Gilkey v. SAIF Corp.

Claimant seeks review of an order of the Workers’ Compensation Board affirming the referee’s decision that his occupational disease claim relating to his left hip is not compensable.

Claimant had a compensable hip injury in 1975. The claim was closed in August, 1976. In 1978, claimant experienced severe hip pain, and his claim was reopened. Doctors determined that claimant’s pain was caused by degenerative changes in the hip and discussed the possibility of surgery. SAIF denied responsibility for hip surgery in November, 1979. In May, 1980, claimant and SAIF entered into a disputed claim…