{"id":"full_commission-H207576-2025-02-05","awcc_number":"H207576","decision_date":"2025-02-05","opinion_type":"full_commission","claimant_name":"Willie Hinton","employer_name":"B H I Energy, Inc","title":"HINTON VS. B H I ENERGY, INC. AWCC# H207576 February 05, 2025","outcome":"granted","outcome_keywords":["granted:4","denied:2"],"injury_keywords":["wrist","strain","sprain","fracture","carpal tunnel","back"],"pdf_url":"https://www.labor.arkansas.gov/wp-content/uploads/Hinton_Willie_H207576_20250205.pdf","source_index_url":"https://labor.arkansas.gov/workers-comp/awcc-opinions/full-commission-opinions/","filename":"Hinton_Willie_H207576_20250205.pdf","text_length":26734,"full_text":"BEFORE THE ARKANSAS WORKERS' COMPENSATION COMMISSION \n \n \nCLAIM NO.  H207576 \n \nWILLIE HINTON, \nEMPLOYEE \n \nCLAIMANT \nB H I ENERGY, INC.,  \nEMPLOYER \n \nRESPONDENT \nSEDGWICK CLAIMS MANAGEMENT \nSERVICES, INC., INSURANCE CARRIER/TPA \nRESPONDENT \n  \n      \nOPINION FILED FEBRUARY 5, 2025 \n \nUpon review before the FULL COMMISSION in Little Rock, Pulaski County, \nArkansas. \n \nClaimant is Pro Se. \n \nRespondents represented by the HONORABLE MICHAEL E. RYBURN, \nAttorney at Law, Little Rock, Arkansas. \n \nDecision of Administrative Law Judge:  Reversed. \n \n \n OPINION AND ORDER \nThe respondents appeal an administrative law judge’s opinion filed \nAugust 22, 2024.  The administrative law judge found that the claimant \nproved he was entitled to temporary total disability benefits beginning \nDecember 20, 2023.  After reviewing the entire record de novo, the Full \nCommission finds that the claimant did not prove he was entitled to \nadditional temporary total disability benefits.     \nI. HISTORY \n The testimony of Willie Hinton, now age 58, indicated that he had \nformerly been employed with the respondents, BHI Energy, Inc.  Mr. Hinton \n\nHINTON - H207576  2\n  \n \n \ntestified that he disassembled nuclear reactors for the respondent-\nemployer.  The parties stipulated that the employee-employer-carrier \nrelationship existed on or about October 10, 2022.  The claimant testified \nthat he was working for the respondent-employer at Arkansas Nuclear One \nPower Station.  The claimant contended that he sustained a work-related \ninjury on October 11, 2022.  The claimant testified, “We were moving – \nlifting and moving various equipment, camera equipment, hoses, things like \nthat.  I felt a pop in my hand.”  According to the record, the claimant treated \nat Central Arkansas Veterans Health Care System on October 11, 2022.  \nThe claimant was diagnosed with “Right wrist pain” and “Soft tissue swelling \nright wrist.”     \nThe claimant treated at I & O Medical Centers, Newport News, \nVirginia, on October 19, 2022.  The diagnosis was “R hand strain, R wrist \nflexor sprain.”  The WORK STATUS at that time was “Return to \nModified/Restricted Duty on 10/19/22 through 10/21/22.”  The work \nrestrictions included no lifting or pulling more than five pounds, no overhead \nwork with right hand, no climbing, no operation of hazardous machinery or \npower tools, and no tight gripping with right hand. \nThe claimant followed up at I & O Medical Centers on October 21, \n2022.  The WORK STATUS on that date was “Return to Modified/Restricted \n\nHINTON - H207576  3\n  \n \n \nDuty on 10/21/22 through 11/1/2020.”  The claimant was referred to a \nphysical therapist.     \nDr. John Wing reported on October 26, 2022: \nMr. Willie Hinton is currently a patient of the Hampton \nVeterans Administration Medical Center.  Mr. Hinton injured \nhis right wrist at work on October 11, 2022.  He initially \npresented to the Little Rock Arkansas Veterans Administration \nMedical Center.  He was diagnosed with a wrist strain which \ndid not improve with medication.  He then came to the \nHampton Veterans Administration emergency room and was \ntreated but still no improvement to his right wrist.  He currently \nis seeing me his primary care doctor.  We are awaiting an MRI \nand are initiating other therapy for his wrist.  