This is аn appeal from a decision by the Industrial Commission on a workers’ compensation claim. The claimant asks the Court to decide whether the determinations are supported by substantial and competent evidence, whether her motion to reconsider was timely filed, and whether she is entitled to attorney fees. We affirm in part, reverse in part, and remand.
I. FACTUAL AND PROCEDURAL BACKGROUND
Appellant VerDene Page was employed by McCain Foods, Inc. (McCain). On August 17, 2001,
Page felt her left knee “grab” and experienced pain in the knee as she rose from a chair in the break room at work. Sherubbed the knee and the pain went away. A couрle hours later, Page was seated at a table engaged in doing a “key report.” She rose from her seat, her left leg “grabbed” again and she experienced pain in her knee.
Page v. McCain Foods, Inc.,
Page filed a claim for workers’ compensation benefits. The Idaho Industrial Commission (the Commission) determined that Page sustained a torn meniscus in her left knee, on which Dr. Joseph R. Petersen performed surgery, and that Page suffered from several preexisting conditions including degenerative disc disease and degenerative joint disease. The factual conclusions also showed that since August 17, 2001, Page has been treated for several cоnditions including back pain, knee pain, a panic attack, and depression. Ultimately, however, the Commission denied Page’s claim. Page appealed, and subsequently this Court reversed and remanded the claim holding the Commission erred in concluding Page’s claim was barred for lack of proper notice and in concluding Page did not experience an “accident.”
Page,
On remand, the Commission awarded Page total disability and related medical care benefits through November 26, 2001, awarded Page a “1% whole person” permanent impairment, and awarded Page a 5% permanent partial disability resulting from the aсcident. The Commission also determined Page failed to show she qualified for “odd-lot” status and determined she was not entitled to attorney fees for the first appeal.
Page made two motions to reconsider, a motion for additional findings, a motion to reopen the record, and a motion to review the record to correct a manifest injustice. The Commission denied these motions. Page once again appeals.
II. STANDARD OF REVIEW
The Court may set aside an order or award by the Industrial Commission if: (1) the commission’s findings of fact are not based on any substantial competent evidence; (2) the commission has acted without jurisdiction or in excess of its powers; (3) the findings of fact, order or award were procured by fraud; or (4) the findings of fact do not as a matter of law support the order or award. I.C. § 72-732;
Ewins v. Allied Sec.,
III. ANALYSIS
On appeal, Page argues that she should have been awarded benefits beyond November 26, 2001, that the Commission should have reviewed its order to correct a manifest injustice, that she suffered more than a 1% whole person permanent impairment and more than a 5% permanent partial disability, and that she is totally and permanently disabled pursuant to “odd-lot” theories. Page also asserts her motion to reconsider was timely filed and that the Commission’s failure to address the merits of the motion was error. Finally, she contends the Commission erred when it failed to award Page attorney fees for the first appeal and that Page is entitled to an award of аttorney fees for the present appeal.
A. Manifest Injustice
The Commission concluded Page was entitled to income benefits and medical benefits for her knee injury from August 18, 2001, through November 26, 2001. Page argues the Commission erred by terminating Page’s income and medical benefits on November 26, 2001, and that the Commission should have reopened the case to correct a manifest injustice. We agree the Commission should have granted Page’s motion to reopen the case to correct a manifest injustice and re
mand
A claimant is entitled to income benefits for total and partial disability “during the period of recovery.” I.C. § 72-408. The statute does not define “period of recovery,” but this Court has said the period of recovery ends when the worker is medically stable.
Hernandez v. Phillips,
The Commission concluded Page was in a period of recovery from August 18, 2001, through November 26, 2001. Dr. Petersen, who performed surgery to repair Pagе’s meniscus tear initially, opined Page was medically stable as to her knee on November 26, 2001. The parties agree that Page was scheduled to see Dr. Petersen on November 26, 2001, but did not show up for the appointment. In its order denying Page’s second motion for reconsideration, the Commission indicates it “gave greater weight and credibility to the evidence presented by Dr. Petersen.”
