Blanchard v. North Dakota Workers Compensation Bureau

MESCHKE, Justice.

[¶ 1] Kenneth Blanchard appealed a judgment affirming a Workers Compensation Bureau order denying his reapplication for benefits. We hold the Bureau failed to adequately explain its reasons for rejecting a recommendation by an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) and for disregarding medical evidence favorable to Blanchard. We reverse and remand to the Bureau to adequately explain its decision.

[¶ 2] Blanchard began working as a funeral director at Hanson-Runsvold Funeral Home in July 1994. According to Hanson-Runs-vold’s manager, Blanchard lacked interpersonal skills for that…