Reynolds Metals v. Mendenhall

Employer Reynolds Metals seeks review of a Workers’ Compensation Board order setting aside its partial denial of claimant’s lower back conditions. We reverse and remand.

Claimant worked at employer’s aluminum plant in a position that involved frequent pulling and lifting of heavy objects. On December 30, 1990, claimant developed severe lower back pain while carrying two heat shields. His physician took him off work for several months; eventually he was released for light work. Claimant filed a workers’ compensation claim, which described the site of his injury as his “lower back” and the…