6/7/2020 E-Library - Information At Your Fingertips: Printer Friendly smoking." Despite the interim disability grading given, the company doctor noted, in a report[7] dated June 23, 2015, that petitioner still complains of "on and off hypogastric pain." He was then advised to undergo repeat cystoscopy. On June 30, 2015,[8] Dr. Cruz issued petitioner with a final assessment of Grade 7 disability-moderate residuals or disorder of the intra-abdominal organ. In September 2015, petitioner underwent another operation using his own funds.[9] This prompted him to secure the opinion of another physician, Dr. Richard Combe, who diagnosed him with bladder mass and declared him unfit to work due to his need to undergo instillation chemotherapy and cystoscopy every three months, thus:[10] Remarks/Recommendations: Pt. is being scheduled for instillation chemotherapy [&]cystoscopy every 3 months hence unfit to work Thereafter, petitioner, thru counsel, sent respondents a letter[11] dated October 16, 2015, claiming total and permanent disability benefits. Petitioner further declared in the said letter his willingness to undergo another examination to prove the extent of his disability being claimed, thus: Dear MS FRANCISCO: This pertains to the disability case of the above-named seafarer who was medically repatriated due to medical reasons-Urotherial Carcinoma of the Urinary Bladder. He underwent series of chemotherapy. However, despite such medical treatment, he remains incapacitated until today. He consulted an independent medical expert and was found to be still suffering from the said permanent disability and declared seafarer is already totally UNFIT to resume his work as a seaman. A copy of the Second Medical Report is hereto attached and marked as ANNEX A as well as the records of his surgical operation last October 6, 2015. As a result thereof, the seafarer is claiming total and permanent disability benefits in accordance with the law and his CBA. He is willing to undergo another test/examination to confirm his present disability which has incapacitated him from resuming his work as a seaman. Please be guided accordingly. For the Firm: (SIGNED) ATTY. ARNOLD M. BURIGSAY Counsel for Seafarer elibrary.judiciary.gov.ph/thebookshelf/showdocsfriendly/1/64175 2/12

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