Public Service Co. of Colorado v. Industrial Claim Appeals Office

Opinion by

Judge JONES.

The sole issue in this workers’ compensation case is whether an employer can be held liable for treatment of a nonindustrial condition necessary to prepare a claimant for surgery to treat a compensable industrial injury. We conclude that the employer can, in certain circumstances, be held liable for such treatment. Therefore, we affirm the decision of the Industrial Claim Appeals Office (Panel) requiring Public Service Company of Colorado (employer) to pay medical benefits to Edwin Rodriguez (claimant) for treatment of his nonindustrial bipolar disorder.

Claimant suffered…