6/7/2020
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Patient's range of motion of the right hip has improved although patient still
ambulates with a pair of axillary crutches.
Pain is at 1-2/10 at the right hip.
Based on his present condition, his closest interim assessment is Grade 10 irregular union of fracture in a thigh.
Dissatisfied with the company doctor's January 13, 2013 medical report, petitioner
sought the opinion of another doctor, Dr. Venancio P. Garduce (Dr. Garduce),[5] who
recommended a disability grade of three (3) in his Medical Report dated February 6,
2013.
After further medical treatment, petitioner was assessed with a final disability grade of
10 by the company physician of respondent OSM Maritime, Dr. William Chuasuan, Jr.
(Dr. Chuasuan), on February 15, 2013.[6]
Respondents offered petitioner disability benefit of $30,225 in accordance with the
disability Grade 10 that the company-designated doctor issued. Petitioner, however,
refused the offer and filed a claim for a disability benefit of USD$150,000.00 based on
the POEA-SEC and NIS AMOSUP CBA.[7]
During the pendency of the case with the Labor Arbiter (LA), the parties agreed to
consult Dr. Lyndon L. Bathan (Dr. Bathan) for a third opinion. Dr. Bathan issued a
Medical Certificate recommending a Grade 9 disability pursuant to the Schedule of
Disabilities and Impediments under the POEA-SEC. In addition, Dr. Bathan stated
therein that petitioner is "not yet fit to work." Dr. Bathan's certificate states:
This is to certify that SUNIT, REYNALDO consulted the undersigned on 17
Feb. 2014 at Faculty Medical Arts Building, PGH Compound, Taft Ave.,
Manila.
He was diagnosed to have:
FEMORAL FRACTURE S/P INTRAMEDULLARY
NAILING (2012); S/P BONE GRAFTING
Patient is Gr. 9 according to POEA Schedule of disability. Patient is not yet fit
to work and should undergo rehabilitation.[8]
Ruling of the LA
Pursuant to the Grade 9 disability issued by Dr. Bathan, the LA awarded petitioner
disability benefit in the amount of $13,060. The dispositive portion of its Decision[9]
elibrary.judiciary.gov.ph/thebookshelf/showdocsfriendly/1/62831
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