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  "name_abbreviation": "Sanchez v. Siemens Transmission Systems",
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    "judges": [
      "ALARID and DONNELLY, JJ., concur."
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    "parties": [
      "Maria D. SANCHEZ, Claimant-Appellee, v. SIEMENS TRANSMISSION SYSTEMS and Zurich-American Insurance Group, Respondents-Appellants."
    ],
    "opinions": [
      {
        "text": "OPINION\nCHAVEZ, Judge.\nSiemens Transmission Systems and Zurich-American Insurance Group (jointly \u201cemployer\u201d) appeal a compensation order of the Workers\u2019 Compensation Administration (WCA) awarding claimant temporary total disability and other benefits. Employer\u2019s brief raises five issues: (1) whether the whole record standard of review supports the workers\u2019 compensation judge\u2019s (WCJ) finding of total temporary disability as a result of a work-related accident; (2) whether the WCJ erred in awarding claimant vocational rehabilitation benefits; (3) whether the WCJ erred in permitting the hearing on attorney fees to proceed without claimant\u2019s presence; (4) whether the award of attorney fees is excessive; and (5) whether the award of post-compensation-order interest is proper. Other issues listed in the docketing statement but not briefed are deemed abandoned. See State v. Fish, 102 N.M. 775, 701 P.2d 374 (Ct.App.1985). We affirm as to issues one, three, and five; reverse the award of vocational rehabilitation benefits; and reverse and remand the award of attorney fees.\nINTRODUCTION\nThe WCJ found that claimant sustained a compensable accidental injury on July 28, 1988, arising out of her employment with Siemens Transmission Systems. Claimant injured her lower back when she lifted forty-pound batteries at work. As a result of the work-related injury to claimant\u2019s lower back, the WCJ found claimant to be totally temporarily disabled. Despite claimant\u2019s efforts to return to work, the WCJ found that claimant was unable to perform her job duties or any other work for which she was fitted by age, education, training, general physical and mental capacity, and previous work experience. Claimant has a history of congenital disc disease and upper and lower back problems. However, the WCJ found that the accidental injury, rather than any preexisting condition, caused the disability. In addition to the July 28, 1988, injury, claimant also alleged a work-related injury on March 3, 1988. This claim, however, is not at issue. Claimant voluntarily withdrew the claim for the March 3,1988, injury on the morning of the formal hearing.\nThe WCJ awarded claimant compensation benefits in the amount of $4,488.72 plus tax (for past due benefits) in addition to $182.68 per week until further order of the WCA. Further, the WCA found that claimant was entitled to vocational rehabilitation benefits. The WCJ awarded attorney fees in the amount of $9,000.00 (plus tax of 6%), 25% to be paid by claimant and 75% to be paid by employer. Post-compensation-order interest was also awarded at 15%. We discuss other facts pertinent to this appeal under the corresponding issues below.\n1. WHOLE RECORD REVIEW\nThe whole record review standard applies to the decisions of the WCA. Tallman v. ABF (Arkansas Best Freight), 108 N.M. 124, 767 P.2d 363 (Ct.App.1988). Under whole record review, this court views the evidence in the light most favorable to the WCA decision, but may not view favorable evidence with total disregard to contravening evidence. See National Council on Compensation Ins. v. New Mexico State Corp. Comm\u2019n, 107 N.M. 278, 756 P.2d 558 (1988); Wolfley v. Real Estate Comm\u2019n, 100 N.M. 187, 668 P.2d 303 (1983). We examine all the evidence bearing on the WCA decision, favorable and unfavorable, in order to determine whether there is substantial evidence and a reasonable basis to support the WCJ\u2019s decision. The WCJ\u2019s findings will not be disturbed so long as such findings are supported by substantial evidence on the record as a whole. See Tollman v. ABF (Arkansas Best Freight).\nOn appeal, employer contends the following: (1) there is not substantial evidence to support a finding that the battery-lifting incident of July 28, 1988, caused claimant\u2019s disability, and (2) there is not substantial evidence to support a finding of total temporary disability. Applying the whole record standard of review, we address each contention separately.\nA. CAUSATION\nFirst, we review whether or not claimant met her burden of proving a causal connection between her disability and a work-related injury. When the issue of causal connection is disputed, it is incumbent upon the claimant to present expert testimony to prove a causal connection between the disability and a work-related injury. See NMSA 1978, \u00a7 52-l-28(B) (Repl.Pamp.1987). Such expert testimony must establish causal connection as a medical probability. See Beltran v. Van Ark Care Center, 107 N.M. 273, 756 P.2d 1 (Ct.App.1988); Hernandez v. Mead Foods, Inc., 104 N.M. 67, 716 P.2d 645 (Ct.App.1986).