Appeal of Lambrou

The claimant, Anthony Lambrou, appeals an adverse decision by the New Hampshire Department of Labor Compensation Appeals Board (the board) denying his claim for medical benefits for a preexisting condition that allegedly became symptomatic as a result of a work-related injury. For the reasons that follow, we reverse.

On April 30,1986, the claimant injured his back lifting heavy parts while working for Unicast/Sturm Ruger (Unicast). The claimant saw his family physician, Dr. Stephen A. Tzianabos, who subsequently referred him to Dr. John M. Sherwin, an orthopedic surgeon. Dr. Sherwin suspected…