Skochenko v. Weyerhaeuser Co.

Claimant seeks review of an order of the Workers’ Compensation Board upholding employer’s denial of his occupational disease claim. Reviewing for substantial evidence, we reverse and remand.

Claimant, who was 31 years old at the time of the hearing, has congenital bilateral spondylolesis and spondylolythesis at L5-S1 that results in instability in the low back, and a herniated disc at L5-S1. He first had low back problems at the age of 12, after a fall. He has worked for employer for 12 years. He spends 40 percent of his time as a “fourth hand” and 60 percent of his time as a “fifth hand.” As…