Caldwell v. MacO Workers' Compensation Trust

¶1 MACo Workers’ Compensation Trust (MACo) appeals from a determination of the Workers’ Compensation Court (WCC) that § 39-71-710, MCA, violates the Equal Protection Clause found in Article II, Section 4, of the Montana Constitution. We affirm.

¶2 We review the following issue on appeal:

¶3 Does the categorical denial of rehabilitation benefits to a workers’ compensation claimant violate equal protection when the basis for denial turns solely on the claimant’s age-based eligibility for social security benefits?

FACTUAL AND PROCEDURAL BACKGROUND

¶4 Harold Caldwell (Caldwell) worked as the Ravalli…