Claimant was 43 years old at the time of the accident. He completed high school and his favorite subject was math. He attended college for a year and a half at Southeast State University where he majored in business administration. He has been married since 2003 and has one dependent child, Rachel, born in 1991. Claimant served 4 years in the U.S. Air Force repairing portable generators before his honorable discharge. After discharge, he worked for McCarthy, volunteered to help his former wife start a travel agency, worked for a pest control company, apprenticed with Local 2, and worked for Sachs Electric.
In 1994, Employer hired Claimant as a lineman to build and maintain power lines. Also, Claimant worked as a trouble man, first responder, occasional supervisor, and he completed paperwork.
On June 16, 2003, Claimant fell 15 feet from the roof of a single story garage, injuring the right side of his face, shoulder, right wrist and chest, but he did not lose consciousness. He was hospitalized at BJC Hospital for 3 days, and then transferred to St. John's Hospital for treatment for thoracic spine fractures until June 25th. Dr. James Coyle surgically repaired Claimant's right shoulder. Dr. Don Pruett repaired his right wrist in July 2003. He has not seen a doctor for his wrist since Dr. Pruett released him in November 2003.
On November 20, 2003, Claimant returned to work on light duty for half days, and work hardening for half days. Claimant testified driving at work, physical therapy and work hardening caused increased back and neck pain.
On January 26, 2004, the Functional Capacity Evaluation ("FCE") was performed and Claimant testified he missed two days work due to mid back pain caused by pushing carts and climbing ladders during testing. Claimant testified his symptoms increased after the FCE and he stopped working on February 24, 2004 because Employer could not meet his restrictions and he could not perform the work.
Dr. Coyle released Claimant April 13, 2004 with no overhead work or lifting over 10 pounds. On May 21, 2004, the FCE was repeated, but Claimant was unable to finish the test due to back pain and shortness of breath. Claimant experienced severe pain and could not move for several days. Dr. Coyle increased lifting to 30 pounds.
Dr. Haupt did not place permanent restrictions on Claimant's shoulder. Shoulder complaints include irritation from moisture but it feels "pretty good." Dr. Pruett did not place restrictions on Claimant's right wrist. Claimant has occasional wrist irritation. He has not tested the shoulder or wrist very much. Physical therapy and driving increased mid back pain. Back pain is worse since the FCE. Claimant received no relief from trapezius injections. No doctor has recommended back surgery.
Claimant testified his quality of life is "nothing" and his "life is gone" since the work accident. He no longer takes motorcycle vacations, cannot lift weights, walk, play softball, volleyball, golf, bowl, dance, play baseball, shop or go out to dinner, hang Christmas lights or shoot pool. He has gained 25 pounds.
Claimant testified to the following complaints: mid back pain is at least 3/10 all the time. The pain feels like a "foot in his back" and the intensity varies with activity. Standing and sitting increase mid back pain unless Claimant can recline or lie down. He does not sleep more than 6 hours due to pain.
During a road trip to Ohio, Claimant took breaks and shared the driving. After the trip, he laid down because of increased pain. He can use a riding mower, provided he can lie down afterward. Exercise consists of doing laundry and going to the store. He lies on the couch between loads. Claimant washes, dries, sorts and carries 5 to 8 loads of laundry from the basement each week. Claimant cooks for himself, washes dishes, and takes care of his daily needs. Claimant pays bills by hand. He uses two home computers to access internet, play video games, and send emails up to 2 hours per day.
After the accident, Claimant purchased numerous items on EBay, including several motorcycles, clothes, cameras, Christmas items, and a 1965 Mustang. He drove the motorcycles around the block. He made a $\ 1,000.00 profit on two motorcycles he sold and lost money on two motorcycles he sold through a local newspaper. Claimant owns 4 cars and a pickup truck. He regularly plays poker with family, but leaves early or lies down because of pain. He visits the casino 2 to 3 times a year.
Employer has no jobs within Claimant's restrictions. Claimant has not applied for work since he stopped working for Employer. He testified he cannot work because he needs recovery time after any activity. Being in a vertical position increases mid back pain.
Claimant seeks reimbursement for $\ 1,191.00 in medication co-pays, and requests future medication and follow up doctor visits. Currently, Dr. Lucas, Claimant's personal physician, prescribes OxyContin for back pain and Wellbutrin for depression. Claimant testified he cannot get out of bed without it. Claimant testified he has memory problems, feels like he is constantly "drunk, out of control, in la-la land," and has "brain freezes," loss of concentration, and impaired ability to drive or perform deta