Dethlefs v. Hyster Co.

The issue presented in this appeal is the proper test for compensability of an occupational disease claim. Claimant appeals from denial by the Workers’ Compensation Board of his claim for vasomotor rhinitis and headaches. He claims the Board erred (1) in ruling that the proper test is whether the disease was caused solely by the work environment and (2) in refusing to admit additional evidence post-hearing on the issue of (a) whether claimant’s rhinitis was the result of work exposure and (b) the validity of medical assumptions made by Dr. Bardana.

The Board found that there was no evidence…