\nIn this case, claimant presented testimony of four doctors who treated claimant for the injury she suffered from the July 28, 1988, work-related accident. Each doctor testified that claimant\u2019s disability had a causal connection to a medical probability to the July 28, 1988, accident. To the extent that the testimony of one of the doctors, Dr. Thorpe, can be read as ambiguous or inconclusive, we note that it is the WCJ\u2019s prerogative to determine the weight to be given to the doctor\u2019s testimony. The worth of the testimony is viewed as the WCJ viewed it, not as viewed independently by this reviewing court. See Tollman v. ABF (Arkansas Best Freight).\nEmployer asserts, however, that claimant misrepresented the extent of her injuries to her doctors and failed to provide the doctors with an accurate medical history. Accordingly, it is employer\u2019s position that because the doctors relied on claimant\u2019s representations, the doctors\u2019 testimony regarding the causal connection between the battery-lifting incident and claimant\u2019s disability is not reliable.\nTo support the proposition that claimant misrepresented the extent of her injuries to her doctors, employer refers this court to the claimant\u2019s alleged March 3,1988, injury (which was voluntarily withdrawn by claimant). Regarding the alleged injury on March 3, 1988, a medical report indicated that claimant \u201ccould not use her right arm.\u201d Employer notes, however, claimant testified that during this same time period she continued to work on the production line, but could not recall whether she missed any work after the alleged accident. We fail to see how claimant\u2019s testimony necessarily constitutes any misrepresentation or conflicts with the medical report. Furthermore, as with the doctors\u2019 testimony, the determination of the credibility of claimant\u2019s testimony is for the WCJ to determine. See Marez v. Kerr-McGee Nuclear Corp., 93 N.M. 9, 595 P.2d 1204 (Ct.App.1978).\nWe also examine the medical history that employer alleges claimant failed to convey to all of her doctors. Although claimant has a history of treatment for back problems prior to the July 28, 1988, accident, these problems are relatively minor. For example, on August 23, 1983, claimant had a complaint of \u201csciatica,\u201d a nerve disorder sometimes associated with lower back problems. In addition, claimant had been in several automobile accidents which resulted in neck injuries. The record also reveals that on May 7, 1987, claimant was treated for lower-back pain as a result of pulling weeds. Claimant also has a medical history of suffering from spinal arthritis.\nWhen informed of claimant\u2019s former diagnosis of sciatica, one doctor stated that he \u201cwould consider that very significant, and I would consider this [the disability] a continuation of a diseased process more than I would an injury process.\u201d However, the same doctor who originally diagnosed the sciatica also testified that the battery-lifting incident was the cause of claimant\u2019s disability. Further, the doctor who treated claimant for her automobile injuries testified that the battery-lifting incident caused claimant\u2019s injury. This same doctor also testified that any previous problems claimant may have had with sciatica would not change his opinion as to the causal connection. The WCJ had evidence before him of both the claimant\u2019s medical history and the doctors\u2019 opinions when he made his decision. Again, it is the WCJ\u2019s prerogative to determine the weight to be given to each doctor\u2019s testimony. See Tallman v. ABF (Arkansas Best Freight).\nWe also consider the fact that claimant was able to work up until, but not after, July 28, 1988, the date of the accident. Assuming without deciding that claimant\u2019s prior medical history of back problems, together with any disc degeneration, contributed to claimant\u2019s ultimate disability, it still was not unreasonable for the WCJ to find causation based on the doctors\u2019 testimony. See Reynolds v. Ruidoso Racing Ass\u2019n, 69 N.M. 248, 365 P.2d 671 (1961) (once claimant establishes that work-related injury caused the disability, it matters not whether a pre-existing injury contributed to the ultimate disability); Sanchez v. Homestake Mining Co., 102 N.M. 473, 697 P.2d 156 (Ct.App.1985):\nFurther, we note that all four doctors also relied on independent medical tests to substantiate claimant\u2019s testimony. We are also aware of the testimony of one of claimant\u2019s co-workers as demonstrative of a causal connection between the battery-lifting incident and claimant\u2019s disability. The co-worker testified that on the day of the injury, July 28, 1988, claimant asked for help in finishing the battery-lifting job and complained that she hurt her back lifting the batteries.\nWe have considered both the testimony of claimant\u2019s doctors and the independent medical tests. Upon review, we cannot say that it was unreasonable for the WCJ to find claimant\u2019s disability the result of a work-related injury.