Page moved the Commission to review its order to correct a manifest injustice. In her motion, Page argues that it was a manifest injustice to terminate Page’s income and medical benefits on November 26, 2001, because the only evidence supporting that determination is testimony by Dr. Petersen revealing he did not actually examine Page on that date. Additionally, Page supported her motion with a letter written by Dr. Petersen stating Page was not medically stable on November 26, 2001, that he was not previously aware that Page had followed up with Dr. Hicks after missing her November 26, 2001, appointment with Dr. Petersen, and furthermore, that Page has since followed up with Dr. Petersen and currently needs additional treatment which is partially attributable to Page’s accident.
The Commission may review any order to correct a manifest injustice. I.C. § 72-719(3). The fact that I.C. § 72-719(3) becomes operative on thе Commission’s own motion “does not preclude the Commission from exercising its powers when notice of a purported manifest injustice is brought to its attention either by a party or a third party.”
Banzhaf v. Carnation Co.,
The Commission denied the motion to review its order to correct a manifest injustice stating there was insufficient factual basis to warrant a review.
In this ease, it is clear that in determining Page’s medical stability date the Commission relied exclusively on Dr. Petersen’s statement that Page achieved clinical stability on November 26, 2001. Dr. Petersen was the only person to testify Page аchieved clinical stability on that date, and the Commission noted it placed great weight on his testimony. It is unrebutted that Dr. Petersen’s statement was not based upon an examination of Page or other medical follow-up. Therefore, contrary to the Commission’s conclusion, a subsequent letter from Dr. Petersen stating that Page had not actually achieved medical stability on November 26, 2001, combined with the absence of any other evidence in the record to support the Commission’s finding of medical stability constitute a sufficient factual basis to warrant review of the case to correct a manifest injustice. This is not to say thаt every medical provider who changes their mind provides grounds for an argument of “manifest injustice.” Here, there was no evidence to support Dr. Petersen’s original opinion of clinical stability and then when the relevant facts were brought to his attention he reviewed his record and appropriately revised his opinion. Thus, the Commission’s denial of Page’s motion for review to correct a manifest injustice is reversed and the case is remanded.
B. 1% Permanent Partial Impairment
Page argues the Commission’s determination that Page is entitled to only a 1%
A determination of physical impairment is a question of fact for the Commission.
Soto v. J.R. Simplot,
Permanent impairment “is any anatomic or functional abnormality or loss after maximal medical rehabilitation has been achieved____” I.C. § 72-422. A permanent impairment valuation “is a medical appraisal of thе nature and extent of the injury ... as it affects an injured employee’s personal efficiency in the activities of daily living____” I.C. § 72 — 424. When appraising the injury’s affect on daily living activities, “there is a potentially wide spectrum of material and relevant evidence worthy of consideration, beyond the particular opinion of a physician asked to give an impairment rating.”
Soto,
The Commission found Page has a 1% physical impairment and supported its finding with reference to Dr. Petersen’s chart comment that an impairment exists and Dr. Hicks’s and Dr. Petersen’s observations of Page’s continuing knee pain. This finding is capable of appellate review.
See Ball v. DAW Forest Prods. Co.,
Page argues the Commission’s finding was erroneous because it did not sufficiently take into account how her post-injury accident affected Page’s personal efficiency in her daily living. Page points to testimony from Page’s co-worker that Page did not experience difficulty performing her job duties pri- or to the accident; Page’s testimony that prior to the accident she did not experience any serious injuries to her person and that post-acсident she had difficulty performing many daily living activities (e.g., walking, doing dishes, bending down); and Dr. Petersen’s testimony that Page’s physical restrictions including walking, kneeling, squatting, and lifting. In substance Page is asking this Court to make its own factual determination from the record. However, this Court does not “re-weigh the evidence or consider whether it would have reached a different conclusion
from the
evidence presented.”
