3/25/2021 E-Library - Information At Your Fingertips: Printer Friendly Private respondent asked petitioner for disability benefits in the amount of $25,000.00, or fifty percent (50%) of the maximum rate of $50,000.00, which, under Appendix 1-A, is awarded when the seaman sustains a grade 6 disability. One of the grade 6 head injuries listed in Appendix 1, specifically number seven (7), is described as a "moderate mental disorder or moderate brain functional disturbance which limits worker to the activities of daily living with some directed care or attendance." This coincides with Dr. Domingo-Reyes' diagnosis of private respondent's condition, as follows xxx xxx xxx Work-ups and Management: Patient was admitted on an emergency bases for drowsiness, behavioral change and on and off fever. This started with headaches since the first week of June 1995 while on duty (on voyage). Patient progressively deteriorated and arrived here already dehydrated with high grade fever. (emphasis supplied) Emergency CT Scan of the brain revealed rounded masses in both thalamus on the brain; the larger mass was situated at the right. Burr hole at the right parietal and drainage of the right thalamic abscess was done on June 26, 1995. Repair of shallow fornix of left eye and biopsy was done for culture studies thereafter. Mr. De Lara stayed in the hospital for 33 days and was still in bedridden state when discharge. He became ambulant on mid-August 1996 but his cerebral functions (cognitive and behavioral) remain impaired. This is his 18th month of illness. His admission last June 24, 1995 is considered catastrophic. He now can be classified under partial permanent disability and is not fit to go back to his previous work due to his mental state.[16] (emphasis supplied) xxx xxx xxx Thus, the medical certificate of Dr. Domingo-Reyes is more than sufficient basis for the award of disability benefits in the amount of $25,000.00 in favor of private respondent. Sickness wages Petitioners assert that the award of $1,137.00, representing the balance of the sickness wages owed to private respondent, is erroneous and in absolute disregard of their documentary evidence - particularly the three check vouchers in the total amount of P89,354.80, all issued in 1995 in favor of either private respondent or his wife, and the "Sickwages Release & Quitclaim" - which, according to petitioners, taken together would prove that they had paid private respondent the total amount of P89,354.80, or $3,480.00, corresponding to the 120 days sickness wages as required under the https://elibrary.judiciary.gov.ph/thebookshelf/showdocsfriendly/1/50003 12/16