\nB. TOTAL TEMPORARY DISABILITY\nApart from the issue of causation, we also examine employer\u2019s contention that there is insufficient evidence to support the WCJ\u2019s finding of total temporary disability. Total disability depends on a finding that (1) claimant is totally unable to perform the work she was doing at the time of the injury, and (2) claimant is unable to perform any work for which she is suited by age, education, training, general physical and mental capacity and previous work experience. See NMSA 1978, \u00a7 52-1-25 (Repl.Pamp.1987); see also Medina v. Wicked Wick Candle Co., 91 N.M. 522, 577 P.2d 420 (Ct.App.1977).\nIn disputing the WCJ\u2019s finding of total temporary disability, employer primarily attacks claimant\u2019s credibility and incentive to work. For example, employer points out that light-duty work was offered to claimant, but claimant refused to perform the work. The work was approved by claimant\u2019s treating doctor after an on-site examination of the job. Evidence was presented, however, that claimant\u2019s refusal was based on her inability to do the work. A different doctor testified that at home claimant uses a heating pad, frequently changes positions, lies down, takes hot baths and hot showers, and relies on medication. In light of these factors and the results of medical tests, this doctor stated his opinion that claimant was not capable of working eight hours a day, whether or not the job allowed sitting or standing. This doctor also testified that he had known claimant for seventeen years, considered her a forthright person, and believed she was telling the truth regarding her pain and inability to work.\nContrary to the doctor\u2019s testimony above, another doctor concluded that claimant was capable of light work and that there was an insufficient basis to understand claimant\u2019s inability to work. However, somewhat inconsistently, this same doctor had previously informed claimant\u2019s employer that \u201cit would certainly be understandable for [claimant] to be considered unsuitable for work.\u201d Again, we note that the weight and credibility to be given to the testimony of each witness is the WCJ\u2019s prerogative. See Montano v. Saavedra, 70 N.M. 332, 373 P.2d 824 (1962) (conflicts in testimony are for the hearing officer to reconcile); Marez v. Kerr-McGee Nuclear Corp.\nEmployer argues that there was no objective evidence to substantiate claimant\u2019s inability to work. We disagree. In addition to the testimony of claimant and the doctors, medical tests substantiated claimant\u2019s disability. Both X-rays and a CAT-scan revealed an abnormality at the L5-S1 lower-back area. These tests showed a vacuum phenomena at the L5-S1 area, indicative of disc degeneration. Claimant suffered a herniated disc and circumferential bulging at the L5-S1 level. Results of a MRI further substantiated claimant\u2019s complaints, revealing a central disc herniation at the L5-S1 area.\nClaimant experienced severe distress with a rigid back and paravertebral lumbar spasm. Claimant experienced pain down both legs, indicative of acute lumbar sprain and sciatica. One doctor testified that claimant\u2019s range of motion was normal with continued improvement. Contrary to this testimony, however, another doctor testified that the severity of claimant\u2019s back pain made it difficult for claimant to walk, bend, lift, push, or pull, resulting in only a 50% range of motion. This conflicting testimony was before the WCJ. It is the WCJ\u2019s prerogative to reconcile and weigh conflicting testimony. See Montano v. Saavedra; Marez v. Kerr-McGee Nuclear Corp. Thus, we cannot conclude that the WCJ\u2019s finding of claimant\u2019s disability and inability to work was unreasonable.\nEmployer further attacks claimant\u2019s credibility as questionable and unreliable because claimant did not immediately inform employer of the July 28, 1988, injury. The work-related injury allegedly occurred on July 28, 1988. The co-worker\u2019s testimony indicates that claimant complained of back pain on July 28,1988, yet continued to work. Subsequently, on August 1, 1988, claimant reported to the employer\u2019s clinic that she experienced back pain on July 29, 1988, while sitting at a work meeting. Claimant was examined and provided with medication. On August 5, 1988, claimant indicated to her supervisor and doctor that the pain she experienced resulted from the July 28, 1988, battery-lifting incident.