Welliver Welding Works v. Farmen

Employer seeks review of an order of the Workers’ Compensation Board that directed employer to provide vocational assistance. We affirm.

The facts are not in dispute. In 1986, claimant worked as a welder for approximately $425 per week. That same year, he compensably injured his back. Employer accepted his claim and closed it, with no award of permanent disability. Claimant was not entitled to vocational assistance at that time. Claimant returned to work as a welder with another employer.

Sometime around 1988, claimant quit his work as a welder, and became employed as an apartment manager at a…