2026 Workers' Compensation Appeal Decisions
January 2026 Valtierra v. SIF , No. 23012300.01 (App. Jan. 29, 2026) - In this Fund case, claimant was denied benefits for failure to demonstrate a first injury to the left eye (Christenson). Claimant argues that he presented unrebutted evidence of a 3% injury to the left eye. The commissioner affirms. The commissioner concludes that in order to demonstrate a first injury to the eye, there must be a showing of a permanent loss of use of the eye. Claimant had a fracture or the orbital wall surrounding the eye, which the commissioner finds had "healed without incident." Claimant's ophthalmologist expressed concerns that claimant's ocular muscles could be entrapped, but noted full range of motion of the eye and good vision. No restrictions were imposed as a result of the eye injury. Dr. Bansal noted that claimant continued to have headaches and visual disturbances, particularly when looking to the left. He also noted measurable functional deficits in extraocular mo...