Worker had degenerative condition and previous back injuries, but was able to perform regular duties before workplace accident
A worker with pre-existing degenerative changes in his back may still be entitled to a permanent impairment award if a workplace injury is likely to have worsened the condition and the worker had been able to perform regular duties before the injury. This was the reasoning of the Ontario Workplace Safety and Appeals Tribunal when it overturned a denial of such an award by the province’s workers’ compensation board.
