Mattis v. Weaver Electric, Inc.

[¶ 1.] In this case, employee and employer stipulate to the material facts. The issue is whether Troy Mattis is automatically entitled to total permanent disability benefits after establishing that he suffers from an occupational disease as defined in SDCL chapter 62-8. The administrative law judge and the circuit court determined that Mattis must obtain a separate disability determination under SDCL chapter 62-4 prior to receiving workers’ compensation benefits. We agree and affirm.

FACTS

[¶ 2.] Mattis began working for Weaver Electric Inc. (Weaver) in May of 1994 as an apprentice electrician.…