Oakley v. State Accident Insurance Fund Corp.

Claimant appeals from a Workers’ Compensation Board order reversing the referee’s finding that he had proved an aggravation of his previous compensable back strain. The issue is whether claimant has proven a compensable aggravation since the last arrangement of compensation. On de novo review, we affirm.

Claimant sustained an injury to his back in 1978. His claim was accepted and ultimately closed in 1979 by a determination order that awarded him 25 percent permanent partial disability. On appeal, a referee increased that award to 80 percent. The Workers’ Compensation Board reduced that award…