State of Alaska, Department of Administration, Division of Retirement & Benefits, Appellant v. Shirley Shea, Appellee

Summary

The court reversed the superior court and reinstated the administrative law judge’s denial of occupational disability benefits. It held that substantial evidence supported the finding that prolonged sitting at work was a but-for cause of Shea’s pain but was not sufficiently significant to constitute a proximate or substantial factor warranting legal responsibility. Fabe, Justice, dissenting, would have affirmed the superior court because the evidence relied on by the administrative law judge was irrelevant, speculative, or insufficient under the governing aggravation standard.