For the \nforeseeable future he is not able to work.  It is unclear when \nhe will be released to return to work.  Any help that you could \ngive this veteran would be greatly appreciated.   \n \n An MRI study of the claimant’s right wrist was done on November 13, \n2022 with the following findings: \nBones:  There is patchy marrow edema and small cystic \nsignal throughout the carpal bones.  There is no fracture. \nJoints:  There is moderate synovitis throughout the wrist.  \nThere is reactive subchondral edema at the lunocapitate and \nlunate - hamate articulations.  There is chondral thinning with \nsmall osteophytes at the thumb carpometacarpal joint.   \nLigaments:  There is degeneration and possible tearing of the \nvolar band of the scapholunate ligament.  The lunotriquetral \nligament is intact.  The dorsal extrinsic wrist ligaments are \nintact.   \nTFCC:  The central disc near the radial attachment is \nattenuated with likely a small full-thickness tear.   \nTendons:  There is mild diffuse tenosynovitis of the flexor \ntendons within the carpal tunnel and palm of the hand.  There \nis mild tendinosis and tenosynovitis of the fourth extensor \ncompartment, which is at the level of the skin marker.... \nIMPRESSION:  1.  MRI of the right wrist demonstrates \nmoderate diffuse synovitis. \n\nHINTON - H207576  4\n  \n \n \n2.  Diffuse mild tenosynovitis of the flexor tendons of the \ncarpal tunnel, and mild tenosynovitis of the fourth extensor \ncompartment. \n3.  Degeneration and possible tear of the volar band of the \nscapholunate ligament.   \n4.  Degeneration and likely full-thickness perforation of the \ncentral disc of the TFCC.   \n \n Dr. Wing reported on January 12, 2023: \nMr. Willie Hinton is currently a patient of the Hampton veteran \nadministration Medical Center.  He is being amongst other \nthings followed for a wrist injury which occurred in October \n2022 apparently on the job.  The patient was discovered to \nhave marked synovitis of his right wrist along with a possible \ntear in one of the ligaments.  Patient was seen by specialist \nand currently is undergoing a rest cure.  Patient continues to \nbe disabled from the wrist.  Any help that you could give this \nveteran as he recovers from his work-related injury would be \ngreatly appreciated.   \n \n The claimant testified that Dr. Wing released him to return to work on \nFebruary 22, 2023.  The claimant testified that he returned to work for the \nrespondent-employer on February 26, 2023 and that his last day of work \nwas May 14, 2023.    \n A pre-hearing order was filed on June 1, 2023.  According to the pre-\nhearing order, the claimant contended, “Worked night shift 10/10/22 6pm – \n6am.  Was off loading/staging camera/communication equipment was near \nend of shift.  Felt a pull-on right hand.  Completed shift.  Told coworker \n(James Patrick) what happened, left work.  Woke 1 ½ hours later with \nswollen arm/wrist/fingers.  Called Bob Dow and reported accident at that \ntime.”   \n\nHINTON - H207576  5\n  \n \n \n The respondents contended, “Claimant does not have a \ncompensable injury.  All tests revealed no new objective findings.  Strains \nare not compensable.”   \n The parties agreed to litigate the following issues: \n1. Whether claimant sustained a compensable injury on or \nabout October 11, 2022.   \n2. Compensation rate. \n3. Whether claimant is entitled to temporary total disability \nbenefits. \n4. Whether claimant is entitled to medical benefits.  All other \nissues are reserved by the parties.   \n \nDr. Wing reported on June 28, 2023: \nMr. Willie Hinton is currently a patient of the Hampton \nVeterans Administration Medical Center.  Mr. Hinton has been \nfollowed for right wrist injury since October 11, 2022.  He was \ngiven a rest cure along with a cortisone shot.  MRI indicated \ndiffuse synovitis along with a tear in the volar band of the \nscapholunate ligament.  Mr. Hinton was released to return to \nwork on February 22, 2023.  Patient continues to have right \nwrist pain and stiffness, treatment is pending orthopedic \nreevaluation.  