\nEmployer suggests that claimant fabricated the July 28, 1988, work incident. Employer contends that claimant fabricated the incident in order to avoid both payment of medical bills and having to stay in the packing department, a position disliked by claimant. In arguing this contention, employer asserts that the lag-time in reporting the battery-lifting incident supports the allegation of fabrication. We note, however, that claimant\u2019s injury is not necessarily of the type that is immediately discernible. Two of claimant\u2019s doctors testified that it is not uncommon to not have any significant pain the day of the injury. Rather, the doctors noted that the pain typically intensifies the day after the accident and gradually worsens. See Speciality Cabinet Co. v. Montoya, 734 P.2d 437 (Utah 1986) (progressive back injury compensable even though not immediately discernible). Therefore, it is entirely plausible that claimant was unable to connect the battery-lifting incident to her pain until after a short time-lag. Consequently, we cannot conclude that it was unreasonable for the WCJ to rely on claimant\u2019s testimony as credible.\nFurther, to the extent that employer contends that claimant\u2019s testimony is insufficient as evidence of an inability to return to work, we refer to Garcia v. Genuine Parts Co., 90 N.M. 124, 560 P.2d 545 (Ct.App.1977) (employee\u2019s own testimony was substantial evidence supporting finding that she was totally disabled by work-related back injury). As such, we do not agree with employer that reliance on claimant\u2019s testimony contravenes a legislative intent to avoid liberally construing the Workers\u2019 Compensation Act in favor of either the claimant or employee. See NMSA 1978, \u00a7 52-5-1 (Cum.Supp.1990).\nIn addition, we are not persuaded by employer\u2019s argument that one doctor\u2019s conclusion of a 5% impairment is inconsistent with claimant\u2019s inability to return to work. See Tallman v. ABF (Arkansas Best Freight) (a 5% impairment may translate into temporary total disability if claimant establishes an inability to perform job duties). We also note that this doctor\u2019s testimony is not conclusive. Another doctor disagreed with the conclusion that claimant suffered a 5% impairment. Instead, this doctor estimated claimant\u2019s impairment to be between 15% and 18%.\nIn light of the above-mentioned medical tests and testimony, we cannot say that it was unreasonable for the WCJ to find claimant to be temporarily totally disabled as a result of a work-related injury. Therefore, we affirm as to this issue.\n2. AWARD OF VOCATIONAL REHABILITATION BENEFITS\nEmployer contends that the WCJ erred in awarding claimant vocational rehabilitation benefits. Claimant\u2019s claim for vocational rehabilitation benefits is governed by the law applicable at the time she suffered the work-related injury. The applicable statute, NMSA 1978, Section 52-l-50(C) (Cum.Supp.1990), provides in pertinent part:\nWhen, as a result of the injury, the worker is unable to perform the pre-injury job with the same employer or unable to perform modified work with the same employer, he shall be entitled to vocational rehabilitation evaluation, counseling and training if necessary to return the worker to either a job related to his former employment or suitable employment in a nonrelated field. * * *\nIt is the claimant\u2019s burden to establish the need for vocational rehabilitation benefits. See Gutierrez v. Amity Leather Prods. Co., 107 N.M. 26, 751 P.2d 710 (Ct.App. 1988). In Jaramillo v. Consolidated Freightways, 109 N.M. 712, 790 P.2d 509 (Ct.App.1990), we noted that proof of need for vocational rehabilitation services requires evidence of the following: (1) that, as a result of a compensable injury, the worker is unable to return to his or her former employment, or is permanently unable to some percentage or extent to perform work for which he or she has previous training or experience, and (2) that the worker is a proper candidate for and in need of vocational rehabilitation. Once claimant has met this two-pronged test, the right to vocational rehabilitation benefits is mandatory. See id. at 716, 790 P.2d at 513; Lopez v. Smith\u2019s Management Corp., 106 N.M. 416, 744 P.2d 544 (Ct.App.1986).\nIn the present situation, claimant met the first prong by presenting evidence of total temporary disability and a resultant inability to return to any employment. To meet the second prong, claimant was required to show that there is a likelihood that rehabilitation will enable her to return to suitable employment. See Jaramillo v. Consolidated Freightways. Thus, it was necessary for claimant to present evidence to show what, if any, rehabilitation was necessary to restore claimant to suitable employment. See Lopez v. Smith\u2019s Management Corp.\nClaimant\u2019s proposed finding of fact No. 7 states: \u201cclaimant has had no other significant vocational training of any kind other than that experience that she acquired from various employments.\u201d Claimant\u2019s requested conclusion of law No. 6 states: \u201cclaimant is entitled to vocational rehabilitation benefits in accordance with the New Mexico\u2019s Workmen\u2019s Compensation. Act.\u201d The WCJ\u2019s final compensation order subsequently concluded that \u201cclaimant is entitled to vocational rehabilitation.\u201d Other than this, claimant presented no findings, nor evidence, to show that she is a proper candidate for and in need of vocational rehabilitation benefits. Therefore, we hold that claimant has not sufficiently met the second prong as set forth in Jaramillo.