Hill v. Qwest

Claimant sought workers’ compensation benefits for a back condition. Qwest (employer) issued a denial based on medical evidence that the condition was caused by degeneration of the spine unrelated to employment. On administrative review, claimant argued that employer had already accepted an earlier claim that included the degenerative back condition and that employer was therefore precluded from subsequently denying it. Employer responded that its earlier acceptance did not include the underlying degenerative back condition, and the Workers’ Compensation Board (Board) agreed. Claimant seeks…