Did the Workers Compensation Court err when it denied Caekaerts claim for medical expenses?
2. Did the Workers’ Compensation Court err when it denied Caekaert’s claim for temporary total disability benefits? 3. Did the Workers’ Compensation Court err when it denied Caekaert’s claim for reasonable attorney fees and costs? FACTUAL BACKGROUND Caekaert is a journeyman plumber residing in Billings. He also owns an independent poultry business that he began in approximately 1987. In January 1988, Caekaert began working as a plumber for Frank Wilson Plumbing and Heating. In early February 1988, Dr. S. Arthur Frankel determined that Caekaert was suffering from bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome. On February 10, and March 2, 1988, Dr. Frankel performed median nerve release procedures on Caekaert’s left and right hands respectively. The State Fund insured Caekaert’s employer at the time the carpal tunnel syndrome was diagnosed. In November 1988, Caekaert filed a claim for benefits under the Montana Occupational Disease Act. The State Fund accepted liability, covered the medical expenses,
