Wausau Insurance v. Huhnholz

Employer and its insurer petition for review of an order of the Workers’ Compensation Board holding that claimant had suffered a compensable injury. We reverse.

Claimant is 61 years old and has worked for employer almost continuously for 18 years as a painter. He prepared and painted firescreens and fireplace accessories, handling and lifting the parts before and after painting. In 1962, he was treated for low back problems. He again experienced back problems in the late 1970’s. In the summer of 1984, a reduction in the workforce resulted in an increase in claimant’s workload. He testified…