Priest v. City of Hermiston

Claimant seeks review of a decision of the Workers’ Compensation Board reversing the referee and holding that his claim for a low back injury is not compensable. Claimant has worked for employer for almost 26 years. He experienced compensable, nondisabling back strains in 1980 and 1982. On April 1, 1987, he felt pain in his back as he twisted while unloading a power trowel. He did not notify employer of that incident because he thought that the pain would resolve itself with time and exercise.

The pain became worse, and claimant finally went to Dr. Peterson, a chiropractor, for treatment. He…