Any consideration that you could give this \nveteran would be greatly appreciated.   \n \n A hearing was held on July 11, 2023.  The claimant testified that he \nwas not working, and that his right wrist was “not 100%.”  The claimant \ntestified with regard to his right hand, \"It's not the same.  It’s not strong.  It’s \npainful.  I don’t have the dexterity that I had before.”              \nAn administrative law judge filed an opinion on September 29, 2023.  \nThe administrative law judge determined, among other things, that the \n\nHINTON - H207576  6\n  \n \n \nclaimant proved “he suffered a compensable injury on October 11, 2022.”  \nThe administrative law judge found, in pertinent part: \n3.  Claimant has met his burden of proof by a preponderance \nof the evidence that he is entitled to temporary total disability \nbenefits beginning October 11, 2022, and continuing through \nFebruary 22, 2023.   \n4.  Claimant has met his burden of proof by a preponderance \nof the evidence that he is entitled to reasonable and \nnecessary medical benefits for his right upper extremity injury.     \n \n The administrative law judge concluded, “Dr. Wing’s records support \nthe contention that claimant had not reached the end of his healing period \nuntil February 22, 2023, and I am satisfied that it began on October 11, \n2022.” \n The parties have stipulated that “all prior opinions are res judicata.” \n The claimant testified that his compensable injury subsequently \n“flared back up” and that he needed additional medical attention.  The \nclaimant testified that the respondent-carrier denied additional medical \ntreatment.     \n Dr. Wing reported on December 20, 2023: \nMr. Willie Hinton is currently a patient of the Hampton \nVeterans Administration Medical Center.  Mr. Hinton \ncontinues to be unable to work due to a right wrist injury and \nis advised not to work until further treatment given.  Any \nconsideration that you could give this veteran would be greatly \nappreciated.   \n \n The claimant treated at RMC Hospital on January 2, 2024:  “Patient \nis coming in with right arm pain history the same is currently on worker’s \n\nHINTON - H207576  7\n  \n \n \ncomp for a torn ligament in the right arm.  Exacerbated with movement no \nalleviation this is a chronic injury.  Is wanting something for pain.”  A \n“Medical Decision Making” note indicated, “Right arm pain pain control \nfollow-up with PCP and your workmen’s comp physician no new injury or \nfindings.”   \n An x-ray of the claimant’s right hand was taken on February 5, 2024 \nwith the following report: \nNo acute osseous abnormality.  Mild to moderate \nosteoarthritic change of the 1\nst\n CMC joint.  No significant soft \ntissue findings.   \nImpression:  No acute findings.   \n \n An x-ray of the claimant’s right wrist was taken on February 5, 2024 \nwith the following report: \nThe distal radius and ulna appear intact without fracture.  The \ncarpal bones appear intact without fracture or dislocation.  \nThere is mild arthritis of the STT joints and 1\nst\n CMC joint.  \nThere is moderate to advanced arthritis 1\nst\n MCP joint.  The \nsoft tissues are unremarkable.   \nImpression:  Moderate to advanced arthritis 1\nst\n MCP joint.  \nMild arthritis of the STT joints and 1\nst\n CMC joint.  No acute \nfracture or dislocation demonstrated.   \n \n Dr. Andrea Lese noted on February 6, 2024: \n  CHIEF COMPLAINT:  Right hand and wrist pain.   \n  DATE OF INJURY/ONSET:   \n  10/11/2022 \n  S/p lifting heavy equipment and boxes \nHISTORY OF PRESENT ILLNESS:  Mr. Hinton is a 57 year \nold right hand dominant male who presents with right hand \npain and wrist pain.  He was first seen there on 12/13/2022 for \na work injury in which he was lifting boxes.  He was lifting \n\nHINTON - H207576  8\n  \n \n \nheavy boxes and equipment.  He was in Arkansas at the time \nworking for Westinghouse.  He was seen at the time at VA \nHospital.  He went there because he was having pain.  He \nwas seen and xrays were taken, which were reportedly \nnegative.  