SAIF Corp. v. Owens

The primary question in this workers’ compensation case is whether claimant’s physician released him to regular work at the job that he held at the time of injury. The answer to that question determines whether claimant is entitled to benefits for “work disability” based on consideration of social, vocational, and adaptability factors. See ORS 656.726(4)(f)(E); OAR 436-035-0008(2)(b); SAIF v. VanBibber, 234 Or App 68, 71, 227 P3d 1224 (2010) (award of permanent partial disability to a worker who has not been released to regular work includes benefits for work disability). The board held that…