Autwell v. Tri-Met

The issue in this workers’ compensation case is whether claimant’s knee condition is compensable. The referee and Board found that it is. We disagree.

Claimant had been a bus driver for Tri-Met since August, 1971. In December, 1978, he told the TriMet nurse that his knees had become progressively more painful over the past four years and he could not continue his job as a bus driver. Claimant then sought medical treatment first from Dr. Courogen and then from Dr. Butler.

The referee’s opinion states:

"The issue is essentially a medical question. It has not been an easy diagnosis for the treating…