Court Finds Worker's Pre-Existing Condition Was Major Contributing Cause of Disability

The Oregon Court of Appeals ruled that a worker's pre-existing condition was the major contributing cause of his need for treatment after he injured his back. Case: Vantassel v. SAIF Corp., No. 112, 03/15/2017, published. Facts: Shelby Vantassel complained of a sharp pain in his back while he stepping out of a truck at work in December 2012. Doctors determined he had suffered a disc herniation at L5-S1. Vantassel had previously undergone two surgeries to address non-compensable herniations at that same level in his spine. His employer had workers' compensation insurance with the S...