Settlement of Prior Claim Reduces Award for Later Injury

The Iowa Court of Appeals upheld a decision in which settlement of a prior claim was used to reduce a worker’s award for a later injury. Case: Ditsworth v. ICON Ag, No. 19-0703, 03/18/2020, published. Facts: Mark Ditsworth began working for ICON Ag in November 2010. His job required the ability to lift a minimum of 75 pounds. Ditsworth injured his back at work in April 2013. He underwent surgery and returned to work in April 2014. Ditsworth received a 10% permanent impairment rating but still had complaints of pain. A magnetic resonance imaging scan revealed ...