He then came here and was seen in Hampton, VA, \nat the VA Hospital.  He was then referred to HROSM.  He was \nseen there twice and got injections from them for the \nsynovitis.  He had an MRI in December 2022.  This showed \ntenosynovitis.  All the while, he was trying to get the Worker’s \nCompensation and went to court to get worker’s \ncompensation.  He was granted that judgment.  He could not \nbe seen at HROSM because they do not take out of state WC.  \nHe has been seen at the Rheumatologist sometime between \nDecember 2022 and September 2023 and blood work was \nnegative for systemic inflammatory conditions.   \nToday he states he continues to have pain and swelling.  He \nstates it is mostly over the dorsal wrist and forearm.  It is \nintermittent; it gets worse when he attempts to do activities \nlike lifting objects.  He says this aggravates it more.  \nHydrocodone helps the pain.  He also tried Naproxen which \ndidn’t seem to help the swelling.  He says the injections may \nor may not have helped because he had to go back to work.  \nOral steroids did not resolve.  He has had to work and climb \nladders and lift.... \nRight wrist and forearm:  there is dorsal swelling.  There is \ntenderness over the swelling dorsal wrist and forearm with \ntenderness.... \nIMAGING \n3 views of the right hand/wrist were taken today in clinic and \nanalyzed by me[.] \nMy interpretation is no acute fracture or dislocation.  The \npatient is ulnar positive variance.   \nMRI right wrist performed by HROSM in 12/2022:  I have no \naccess to these images.  The official read indicates \ntenosynovitis of both the extensor (4\nth\n dorsal compartment) \nand flexor (in the carpal tunnel) tendons.  There is a volar tear \nof the SL ligament.  There is a central tear of the TFCC.   \nASSESSMENT/PLAN:  right wrist and forearm tenosynovitis[.]   \n- today I explained to the patient that I do not have a surgical \nsolution to this issue.  The SL and TFCC issues are not \ncausing the pain over the dorsal forearm.  I recommend he \n\nHINTON - H207576  9\n  \n \n \nsee Rheumatology for another opinion.  He may have a \nseronegative systemic inflammatory condition.   \n-   he would also like to try therapy.  I will send him to Steve \nHermann in Hampton.   \n \n The claimant received an Upper Extremity Outpatient Evaluation at \nRiverside Outpatient Occupational Therapy on February 9, 2024.  The \ndiagnosis was “1.  Right hand pain.  2.  Stiffness of hand joint, right.  3.  \nSynovitis and tenosynovitis.”  An Occupational Therapist noted, “Edema:  \nnoted to have swelling in the R hand.”  The therapist planned, “Mr. Hinton is \nto be seen 2 times per week for 12 weeks.  Treatment to consist of \nTherapeutic Exercise, Manual therapy, NMR, Therapeutic activities, \nElectrical Stimulation, Ultrasound, Orthotic check, Orthotic fitting and \ntraining, community/work integration, self-care and Physical \nTests/Measures.”   \n Dr. Lese reported on May 23, 2024: \nMr. Hinton returns for a follow-up.  We last saw him on \n2/6/2024 when we diagnosed him with right wrist and forearm \ntenosynovitis.  I explained to him that I did not have a surgical \nsolution for this issue and recommended therapy.  I \nrecommended he see Steve Hermann in Hampton, which he \nhas been doing.  Today he states he has been seeing Steve \nHermann, but he still has pain, so Steve recommended he \ncome back to us.  He says he felt some soothing of the pain \nwhile he was there, but then the pain would come back.  He \nhas not been able to work and is trying to get the worker’s \ncompensation.  He still has pain over the dorsal wrist radiating \nup the forearm.... \nRight wrist and forearm:  skin intact.  Minimal swelling.  He \nhas pain and tenderness over the dorsal wrist.  Pain with \nresisted wrist extension.  Mild pain with thumb extension.   \n\nHINTON - H207576  10\n  \n \n \n \n Dr. Lese assessed “Right wrist and forearm tenosynovitis – at this \ntime, I explained to the patient that I do not have a surgical answer to his \nissue.  