Bethlehem Steel Corp. v. Workmen's Compensation Appeal Board

OPINION

ZAPPALA, Justice.

The issue presented is whether a claimant is entitled to receive worker’s compensation benefits for a pre-existing non-work related condition when the claimant has fully recovered from any work-related injury caused by an aggravation of that condition. We find that a claimant is not eligible for worker’s compensation benefits under such circumstances.

Joseph Baxter, a 31-year old welder employed by Bethlehem Steel Corporation, suffers from asthma. He was diagnosed with asthma during his childhood. While employed as a welder, Baxter suffered from breathing problems when…