Ruse v. Department of Labor & Industries

Everett L. Ruse, at all times relevant to this appeal, suffered from degenerative disc disease and arthritis. He worked for nearly 30 years in the cement industry as a laborer. Mr. Ruse asked for a layoff from his employer in 1989 because of severe back pain. He was diagnosed with his current medical condition by Dr. William Shanks, a Board Certified Orthopedic Surgeon, in January 1990. Mr. Ruse filed for and was denied workers’ *451compensation benefits from the Department of Labor and Industries. Mr. Ruse appeals the trial court’s affirmation of the Board of Industrial Insurance Appeals’…