Seufert v. Larson,
Additionally, there was testimony by Dr. Petersen that Page’s injury resulted in a one to two percent impairment rating. This opinion was formed after the initial hearing, was brought forth in Page’s direct examination of Dr. Petersen, was objected to, and the Commission sustained the objection. Consequently, Page argues Dr. Petersen’s rating is not properly before this Court.
However, Page has failed to show that if the Commission relied on Dr. Petersen’s impairment rating, it did so erroneously. Though the Commission noted it sustained the objection to Dr. Petersen’s impairment rating, it also explicitly included Dr. Petersen’s deposition as evidence in the record, which wаs considered by the Commission. The Commission need not strictly adhere to the rules of evidence and has the discretion to consider any type of reliable evidence having probative value.
Stolle v. Bennett,
The Commission’s finding states it is based on Dr. Petersen’s acknowledgement of an impairment and Page’s ongoing complaints of pain. It is likely the Commission’s finding is also based on Dr. Petersen’s impairment rating, which would be permissible evidence for the Commission to consider. While there may also be evidence in the record to support a factual conclusion that Page has greater than a 1% impairment, Page does not point to any evidence in the record that would clearly mandate any such holding. This Court does not disturb factual findings that are supported by substantial and competent evidence, meaning “relevant evidence that a reasonable mind might accept as adequate to support a conclusion.”
Ewins,
C. Permanent Disability
Page argues that the conclusion she has an apportioned 5% permanent partial disability is not supported by substantial and competеnt evidence. Page also argues the Commission erred when it denied her motion to reopen on the issue of apportionment. Finally, Page argues the Commission erred when it concluded Page failed to show she qualified for “odd-lot” status and consequently, did not show she has a total permanent disability.
1. 5% Permanent Disability & Apportionment
Page argues the Commission’s apportionment is not capable of appellate review and is not supported by substantial and competent evidence. The degree of a permanent disability and the cause or causes of a disability are factual questions committed to the particular expertise of the Commission.
Thom v. Callahan,
If the degree of disability resulting from an industrial injury is increased because of a preexisting physical impairment, the employer is liable only for the disability from the industrial injury. I.C. § 72-406(1). There is a presumption the Commission by its experience is able to judge the causative factors in a particular case, and the Commission is “allowed a degree of latitude in mak
ing
In this ease, the Commission did not make a separate finding as to the degree of permanent disability and then apportion that disability between the pre-existing injuries and the accident injury. Instead, without articulating the degree of permanent disability, the Commission merely stated 5% of Page’s permanent disability was due to the accident injury. Page complains that the Commission erred by first failing to specify Page’s total disability from all causes.
The Court addressed this same issue in
Horton v. Garrett Freightlines, Inc.,
However, Horton is distinguishable from the present ease. In that case the record clearly showed all of the claimant’s physical impairments rendered him permanently and totally disabled. In this case, there is no clear indication as to Page’s permanent disability in light of the accident and her preexisting conditions, and we cannot say we are convinced the Commission made the necessary determination. Thus, because the Commission failed to articulate both steps in making its apportionment, we cannot review its decision. We therefore remand the case with instructions that the Commission evaluate Page’s disability according to the factors in I.C. § 72-430(1), and make findings as to her permanent disability in light of all of her physical impairments, including pre-existing conditions, and that it then apportion the amount of the permanent disability attributable to Page’s accident.
2. Motion to Reopen
Page moved the Commission to reopen its order “[t]o the extent [the Commission] is of the opinion that the record herein is inadequate or insufficient to allow the Commission to fully consider issues presented or make decisions thereupon____” Page then cites to the Commission’s comment in its decision as to apportionment that “[t]he amount of permanent disability apportionable to this claim is not specifically quantified by any testimony of record.” Page argues that apportionment is an affirmative defense on which McCain bears the burden of proof and that when conducting hearings the Commission is required to make such inquiries and investigations as may be deemed necessary, I.C. § 72-714(3). 2
The Commission denied the motion, noting that the parties were given the opportunity to present evidence at hearing and post-
hearing
3. Odd-lot
Whether a claimant is totally and permanently disabled is a question of fact.