We could refer him to a PM&R physician, if that is available to him.  \n– follow up with me as needed.”   \nA pre-hearing order was filed on June 6, 2024.  According to the pre-\nhearing order, the claimant contended, “Worked night shift 10/10/22 6pm-\n6am.  Was off loading/staging camera/communication equipment was near \nend of shift.  Felt a pull-on right hand.  Completed shift.  Told coworker \n(James Patrick) what happened, left work.  Woke 1 ½ hours later with \nswollen arm/wrist/fingers.  Called Bob Dow and reported accident at that \ntime.”   \n The respondents contended, “The healing period ended February \n22, 2023.  That issue is res judicata as it was decided in the previous \nhearing.  There is no proof of a new condition or a new reason for additional \ntemporary total disability.  Additional medical treatment is not reasonable or \nnecessary and has not been identified by any physician.”   \n The parties agreed to litigate the following issues: \n1. Whether claimant is entitled to temporary total disability \nbenefits from December 20, 2023 to a date to be \ndetermined. \n2. Whether claimant is entitled to additional medical benefits. \n3. Whether claimant is entitled to reimbursement of past \nmedical benefits. \n\nHINTON - H207576  11\n  \n \n \n4. Whether claimant is entitled to payment of unpaid medical \nfrom last Order.  All other issues are reserved by the \nparties.     \n \n    Dr. Stephanie Giammittorio examined the claimant on June 11, \n2024: \nWillie A. Hinton is a 57 y.o. male who presents with right \nforearm pain.  The pain started [October] 2022 inciting event:  \ninjured while lifting boxes at work.  He was lifting it off the \nground with palms facing towards him.  He felt a pop.  He was \nin Arkansas at the time.  He then had an [increase] in the pain \nand had swelling after a job in December 2023.  He was seen \nthen at the VA and HROSM.  He was granted workers comp \nthen they couldn’t take this so saw Dr. Lese.  She did not \nrecommend any surgical intervention but recommended OT \nand eval by rheum.  Pain is volar, dorsal wrist.  Current \nsymptoms include:  numbness/tingling in all fingertips.... \nThe patient has normal right wrist ROM.... \nThe patient has normal right wrist strength.... \nErythema:  absent.... \n \n Dr. Giammittorio assessed “Primary osteoarthritis of right wrist – \nPrimary,” “Synovitis and tenosynovitis,” and “Neuropathy (CMS/HCC).”  Dr. \nGiammittorio planned “Rest, ice, compression, elevation (RICE) \ntherapy....Patient was prescribed a brace for the diagnosis above.”   \n An x-ray of the claimant’s right forearm was taken on June 11, 2024 \nwith the following report: \nThere is no new fracture, dislocation, or subluxation.  There is \nno bone lesion or periosteal reaction.  Soft tissues \nunremarkable.   \nImpression:  Normal study.   \n \n\nHINTON - H207576  12\n  \n \n \n After a hearing, an administrative law judge filed an opinion on \nAugust 22, 2024.  The administrative law judge found:     \n3.  Claimant has met his burden of proof by a preponderance \nof the evidence that he is entitled to be reimbursed for medical \nexpenses incurred since the date of the previous opinion that \nare related to his compensable right arm injury, both those \nthat he paid out of pocket and those that are still outstanding \nupon presentation to respondent of an itemized statement. \n \n The respondents do not appeal the administrative law judge’s finding \nthat the claimant was entitled to reimbursement for medical expenses.  The \nadministrative law judge found that the claimant proved he was entitled to \ntemporary total disability benefits beginning December 20, 2023.  The \nrespondents appeal to the Full Commission the administrative law judge’s \naward of temporary total disability benefits beginning December 20, 2023.   \nII.  ADJUDICATION \n An employee who sustains a compensable scheduled injury shall \nreceive temporary total disability benefits during his healing period or until \nhe returns to work, whichever occurs first.  