Shea v. State, Department of Administration, Division of Retirement & Benefits

OPINION

CHRISTEN, Justice.

I. INTRODUCTION

Shirley Shea underwent a medical procedure in 1984 that resulted in intermittent soreness in her legs, back, and pelvic region. She began working for the State of Alaska in 1993, which required her to sit at a desk for prolonged periods of time. Shea's pain began to worsen around 1998, and in 2001 it forced her to leave her job. Shea filed for both nonoccupational and occupational disability benefits, claiming that the periods of prolonged sitting at work aggravated her condition. An administrative law judge found that Shea's medical records indicated…