Hefner v. American Airlines

OPINION

ADAMS, Judge:

Claimant David Hefner injured his back in the course of his employment at American Airlines (Employer). Employer stipulated that Claimant had suffered an accidental injury arising out of and in the course of his employment. It is also undisputed that Claimant has herniated disks at L4-5 and L5-S1 as a result of his injury. Claimant’s treating doctor recommended surgical intervention, but Claimant declined because he could get no guarantee that surgery would help.

Claimant requested a hearing to determine the extent of his permanent partial disability, but also asked the…