Matter of Compensation of Grable

The issue in this workers’ compensation case is whether the employer is required to pay benefits to a claimant for worsening of the worker’s condition where the worsening is the result of both an original compensable back injury and a subsequent off-the-job back injury.

Background

The claimant suffered a back injury on February 21, 1978, while lifting heavy blocks of wood in his employer’s mill. His claim under the workers’ compensation law was accepted by the employer. He was released by his treating doctor for light work on April 3,1978, and for full duty on May 8,1978. That doctor was of the…