Workers Comp Commission Review In Iowa

Our review of this case is governed by Iowa Code chapter 17A (1991). See Iowa Code 88.26; Second Injury Fund of Iowa v. Nelson, 544 N.W.2d 258, 264 (Iowa 1995). Our review of administrative agency decisions, like that of the district court, is limited to correcting legal error. Second Injury Fund of Iowa v. Shank, 516 N.W.2d 808, 812 (Iowa 1994). The findings of the commissioner are akin to a jury verdict, and we broadly apply them to uphold the commissioner's decision. Id. The question is not whether the evidence supported a different decision, but whether it supported the decision actually made by the industrial commissioner. Terwilliger v. Snap-On Tools Corp., 529 N.W.2d 267, 271 (Iowa 1995). We may reverse, modify, or remand this case to the commissioner for further proceedings if the agency decision is affected by an error at law, or if the decision is not supported by substantial evidence. Quaker Oats Co. v. Ciha, 552 N.W.2d 143, 150 (Iowa 1996). Evidence is substantial if a reasonable mind would find it adequate to reach the same findings. Murillo v. Blackhawk Foundry, 571 N.W.2d 16, 17 (Iowa 1997). The commissioner's decision does not lack substantial evidence because inconsistent conclusions may be drawn from the same evidence. Id.