Linnton Plywood Ass'n v. Hansen

At issue in this case is whether claimant, who voluntarily left his job to participate in a federally sponsored job retraining program for workers in distressed industries, remained “in the work force” for the purpose of determining eligibility to receive workers’ compensation benefits. The Workers’ Compensation Board (Board) concluded that claimant remained in the work force. We agree and affirm.

The facts are not in dispute. Claimant suffered a compensable lumbar disk herniation while working at employer’s plywood mill in 1986. After surgery, claimant returned to work, and employer closed…