Ark. Code Ann. §11-9-\n521(a)(Repl. 2012); Wheeler Constr. Co. v. Armstrong, 73 Ark. App. 146, \n41 S.W.3d 822 (2001).  The healing period is that period for healing of the \ninjury which continues until the employee is as far restored as the \npermanent character of his injury will permit.  Nix v. Wilson World Hotel, 46 \nArk. App. 303, 879 S.W.2d 457 (1994).  If the underlying condition causing \nthe disability has become more stable and nothing further in the way of \n\nHINTON - H207576  13\n  \n \n \ntreatment will improve that condition, the healing period has ended.  Id.  \nWhether an employee’s healing period has ended is a question of fact for \nthe Commission.  Ketcher Roofing Co. v. Johnson, 50 Ark. App. 63, 901 \nS.W.2d 25 (1995).   \n An administrative law judge found in the present matter, “2.  \nClaimant has met his burden of proof by a preponderance of evidence that \nhe is entitled to temporary total disability benefits beginning December 20, \n2023.”  The Full Commission does not affirm this finding.   \n The claimant testified that he sustained an accidental injury to his \nright upper extremity on or about October 11, 2022.  The claimant began \ntreating at I & O Medical Centers on October 19, 2022.  The diagnosis at \nthat time was “R hand strain, R wrist flexor sprain.”  An MRI study on \nNovember 13, 2022 showed, among other things, a “possible tear of the \nvolar band of the scapholunate ligament.”  An administrative law judge filed \nan opinion on September 29, 2023.  The administrative law judge \ndetermined that the claimant “suffered a compensable injury on October 11, \n2022.”  The administrative law judge awarded reasonably necessary \nmedical treatment.   \nThe administrative law judge also found that the claimant “has met \nhis burden of proof by a preponderance of the evidence that he is entitled to \ntemporary total disability benefits beginning October 11, 2022, and \n\nHINTON - H207576  14\n  \n \n \ncontinuing through February 22, 2023.”  The administrative law judge \nconcluded in his opinion filed September 29, 2023, “Dr. Wing’s records \nsupport the contention that claimant had not reached the end of his healing \nperiod until February 22, 2023, and I am satisfied that it began on October \n11, 2022.”  The parties have stipulated that “all prior opinions are res \njudicata.”  The purpose of the res judicata doctrine is to put an end to \nlitigation by preventing a party who had one fair trial on a matter from \nrelitigating the matter a second time.  Cox v. Keahey, 84 Ark. App. 121, 133 \nS.W.3d 430 (2003).  Res judicata applies where there has been a final \nadjudication on the merits of the issue by a court of competent jurisdiction \non all matters litigated and those matters necessarily within the issue which \nmight have been litigated.  Beliew v. Stuttgart Rice Mill, 64 Ark. App. 334, \n987 S.W.2d 281 (1998).  Res judicata applies to decisions of the \nCommission.  Harvest Foods v. Washam, 52 Ark. App. 72, 914 S.W.2d 776 \n(1996).   \nThe evidence of record and the administrative law judge’s opinion \nfiled September 29, 2023 therefore demonstrate that the claimant reached \nthe end of the healing period for his compensable scheduled injury no later \nthan February 22, 2023.  The evidence of record does not demonstrate that \nthe claimant re-entered a healing period at any time after February 22, \n2023.   \n\nHINTON - H207576  15\n  \n \n \nThe claimant sustained a compensable scheduled injury on or about \nOctober 11, 2022.  The claimant was subsequently diagnosed with a “R \nhand strain, R wrist flexor sprain.”  The Full Commission reiterates, \naccording to the record, that the claimant reached the end of the healing \nperiod for his compensable right wrist flexor sprain no later than February \n22, 2023.  A claimant is not entitled to temporary total disability benefits \nafter the end of his healing period.  See Ark. Code Ann. §11-9-521(a)(Repl. \n2012); Milligan v. West Tree Serv., 57 Ark. App. 14, 946 S.W.2d 697 \n(1997).   \nDr. Wing reported on December 20, 2023 that the claimant was \n“unable to work due to a right wrist injury and is advised not to work until \nfurther treatment given.”  It is within the Commission’s province to weigh all \nof the medical evidence and to determine what is most credible.  Minnesota \nMining & Mfg. v. Baker, 337 Ark. 94, 989 S.W.2d 151 (1999).  In the present \nmatter, the Full Commission finds that Dr. Wing's December 20, 2023 \ncorrespondence is not probative evidence demonstrating that the claimant \nre-entered a healing period for his compensable scheduled injury.  A \nmedical provider reported on January 2, 2024 that the claimant’s injury was \n“chronic” and that there was “no new injury or findings.”  An x-ray on \nFebruary 5, 2024 showed “mild arthritis” in the claimant’s right wrist.  The \nfinding of “mild arthritis” in the right wrist is not evidence demonstrating that \n\nHINTON - H207576  16\n  \n \n \nthe claimant re-entered a healing period.  Dr. Lese reported on February 6, \n2024 that diagnostic imaging of the claimant’s right hand and wrist showed \n“no acute fracture or dislocation.”  Dr. Lese opined, “I do not have a surgical \nsolution to this issue.”  \nDr. Lese reported “Minimal swelling” in the claimant’s right wrist on \nMay 23, 2024.  Dr. Giammittorio examined the claimant on June 11, 2024 \nand reported “normal right wrist” range of motion and “normal wrist \nstrength.”  The impression from an x-ray of the claimant’s right forearm on \nJune 11, 2024 was “Normal study.”  The Full Commission recognizes that \nan employee who has sustained a compensable injury is not required to \noffer objective medical evidence in order to prove that he is entitled to \nadditional benefits.  Ark. Health Ctr. v. Burnett, 2018 Ark. App. 427, 558 \nS.W.3d 408.  In the present matter, however, the evidence of record \ndemonstrates that the claimant did not re-enter a healing period at any time \nafter February 22, 2023.  The persistence of pain does not prevent a finding \nthat the healing period has ended, provided that the underlying condition \nhas stabilized.  Mad Butcher, Inc. v. Parker, 4 Ark. App. 124, 628 S.W.2d \n582 (1982).  We find in the present matter that the claimant’s underlying \ncondition stabilized no later than February 22, 2023.   \nBased on our de novo review of the entire record currently before us, \nthe Full Commission finds that the claimant did not prove he was entitled to \n\nHINTON - H207576  17\n  \n \n \ntemporary total disability benefits at any time after February 22, 2023.  \nBecause the claimant did not prove he was entitled to additional temporary \ntotal disability benefits, we need not adjudicate whether the claim is barred \nby res judicata.  The Full Commission reiterates that the respondents do not \nappeal the administrative law judge’s finding that the claimant proved he \nwas entitled to reimbursement for reasonably necessary medical expenses.  \nOur finding that the claimant did not re-enter a healing period at any time \nafter February 22, 2023 does not preclude the claimant from receiving \nreasonably necessary medical treatment in accordance with Ark. Code Ann. \n§11-9-508(a)(Repl. 2012).  See Patchell v. Wal-Mart Stores, Inc., 86 Ark. \nApp. 230, 184 S.W.3d 31 (2004).  \nIT IS SO ORDERED.      \n \n    ___________________________________ \n    SCOTTY DALE DOUTHIT, Chairman \n \n    ___________________________________ \n    M. SCOTT WILLHITE, Commissioner \n \n    ___________________________________ \n    MICHAEL R. MAYTON, Commissioner","preview":"BEFORE THE ARKANSAS WORKERS' COMPENSATION COMMISSION CLAIM NO. H207576 WILLIE HINTON, EMPLOYEE CLAIMANT B H I ENERGY, INC., EMPLOYER RESPONDENT SEDGWICK CLAIMS MANAGEMENT SERVICES, INC., INSURANCE CARRIER/TPA RESPONDENT OPINION FILED FEBRUARY 5, 2025","fetched_at":"2026-05-19T22:29:44.562Z","links":{"html":"/opinions/full_commission-H207576-2025-02-05","pdf":"https://www.labor.arkansas.gov/wp-content/uploads/Hinton_Willie_H207576_20250205.pdf","source_publisher":"https://labor.arkansas.gov/workers-comp/awcc-opinions/full-commission-opinions/"}}