Larson v. Cigna Insurance Company

This is an appeal from the judgment of the Workers’ Compensation Court holding that appellant Carl Larson could not receive permanent total disability benefits for his work-related hernia condition due to the fact that he first became totally disabled by a pre-existing, non work-related and independent heart condition. We reverse the decision of the Workers’ Compensation Court and remand for further proceedings.

Factual Background

Until December 15, 1981, the last day of his employment, Larson worked in the truck parts business for approximately thirty years. From 1978 through December 15,…