Boley v. State,
The claimant bears the burden of proving a prima facie case of odd-lot status.
Boley,
To prove odd-lot status, it was necessary for Page to show that any efforts to find suitable employment would be futile.
3
See id.
In determining whether a claimant is able to gain regular employment, the Commission must consider the medical factor of permanent impairment and the pertinent non-medical factors set forth in I.C. § 72-430.
Bybee v. State,
The Commission concluded Page failed to show that she qualifies for odd-lot status. Page contends this conclusion was error and emphasizes she has no office skills or exрerience, only a tenth grade education, is unsophisticated, has several physical restrictions, and that Dr. Hicks testified Page is not capable of being gainfully employed. Page cites to opinions of two doctors identifying Page’s physical restrictions; however, none of the restrictions listed include sitting. Furthermore, though Dr. Hicks testified Page was incapable of any employment, Dr. Petersen testified Page was capable of being employed in sedentary positions. Additionally, McCain points out that although Dr. Hicks testified Page was incapable of employment, he also testified Page is capable of functions such as reaching overhead, finely manipulating and gripping with her hands, some pushing and pulling, performing activities at protected heights, and working around moving machinery.
D. Timeliness of Motion to Reconsider
Page moved the Commission to reconsider its order. However, the Commission declined to address this motion on the merits because it was not timely filed. On appeal to this Court, Page insists the motion was timely filed.
Motions to reconsider must be made within twenty days from the date of filing the decision. I.C. § 72-718. This Court has observed there is a difference between “make” and “file” as used in this statute, and we have held that a motion mailed twenty days after the filing date of the decision but not filed until twenty-one days after the filing date of the decision is timely filed.
Wright v. Wilier,
However, Page cannot rely on I.R.C.P. 6(a). The Idaho Rules of Civil Procedure govern in the district courts and the magistrate’s division of the distriсt courts. I.R.C.P. 1(a). The Industrial Commission is not a division of the district court. See I.C. § 72-501(1) (statutory creation of the Industrial Commission as an executive department of the state government). Furthermore, the Commission has the authority to “promulgate and adopt reasonable rules and regulations involving judicial matters” and to the extent the regulations are consistent with law, they are binding. 4 I.C. § 72-508.
Nonetheless, the computation of time in I.C. § 72-718 is controlled by I.C. § 73-109 which provides that “[t]he time in which any act provided by law is to be done is computed by excluding the first day, and including the last unless the last is a holiday and then it is also excluded.” Therefore, because July 4th is a holiday, I.C. § 73-108, and it was twenty days from the date of the filing of the Commission’s decision, it is excluded from the computation of time consequently, the last day on which Page could move for reconsideration was July 5th. Page complied with this requirement. Therefore, we reverse the Commission’s denial of Page’s motion for reconsideration.
E. Attorney Fees
Page argues the Commission erred by failing to award her attorney fees on the first appeal and that she is entitled to attorney fees for this appeal.
An employer must pay reasonable attorney fees when the Commission or any court hearing workers’ compensation proceedings “determines that the employer or his surety contested a claim for compensation ... without reasonable ground____” I.C. § 72-804. A decision that grounds exist to award attorney fees is a factual determination, resting with the Industrial Commission.
Lopez v. Amalgamated Sugar Co.,
1. Attorney fees for the first appeal
On the first appeal, this Court held there was an accident and that the employer had notice and remanded to the Commission noting:
Because the claim for benefits has not been resolved and remand to the Commission is necessary, the determination of whether McCain has contested Pаge’s claim without reasonable ground, which would be the cause of this appeal, should be left to the discretion of the Commission. If the Commission finds in favor of Page and awards benefits, the Commission should determine if attorney fees based on this appeal should be awarded.