\nClaimant also argues that the legislature in 1987 amended Section 51-1-50 to provide for a right of \u201creferral for an evaluation of a worker for suitability for vocational rehabilitation services.\u201d NMSA 1978, \u00a7 52-l-50(F) (Repl.Pamp.1987). We do not think this language aids claimant in the instant case. In order to establish a right to a referral for evaluation, claimant must first offer proof that she notified her employer in writing that she was released \u201cwithin one hundred twenty days from the date that [she] is released from regular treatment by [her] primary treating health care provider.\u201d Section 52-l-50(E). Claimant has not pointed to any evidence in the record where this requirement has been satisfied.\nWe are not persuaded by claimant\u2019s argument that the same evidence that establishes her disability and inability to return to work is sufficient proof that claimant is a proper candidate for vocational rehabilitation benefits. Simply because claimant is disabled does not necessarily establish a need for rehabilitation. See Lopez v. . Smith\u2019s Management Corp. (vocational rehabilitation is inappropriate when there is little possibility of claimant ever resuming any remunerative employment); Nichols v. Teledyne Economic Dev. Co., 103 N.M. 393, 707 P.2d 1203 (Ct.App.1985) (workers are not entitled to benefits merely because of an inability to return to their former job). Further, even assuming that claimant is entitled to rehabilitation benefits, no evidence was presented regarding the extent of vocational rehabilitation necessary. Without such evidence, the WCJ would have no basis for an award of benefits.\nAs observed in Annotation, Worker\u2019s Compensation: Vocational Rehabilitation Statutes, 67 A.L.R. 4th 612, at 625 (1989), not all injured workers are entitled to vocational rehabilitation benefits:\nGenerally speaking, a worker\u2019s injuries must have left the worker permanently unable to function adequately in a job for which previous training or experience had prepared him or her, and the injured employee must need vocational rehabilitation in order to restore him or her to a job as remunerative, or nearly as remunerative, as the one held at the time of injury. An initial determination of permanent disability has been deemed a requisite for vocational rehabilitation benefit eligibility, and employees who have sustained injuries which do not leave them permanently impaired have been held ineligible for vocational rehabilitation benefits. [Emphasis added.]\nClaimant also raises an argument that part two of the two-prong test set forth in Jaramillo is not applicable to the present situation. We disagree. Claimant\u2019s claim for vocational rehabilitation benefits is governed by the law in effect at the time of the work-related accident. See Varos v. Union Oil Co. of Calif., 101 N.M. 713, 688 P.2d 31 (Ct.App.1984). In Jaramillo, NMSA 1978, Section 52-1-50 (Repl.Pamp.1983) was the applicable provision. Our examination of the provisions of Section 52-1-50, as amended in 1987, does not, we conclude, evince a legislative intent to abrogate the requirements of Jaramillo or Lopez. Instead, we think the language of Section 52-l-50(E) and (F) indicates the adoption of an additional requirement of written notice to the employer as a prerequisite of entitlement to vocational rehabilitation. Further, we are obligated to take the statute as we find it and construe it according to the plain meaning of the language employed. See State v. Pedroncelli, 100 N.M. 678, 675 P.2d 127 (1984); Perea v. Baca, 94 N.M. 624, 614 P.2d 541 (1980). Accordingly, we are unable to interpret the statute as suggested by claimant.\nIn conclusion, we determine that there was not sufficient evidence to support the WCJ\u2019s award of vocational benefits. Accordingly, we reverse the award.\n3. PRESENCE OF CLAIMANT AT HEARING ON ATTORNEY FEES\nEmployer contends that the WCJ erred in permitting the hearing on attorney fees to proceed without claimant in attendance. Employer properly preserved this issue at the hearing on attorney fees. Regarding claimant\u2019s absence at the hearing for attorney fees, employer raises two arguments.\nFirst, employer contends that the claimant\u2019s presence was necessary in order to determine if any agreement was reached between the claimant and her attorney regarding the payment of fees. NMSA 1978, Section 52-l-54(H) (Cum.Supp.1990) provides that the payment of attorney fees \u201cshall be shared by the worker and the employer, with the worker paying one-fourth of the amount\u201d and the employer paying three-fourths of the amount. Because of this shared responsibility for attorney fees, employer argues that claimant\u2019s attorney fees may have been inflated in order to compensate for an arrangement between claimant and her attorney to reduce the amount of fees owed by claimant.