State ex rel. Noll v. Indus. Comm. (1991),
The commission concedes that its order does not satisfy Noll since it does not explain the reasoning behind the order but merely identifies evidence that the commission deemed relevant. Mere recitation of claimant’s age, education and work history does not constitute an explanation of the commission’s decision.
However, a Noll violation does not mandate substitution of the commission’s denial with an order granting permanent total disability benefits. Under similar facts, we rejected this proposition, writing:
“A lack of ‘some evidence’ supporting denial of permanent total disability compensation does not automatically translate into ‘some evidence’ supporting its award. State ex rel. Lampkins v. Dayton Malleable, Inc. (1989),
Claimant responds that the commission must be instructed to find permanent total disability upon remand if claimant’s allowed conditions together with nonmedical evidence and nonallowed medical conditions remove him from sustained remunerative employment.
Claimant’s assertion arises from language in State ex rel. Stephenson v. Indus. Comm. (1987),
Claimant misreads Stephenson. The commission must “look at” all relevant factors in the record that may affect a claimant’s ability to work. However, Stephenson was never intended to permit the commission to base an award of permanent total disability on non-allowed medical conditions, in whole or in part.
For these reasons, we affirm the judgment of the court of appeals.
Judgment affirmed.
