Martha Barker — ADJ8446188

Applicant, a food service worker, sustained industrial injuries to her left knee, low back, and upper gastrointestinal system. The central dispute was whether her stomach surgery was industrial, given that her use of NSAID medication for her work injury contributed to peptic ulcer disease, which in turn led to a misdiagnosis of cancer and an unnecessary subtotal gastrectomy. The WCJ found the surgery industrial and awarded 22% WPI for the GI injury, with total permanent disability of 40%. On reconsideration, the Board granted solely to correct a clerical error, finding that proper application of the Combined Values Chart to the component ratings (22% GI, 17% lumbar, 6% knee) yielded 39%, not 40%, and otherwise affirmed the WCJ. The Board reasoned that the employer is liable for treatment reasonably required to cure or relieve the effects of an industrial injury, even where nonindustrial conditions or treatment complications are involved.