Valtinson v. State Accident Insurance Fund Corp.

Claimant appeals an order of the Workers’ Compensation Board reversing the referee’s order that the State Accident Insurance Fund accept his low back injury claim. The sole issue in this case is whether claimant suffered a compensable on-the-job injury or merely has non-compensable symptoms of an occupational disease. On de novo review, ORS 656.298(6), we find claimant sustained a compensable injury and reverse the Board’s order.

Claimant has a long history of low back problems. He underwent surgery in 1956 and 1961 and was treated again in 1974 after lifting an oil barrel while on the job.…