members.STANLEY, Member. Lynn Hatfield ("Hatfield") appeals from an opinion and order rendered November 14, 2001, by Hon. Irene Steen, Administrative Law Judge ("ALJ"), dismissing his claim for benefits due to alleged work-related carpal tunnel syndrome and work-related hearing loss against the respondents, Sycamore Fuels, Inc. ("Sycamore"), Tall Timber Coal Company ("Tall Timber"), and the Uninsured Employer's Fund ("UEF"). Hatfield also appeals from an order issued December 13, 2001, by the ALJ overruling his petition for reconsideration. On appeal, Hatfield generally argues the ALJ erred by not finding him 100% disabled due to his alleged carpal tunnel syndrome and hearing loss. In support of this charge, Hatfield further contends that the overwhelming evidence of substance from Dr. James Templin, Dr. Charles Hieronymus, and Associates Hearing, Inc. compels a result opposite that reached by the ALJ. Having thoroughly reviewed the evidence of record and applicable law, we find no merit in Hatfield's arguments and therefore affirm the decision of the ALJ. Hatfield was last employed with Sycamore on January 15, 1999. Thereafter, on October 9, 2000, Hatfield filed Claim No. 00-01213, alleging a claim for work-related bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome and Claim No. 00-01211, alleging work-related hearing loss. By order issued November 6, both claims were assigned to ALJ Steen for purposes of final adjudication. With regard to the carpal tunnel claim, evidence submitted for the ALJ's consideration consisted of medical reports and/or records from Dr. James Templin, Dr. Timothy Wagner, and Charles Hieronymus. With regard to Hatfield's claim for alleged work-related hearing loss, medical reports and records were submitted from Barbara Hubbard, a licensed speech pathologist; Tony Evans, Robert D. Manning, and Joilyn Bush, audiologists; and Dr. Raleigh Jones who conducted a university evaluation pursuant to KRS 342.315. Also submitted was Hatfield's deposition. Dr. Templin performed an independent medical evaluation of Hatfield on October 26, 2000. On that occasion, Hatfield complained of constant dull aching...