Page,
On remand, the Commission declined to award attorney fees:
Considering the lack of written notice, the equivocal medical records, and the procedural posture of this case, Defendants’ actions in denying the claim were not unreasonable. For the same reasons, attorney fees based on Claimant’s appeal are also denied.
Page contends the failure to award attorney fees was error because written notice is not necessary, there are no equivocal medical records whether Page suffered her knee injury in the course of employment, and because there was nothing unusual concerning the procedural matters of this case. We must determine whether the Commission’s determination of reasonableness is supported by substantial and competent evidence.
The law is clear that written notice is not required and in this case, Page gave immediate oral notice of her injury. Second, there was little support to say there was no accident when Page reported shе was at work, stood up, and her knee “grabbed.” The equivocal medical records go towards the extent of injury due to the accident but not the subject matter of the first appeal — notice and occurrence of accident. Finally, the procedural posture of the case shows that on appeal this Court found for Page. Therefore, we reverse and hold the Commission’s denial to award attorney fees on the first appeal is not supported by substantial and competent evidence.
2. Attorney fees for the present appeal
Page asserts she is entitled to an award of attorney fees for the present appeal becаuse McCain has unreasonably argued there was substantial and competent evidence to support the termination of Page’s income and medical care benefits on November 26, 2001. Page has raised several issues on appeal and does not prevail on every issue. Since Page only prevails in part on appeal, she is not entitled to attorney fees on appeal.
See Hoskins v. Circle A. Constr., Inc.,
IV. CONCLUSION
We reverse the Commission’s denial of Page’s motion to review the case to correct a manifest injustice. We hold the Commission’s physical impairment finding is supported by substantial and competent evidence but reverse and remand on its finding of apportionment of Page’s permanent disability. We also reverse the Commission’s denial of Page’s motion to reconsider on the basis of timeliness. Finally, we reverse on the Commission’s finding that Page is not entitled to attorney fees on the first appeal, but we decline to award attorney fees for the present appeal. Costs to appellant.
Notes
. Idaho Code 72-430(1) provides:
In determining percentages of permanent disabilities, account shall be taken of the nature of the physical disablement, the disfigurement if of a kind likely to handicap the employee in procuring оr holding employment, the cumulative effect of multiple injuries, the occupation of the employee, and his age at the time of accident causing the injury, or manifestation of the occupational disease, consideration being given to the diminished ability of the afflicted employee to compete in an open labor market within a reasonable geographical area considering all the personal and economic circumstances of the employee, and other factors as the commission may deem relevant, provided that when a scheduled or unscheduled income benefit is paid or payable for the permanent partial or total loss or loss of use of a member or organ of the body no additional benefit shall be payable for disfigurement.
. There is no support for the proposition that apportionment is an affirmative defense. It is a statutory dictate that an employer is only liable for the disability attributable to the industrial injury or occupational disease when the permanent disability is less than total. I.C. § 72-406(1). Therefore, the statute calls upon the claimant to produce evidence to persuade the Commission as to the percentage of permanent disability, if any.
. A claimant may also prove odd-lot status by showing she has unsuccessfully attempted other types of employment or by showing she or vocational counselors or employment agencies on her behalf have searched for other work, but other work is not available.
Boley,
. Pursuant to its statutory authority, the Commission has promulgated "Judicial Rules of Practice and Procedure Under the Idaho Workers’ Compensation Law." Those rules require a motion to reconsider pursuant to I.C. § 72-718 be filed, within 20 days from the date of the final decision. See J.R.P. 3(F) (emphasis added). We note that this rule is inconsistent with the law insofar as it conflicts with the statutory language in I.C. § 72-218 and, thus, does not govern. See I.C. § 72-508.
