Worker Fails to Prove Entitlement to Benefits for Permanent Impairment

The Arkansas Court of Appeals upheld a determination that a worker failed to prove her entitlement to benefits for a permanent anatomical impairment as a result of her compensable spine injury. Case: Pederson v. Optum Care Inc., No. H202890, 02/25/2026, published. Facts: Marion Pederson worked for Optum Care Inc. as an X-ray technician. In April 2022, Pederson fell while at work. Optum Care accepted responsibility for compensable injuries to her right hip, low back and cervical spine. Pederson had a history of back and neck problems dating to 2011, for which she had sought medical...