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hyperthyroidism and that he was started on anti- thyroid medication. It was indicated
in the said medical report that hyperthyroidism, an overactivity of the thyroid gland
usually secondary to an immunologic reaction, was not work-related.
On April 25, 2005, during his last follow-up at the petitioner company’s medical facility,
Laurel was already asymptomatic for upper respiratory tract infection. As he no longer
had fever, cough and cold, he was cleared of his pulmonary problem. He was advised to
consult an internist on his own account with regard to his hyperthyroidism as this
illness was allegedly not work-related.[9]
When Laurel returned to his hometown of Naga City, he consulted Dr. Ramon Caceres
(Dr. Caceres), an endocrinologist. On January 21, 2006, Dr. Caceres issued a medical
certificate attesting that he was treated for Euthyroid Graves’ Disease. By then, he was
clinically and biochemically euthyroid. His oral anti-thyroid medications were tapered
off for possible discontinuation of treatment.[10]
On August 3, 2006, Laurel filed a complaint[11] against the petitioners before the NLRC,
claiming medical reimbursement, sickness allowance, permanent disability benefits,
damages, and attorney’s fees.
Thereafter, Laurel returned to Dr. Caceres for a more extensive diagnosis. On August
12, 2006, he obtained a medical certificate[12] with these findings – Stage 1B diffuse
goiter, recurrent periodic paralysis of lower extremities Wayne’s Index to 27 points, and
hyperthyroid TFT’s (suppressed TSH, elevated T3). Dr. Caceres diagnosed Laurel’s
illness as Graves’ Disease (hyperthyroidism stage 1B diffuse goiter) with periodic
paralysis. He was advised not to undergo strenuous activity as it was dangerous for him
to ambulate given his unpredictable episodes of paralysis. His illness was described as
equivalent to Grave 1 impediment.[13]
The petitioners opposed Laurel’s claims, contending that his illness had been
categorically determined as not work-related.
The Labor Arbiter’s Decision
The Labor Arbiter (LA), in a Decision,[14] dated February 1, 2007, dismissed the
complaint. The LA held that Laurel was not entitled to his claims, with his
hyperthyroidism having been found as not work-related by petitioner’s company
physician. The LA reasoned out that under the POEA- Standard Employment Contract
(SEC), the employer was liable for the payment of disability benefits only for workrelated illnesses sustained during the term of the contract and after determination of
corresponding impediment grade by the company-designated physician. According to
the LA, hyperthyroidism was not listed in Section 32 of POEA-SEC as a compensable
occupational disease, and Laurel was not able to discharge his burden of proving that
his illness was work-related or work-aggravated.
The NLRC Ruling
elibrary.judiciary.gov.ph/thebookshelf/showdocsfriendly/1/55780
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