Rakestraw v. General Dynamics Land Systems, Inc

Plaintiff sought, and the magistrate awarded, benefits under the Worker’s Disability Compensation Act, MCL 418.301 et seq., on the basis of aggravation of the symptoms of a nonwork-related condition. We hold that a claimant attempting to establish a compensable, work-related1 injury must prove that the injury is medically distinguishable from a preexisting nonwork-related condition in order to establish the existence of a “personal injury” under § 301(1). Accordingly, we remand this case to the Worker’s Compensation Appellate Commission for further proceedings consistent with this opinion.

FACT…