Labor Force v. Frierson

Employer petitions for review of a Workers’ Compensation Board order awarding claimant permanent partial disability. It argues that the Board incorrectly used findings of impairment that did not meet American Medical Association (AMA) validity criteria in calculating the award. We reverse and remand.

Claimant suffered a compensable lumbar strain while lifting heavy metal tubes. When his claim was closed with no award of permanent partial disability, he requested reconsideration by a medical arbiter. See ORS 656.268(7)(a). The medical arbiter, Dr. Bald, performed a series of range-of-motion…