CRB Case Annotations re: Section 31-275(15)

CRB affirmed trier’s finding that claimant’s alleged stress-related coronary artery disease was not an occupational disease. Claimant did not introduce any evidence to show that this type of stress is distinctively associated with his previous profession. See, Malchik, § 31-275(9), § 31-294c(a).

CRB affirmed trier’s factual finding that HIV did not constitute an occupational disease for correction officers. Testimony from doctors supported finding that HIV transmission was unlikely to occur via spattered blood on skin and via the other types of contact with human secretions most often experienced by such officers. Fact that HIV is unusually prevalent in prison population did not by itself demonstrate that guards were at high risk of being exposed to the immune deficiency virus. See, Doe, § 31-294c and, § 31-275(16).

Keegan v. Aetna Life & Casualty, 13 Conn. Workers’ Comp. Rev. Op. 340, 1793 CRB-1-93-8 (April 27, 1995), aff’d, 42 Conn. App. 803 (1996), cert. denied, 239 Conn. 942 (1996).

Claimant suffered a hip injury when struck with a piece of luggage. Said injury exacerbated a formerly quiescent synovial chondromatosis condition in her left hip. Held, the commissioner correctly concluded that said condition was not an occupational disease, as the synovial chondromatosis itself had no connection with the claimant’s employment. The work-related injury here was an accidental injury. See also, Keegan, § 31-294c.

Claimant suffered panic disorder and depression due to confined work space, which the trial commissioner found to be an occupational disease. CRB concluded injury was not an occupational disease, as claimant did not demonstrate that confined work space was distinctively associated with the claimant’s profession as a transportation specialist. CRB remanded for determination of whether claim was filed within one year as required by § 31-294c. See also, Nanni, § 31-294c.

Freeman v. Hull Dye & Print, 12 Conn. Workers’ Comp. Rev. Op. 259, 1516 CRB-5-92-9 (June 2, 1994), rev’d on other grounds, 39 Conn. App. 717 (1995).

Evidence supports trier’s findings and conclusion within reasonable medical probability that decedent was exposed to benzidine in the workplace during his employment which exposure was a substantial factor in causing his bladder cancer and subsequent death. See also, Freeman, § 31-294c and § 31-301. Appeal procedure.

Sellew v. Northeast Utilities, 12 Conn. Workers’ Comp. Rev. Op. 135, 1422 CRB-8-92-5 (April 7, 1994), dismissed for lack of final judgment, A.C. 13541, 13542 (June 14, 1995).

Long term exposure to asbestos was a major causative role of decedent’s lung cancer and subsequent death. See also, Sellew, § 31-294c, § 31-310 and § 52-572r.

Castelvetro v. Gravymaster, Inc., 12 Conn. Workers’ Comp. Rev. Op. 210, 1463 CRB-3-92-7 (March 15, 1994).

Fritz v. Gravymaster, Inc., 12 Conn. Workers’ Comp. Rev. Op. 208, 1462 CRB-3-92-7 (March 15, 1994).

Trier found claimant suffered a compensable injury, specifically “Tight Building Syndrome”, caused by exposure to poor air exchange at place of employment. However, trier rejected claimant’s claim that she suffered a work-related injury or occupational disease known as “Multiple Chemical Sensitivity Syndrome”, finding instead that those symptoms were not caused by her employment.

Cloutier v. C.N. Flagg, 11 Conn. Workers’ Comp. Rev. Op. 304, 1352 CRD-2-91-11 (December 23, 1993).

Claimant, a sheet metal worker for a number of construction companies, was exposed to asbestos. It was found that the asbestos exposure was a substantial contributing factor to claimant’s lung cancer. See also, Cloutier, § 31-299b.

Gargano v. General Dynamics Corporation/Electric Boat Division, 11 Conn. Workers’ Comp. Rev. Op. 287, 1285 CRD-2-91-8 (December 7, 1993).

Trier found decedent’s work exposure to asbestos was a substantial factor in the development of his gastrointestinal cancer and apportioned liability accordingly. CRB remanded matter as trier must determine if claim against insurer should be dismissed where there is no evidence presented showing decedent was exposed to asbestos during period where said insurer covered employer for workers’ compensation purposes. See also, Gargano, § 31-299b.

Muldoon v. Homestead Insulation, 10 Conn. Workers’ Comp. Rev. Op. 255, 1226 CRD-4-91-5 (January 13, 1993), rev’d, 33 Conn. App. 695 (1994), rev’d, 231 Conn. 469 (1994), aff’d on remand, 37 Conn. App. 266 (1995)(per curiam).

Continued exposure to asbestos in the workplace subsequent to stipulation caused claimant’s condition to worsen, and subsequent increased impairment was a new injury which arose out of and in the course of employment. Therefore, increased disability due to asbestos exposure was not barred by prior stipulation. Affirmed finding that Cummings Insulation was the last employer subjecting claimant to asbestos exposure. See also, Muldoon, § 31-275(1), § 31-296, § 31-299b, § 31-315 and § 31-284(a).

Hansen v. Robert Gordon, D.D.S., 8 Conn. Workers’ Comp. Rev. Op. 181, 856 CRD-1-89-4 (December 14, 1990), aff’d, 221 Conn. 29 (1992).

Hepatitis Type B contracted by dental hygienist found to be an occupational disease. See also, Hansen, § 31-308(a).

Bergin v. Waterbury, 5 Conn. Workers’ Comp. Rev. Op. 156, 537 CRD-5-86 (August 2, 1988).

CRD held malignant mesothelioma resulting from school principal’s exposure to asbestos could be compensable as an occupational disease. Matter remanded for further hearings.

Cortes v. Allegheny Ludlum Steel Corp., 1 Conn. Workers’ Comp. Rev. Op. 173, 61 CRD-3-81 (August 18, 1982).

Resultant lung cancer stemming from claimant’s exposure to asbestos was an occupational disease.

CRB Case Annotations re: Section 31-275(15)

Occupational disease.