U. S. DEPARTMENT OF LABOR
Employees’ Compensation Appeals Board
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In the Matter of STEPHEN WOODLAND and DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY,
INTERNAL REVENUE SERVICE, Philadelphia, Pa.
Docket No. 97-217; Submitted on the Record;
Issued January 22, 1999
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DECISION and ORDER
Before GEORGE E. RIVERS, MICHAEL E. GROOM,
A. PETER KANJORSKI
The issue is whether appellant has met his burden of proof in establishing that he sustained an employment-related aggravation of his preexisting back condition.
The Board has given careful consideration to the issue involved, the contentions of appellant on appeal and the entire case record. The Board finds that the decision of the Office of Workers’ Compensation Programs’ hearing representative, dated July 25, 1996 and finalized July 26, 1996, is in accordance with the facts and law in this case and hereby adopts the findings and conclusions of the hearing representative.
The July 26, 1996 decision of the Office of Workers’ Compensation Programs is affirmed.
Dated, Washington, D.C.
January 22, 1999
George E. Rivers
Member
Michael E. Groom
Alternate Member
A. Peter Kanjorski
Alternate Member