\nWe agree with claimant\u2019s attorney, however, that the employer\u2019s attorney could have cross-examined claimant\u2019s attorney at the hearing to determine if there was any such agreement and subsequent inflation of fees. Further, even if claimant should have been present at the hearing, it was harmless error. Employer has not shown how it was prejudiced by the absence of claimant at the hearing. See Sosa v. Empire Roofing Co., 110 N.M. 614, 798 P.2d 215 (Ct.App.1990) (it is not dispositive on the issue of attorney fees whether claimant\u2019s counsel waived the portion of fees for which claimant is responsible); see also State v. Wright, 84 N.M. 3, 498 P.2d 695 (Ct.App.1972).\nSecond, employer contends that the statutory allocation of attorney fees, requiring claimant to pay 25% of her attorney\u2019s fees, placed claimant and her attorney in an adversarial relationship. Consequently, employer contends that the resultant conflict of interest required the presence of claimant at the hearing. To the extent that employer attempts to raise this issue on claimant\u2019s behalf, however, we fail to see how employer has standing. See State ex rel. Overton v. New Mexico State Tax Comm\u2019n, 81 N.M. 28, 462 P.2d 613 (1969).\nThus, we disagree with employer\u2019s position and hold it was not error for the WCJ to proceed without claimant\u2019s presence at the hearing on attorney fees. Accordingly, we affirm as to this issue.\n4. AWARD OF ATTORNEY FEES\nEmployer contends that the WCJ\u2019s award of attorney fees to claimant\u2019s attorney is excessive and inappropriate. We agree and reverse and remand for three reasons.\nFirst, we remand in light of our holding that the WCJ erroneously awarded claimant vocational rehabilitation benefits. To the extent that the WCJ considered the success of claimant\u2019s attorney in obtaining vocational rehabilitation benefits, we reverse and remand for a redetermination of attorney fees.\nSecond, we reverse and remand to the extent that the WCJ considered the hours expended by claimant\u2019s attorney before claimant\u2019s benefits were terminated. At the hearing on attorney fees, claimant\u2019s attorney argued that he is entitled to fees for services rendered before the case is actually filed (benefits terminated). Specifically, claimant\u2019s attorney argued that time spent before the case is filed is (1) essential to monitor the status of claimant\u2019s situation and to answer claimant\u2019s questions, and (2) to let the insurance adjuster know that someone is looking out for claimant\u2019s best interests. We disagree and hold that claimant\u2019s attorney is not entitled to attorney fees for services rendered before benefits were terminated.\nIn workers\u2019 compensation cases, the recovery of compensation is a prerequisite to the allowance of attorney fees. See Morgan v. Public Serv. Co. of N.M., 98 N.M. 775, 652 P.2d 1226 (Ct.App.1982); Montoya v. Anaconda Mining Co., 97 N.M. 1, 635 P.2d 1323 (Ct.App.1981). Therefore, as a prerequisite for the award of attorney fees, benefits must first be terminated. Otherwise, no benefits have inured to claimant as a result of the attorney\u2019s services. Cf. Provencio v. New Jersey Zinc Co., 86 N.M. 538, 525 P.2d 898 (Ct.App.1974) (award of attorney fees not abuse of discretion where claimant benefited from counsel\u2019s representation). Accordingly, it is improper to award attorney fees for hours expended before benefits are terminated.\nAt the hearing for attorney fees, claimant\u2019s attorney indicated that he expended 118 hours on this case. Of this 118 hours, 11.5 hours were expended for attorney services incurred before April 13, 1989, the date that employer terminated claimant\u2019s benefits. The WCJ, in the supplemental findings and conclusions of law, found that the time reasonably spent by claimant\u2019s attorney was 111 hours. Thus, it appears that the WCJ may have considered a portion of the 11.5 hours in the award of attorney fees. To this extent, we reverse and remand for a redetermination of attorney fees.\nThird, we reverse and remand for a redetermination of attorney fees in consideration of the factors set forth in Section 52-l-54(D), Woodson v. Phillips Petroleum Co., 102 N.M. 333, 695 P.2d 483 (1985), and Fryar v. Johnsen, 93 N.M. 485, 601 P.2d 718 (1979).\nThe WCJ awarded claimant $4,448.72 for past benefits, plus $182.68 a week until further order of the WCA. In Fitch v. Sam Tanksley Trucking Co., 95 N.M. 477, 623 P.2d 991 (Ct.App.1980), we indicated that, in the absence of evidence that benefits will continue beyond the six-month period set forth in NMSA 1978, Section 52-1-56 (Cum.Supp.1990), the present value of the award cannot be based on the total anticipated benefits for the entire period of claimant\u2019s statutory entitlement. See also Jennings v. Gabaldon, 97 N.M. 416, 640 P.2d 522 (Ct.App.1982), overruled on other grounds, 102 N.M. 333, 695 P.2d 483 (1985). Consistent with these cases, employer did not consider the $182.68 a week beyond the six-month period. Thus, in the brief-in-chief, employer contends that the present value of claimant\u2019s award is $9,238.40. Employer calculated the figure of $9,238.40 as follows: $4,448.72 as past benefits, plus an additional $4,749.68 in compensation benefits for the six-month period following the award. Claimant does not dispute this amount; therefore, we consider $9,238.40 as the present value of claimant\u2019s award.