Spurlock v. International Paper Co.

Claimant seeks review of a Workers’ Compensation Board order that reversed a referee’s order awarding her scheduled permanent partial disability and holding that International Paper Company (IP), a self-insured employer, is responsible for payment. We review de novo and reverse.

Claimant worked for IP from 1966 to 1981 as a dryer feeder. In 1977, she experienced bilateral hand and forearm numbness. Doctor Stainsby diagnosed a carpal tunnel syndrome. She filed a claim with IP, which was accepted as non-disabling. She was laid off by IP in 1981. Later, she was employed by Georgia Pacific (GP) as…