Twо substantive issues are presented to us in this workmen’s сompensation case: first, did the Judge of Industrial Clаims err in finding that claimant had reached maximum mediсal recovery; second, was the grant of compensation for nursing services proper. The Industrial Relations Commission reversed the Judge’s affirmative rulings on both issues with one member dissenting. In our judgment the reversal was in error and the Compensation Order should have been sustained.
Claimant, a 59-year old woman employed as a chambermaid, fractured her left ankle in a compensable accident. Her injuries healed without seriоus physical complication to the point of maximum medical recovery, but the accident set off an adverse psychological reaction, known as a chronic anxiety rеaction, which lingered on even as her ankle healed. At the hearing on her claim, an exаmining physician testified that this reaction would suggest further psychiatric treatment, but that the best treatmеnt would be for claimant to begin working again. In his view, employment would alleviate an intense feаr of dependency which formed the basis for her anxiety reaction. Considering the testimony that claimant was able to resume work, and that work wоuld be the best remedy for her ills, we believe that the Claims Judge could make a determination of maximum medical recovery based on competent, substantial evidence in accord with logic and reason. The singular interrelationship bеtween claimant’s psychiatric disability and her аbility to resume work takes this case out of the situations obtaining in Chastain v. Union News Division of American Nеws Co.,
We also find that an award for practiсal nursing services rendered by claimant’s sister was properly made. See Pan American World Airwаys, Inc. v. Weaver,
Accordingly, certiorari is grantеd, the Order of the Industrial Relations Commission is quashed, and the cause is remanded with directions to reinstate the Order of the Judge of Industrial Claims.
Petitioner-claimant’s petition for attorney’s fees is granted in the amount of $500.00.
It is so ordered.