\nIn the present situation, the WCJ awarded attorney fees in the amount of $9,000.00 plus tax of 6% ($9,540.00). The award of attorney fees is equivalent to 102% of the final award. The general range for attorney fees in workers\u2019 compensation cases is between 6% to somewhat less than 25%. Woodson v. Phillips Petroleum Co.; Smith v. Trailways, Inc., 103 N.M. 741, 713 P.2d 557 (Ct.App.1986). However, this is simply a useful range and each case must be judged on its own merits. See Woodson v. Phillips Petroleum Co.; Shadbolt v. Schneider, Inc., 103 N.M. 544, 710 P.2d 738 (Ct.App.), rev\u2019d on other grounds, 103 N.M. 467, 709 P.2d 189 (1985).\nWhen determining reasonable attorney fees, the WCJ must consider the present value of the award made in the claimant\u2019s favor. \u00a7 52-l-54(D)(2). However, the amount of the worker\u2019s award is not the sole inquiry. See Woodson v. Phillips Petroleum Co.; Amos v. Gilbert Western Corp., 103 N.M. 631, 711 P.2d 908 (Ct.App.1985). Other factors to consider are those set forth in Fryar (success of claimant, extent to which issues contested, complexity of the issues, experience of attorney, cost of living, and time/effort expended). Clearly, an award of attorney fees must have evidentiary support. See Woodson v. Phillips Petroleum Co.; Candelaria v. General Elec. Co., 105 N.M. 167, 730 P.2d 470 (Ct.App.1986). The WCJ, however, is not required to make a finding of fact on each factor set forth for attorney fees under Fryar. See Sanchez v. Home-stake Mining Co.; Paternoster v. La Cuesta Cabinets, Inc., 101 N.M. 773, 689 P.2d 289 (Ct.App.1984).\nIn the present situation, the record discloses that most of the factors enumerated in Fryar were considered by the WCJ at the hearing to determine attorney fees. The WCJ entered subsequent findings to support the award of attorney fees. The WCJ noted the substantial success of the claimant and that claimant\u2019s attorney reasonably spent 111 hours on the case. The WCJ also found that the issues were seriously contested and complex due to the volume of medical testimony. In addition, the WCJ noted that the skill and experience of the claimant\u2019s attorney is high, with good standing in the legal community. Further, an examination of the record reveals the following: six depositions were taken, five of which concerned medical witnesses; one set of interrogatories and a one-day formal hearing.\nThe amount of attorney fees is within the discretion of the WCJ and should be disturbed only if the WCJ acted beyond reason. See Manzanares v. Lerner\u2019s, Inc., 102 N.M. 391, 696 P.2d 479 (1985). Judicial discretion is abused when the action taken is arbitrary and capricious. See Alber v. Nolle, 98 N.M. 100, 645 P.2d 456 (Ct.App. 1982). In the present situation, an attorney fees award of 102% of the present value of claimant\u2019s award is outside the parameters of what we consider permissible. Although the issues were hotly contested, they were not particularly unusual or complex. See Board of Educ. of Espanola Mun. Schools v. Quintana, 102 N.M. 433, 697 P.2d 116 (1985) (attorney fees excessive when 60% of claimant\u2019s recovery). In light of the principles set forth in Wood-son, we hold that claimant\u2019s award for attorney fees is excessive. Therefore, we reverse and remand for a reconsideration of fees within the permissible range as discussed in Woodson.\n5. POST-COMPENSATION ORDER INTEREST\nIn the final compensation order, ' the WCJ awarded claimant post-judgment interest in the amount of 15%. The issue presented is whether the Workmen\u2019s Com- \u2019 pensation Act permits an award of post-compensation-order interest.\nNMSA 1978, Section 56-8-4 (Repl.Pamp. 1986) provides interest at the rate of 15% on judgments and decrees from the date of the entry of the final judgment or decree. Post-judgment interest, as provided for in Section 56-8-4, has traditionally been applied to workers\u2019 compensation cases decided at the district court level. See Mares v. Valencia County Sheriffs Dep\u2019t, 106 N.M. 744, 749 P.2d 1123 (Ct.App.1988); Lopez v. Smith\u2019s Management Corp. These cases, however, were decided before the current Workmen\u2019s Compensation Act became effective on July 1, 1987. See NMSA 1978, \u00a7 52-5-1 (Repl.Pamp.1987). Proceedings under the current Act provide the WCJ with authority to conduct hearings and enter final orders for the payment of benefits. See NMSA 1978, \u00a7\u00a7 52-5-6, -7, (Cum. Supp.1990).\nOn appeal, employer argues that an award of post-judgment interest is not applicable to compensation orders issued from the WCA. NMSA 1978, Section 52-5-15 (Cum.Supp.1990) provides in part:\nAll awards shall be against the employer for the amount then due and shall contain an order upon the employer for the payment to the worker, at regular intervals during the time he is entitled to receive compensation, of the further amounts he is entitled to receive.