P. Puhl

The worker appealed a decision denying entitlement for a hernia, which he claimed resulted from a January 2008 workplace fall that caused a mid-back strain.

The Appeals Resolution Officer found no medical continuity or contemporaneous evidence connecting the hernia, diagnosed in October 2008, to the January incident or any subsequent workplace event.

The worker's objection was denied.

The employer appealed the initial allowance of the worker's claim for an upper back strain, while the worker appealed the discontinuation of Loss of Earnings (LOE) benefits.

The Appeals Resolution Officer found that the worker suffered a compensable upper back strain from heavy lifting, upholding the initial entitlement.

However, the officer also found no objective medical evidence to support continuing impairment or LOE benefits beyond the expected recovery period, noting that the worker's ongoing pain was likely related to non-compensable pre-existing conditions.

Both appeals were denied.