SAIF Corp. v. Gaffke

SAIF seeks review of an order of the Workers’ Compensation Board (the Board), contending that the Board erred in affirming an award of unscheduled permanent partial disability (PPD). We review for errors of law, ORS 656.298(6); ORS 183.482(7), and reverse.

Claimant worked in employer’s mail department, a job that required him continuously to lift and move heavy mail bags during 12-hour shifts. On September 7, 1995, claimant sought medical treatment for pain in his right shoulder that began some time earlier and gradually became worse. Dr. McDonald diagnosed “rotator cuff strain right…