\nEmployer argues that nothing in the 1987 Act suggests that the above phrase \u201cthe amount then due\u201d includes any post-compensation-order interest. Employer refers this court to the decision in United States v. Austin, 614 F.Supp. 1208 (D.N.M.1985), for the proposition that in the absence of a clearly expressed legislative intention to the contrary, the language of a statute is conclusive.\nWe agree that we cannot add a requirement that is not provided for in the statute. See Amerada Hess Corp. v. Adee, 106 N.M. 422, 744 P.2d 550 (Ct.App.1987). Nor may we read into the statute language that is not there. See General Motors Acceptance Corp. v. Anaya, 103 N.M. 72, 703 P.2d 169 (1985). However, we are also obligated to read the Workmen\u2019s Compensation Act in its entirety and construe each part in connection with every other part to produce a harmonious whole. See State ex rel. Klineline v. Blackhurst, 106 N.M. 732, 749 P.2d 1111 (1988); Security Escrow Corp. v. State Taxation & Revenue Dep % 107 N.M. 540, 760 P.2d 1306 (Ct.App.1988). In the present situation, a review of the Workmen\u2019s Compensation Act as a whole demonstrates a legislative intent to apply post-judgment interest to final compensation orders.\nFor example, NMSA 1978, Section 52-5-8(B) (Cum.Supp.1990), provides that \u201c[a] decision of a workers\u2019 compensation judge is reviewable by the court of appeals in the manner provided for other cases * * *.\u201d Thus, as with workers\u2019 compensation cases evolving from the district court level, appellate review is limited to review of the final order of the WCA. See Johnson v. C & H Constr. Co., 78 N.M. 423, 432 P.2d 267 (Ct.App.1967). Accordingly, we see no reason why the same rationale for allowing post-judgment interest in workers\u2019 compensation cases in district courts would not apply to administrative decisions evolving from the WCA. We note that the primary policy behind post-judgment interest is to prevent the inequity of denying the prevailing party the cost of the lost opportunity to use the money of which the judgment debt- or had use during the pendency of appeal. See Ulibarri v. Gee, 107 N.M. 768, 764 P.2d 1326 (1988); Genuine Parts Co. v. Garcia, 92 N.M. 57, 582 P.2d 1270 (1978). A holding that would not extend this policy to appeals from the WCA would contravene common sense and reason, resulting in unreasonable results. See Shaw v. Warner, 101 N.M. 22, 677 P.2d 635 (Ct.App.1984); State v. Tapia, 89 N.M. 221, 549 P.2d 636 (Ct.App.1976). Accordingly, we hold that there is a legislative intent to apply Section 56-8-4 to final compensation orders.\nFurther, in Candelaria v. General Electric Co., we noted that \u201c[tjhere is nothing which indicates that Section 56-8-4(A) should not apply in workmen\u2019s compensation cases.\u201d Id. 105 N.M. at 176, 730 P.2d at 479. Our point in Candelaria was to ensure that the policy behind post-judgment interest in non-workers\u2019 compensation cases is also applied to workers\u2019 compensation cases. Whether a final decision evolves from the district court or from the WCA is not a valid distinction and thus the policy remains unchanged. Therefore, we hold that the WCJ correctly allowed a 15% post-judgment interest from the final compensation order. Any award of post-judgment interest under the award does not commence to run, however, until the time fixed for its payment. See, e.g., Mares v. Valencia County Sheriffs Dep\u2019t, 106 N.M. 744, 749 P.2d 1123 (Ct.App.1988).\nWe also address claimant\u2019s request that claimant be awarded reasonable attorney fees for the work necessitated by the employer\u2019s appeal. Claimant is not entitled attorney fees for its defense of issue three. See Archuleta v. Safeway Stores, Inc., 104 N.M. 769, 727 P.2d 77 (Ct.App.1986). However, we award claimant attorney fees in the amount of $1,000.00 for claimant\u2019s successful defense of issues one and five.\nCONCLUSION\nTo conclude, we affirm the WCJ on issues one, three, and five; reverse the WCJ\u2019s award of vocational rehabilitation benefits; and reverse and remand for a redetermination of attorney fees.\nIT IS SO ORDERED.\nALARID and DONNELLY, JJ., concur.",
        "type": "majority",
        "author": "CHAVEZ, Judge."
      }
    ],
    "attorneys": [
      "Mark D. Jarner, Jarner & Olona, Los Lunas, for claimant-appellee.",
      "Ray A. Padilla, Padilla, Riley & Shane, P.A., Albuquerque, for respondents-appellants."
    ],
    "corrections": "",
    "head_matter": "814 P.2d 104\nMaria D. SANCHEZ, Claimant-Appellee, v. SIEMENS TRANSMISSION SYSTEMS and Zurich-American Insurance Group, Respondents-Appellants.\nNo. 12164.\nCourt of Appeals of New Mexico.\nMarch 19, 1991.\nCertiorari Granted May 16, 1991.\nMark D. Jarner, Jarner & Olona, Los Lunas, for claimant-appellee.\nRay A. Padilla, Padilla, Riley & Shane, P.A., Albuquerque, for respondents-appellants."
  },
  "file_name": "0236-01",
  "first_page_order": 270,
  "last_page_order": 281
}
