Opinion ID: 2570510
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 2

Heading: standard of review

Text: When this Court reviews a decision of the Industrial Commission, it exercises free review over questions of law but reviews questions of fact only to determine whether substantial and competent evidence supports the Commission's findings. Bollinger v. Coast to Coast Total Hardware, 134 Idaho 1, 4, 995 P.2d 346, 349 (2000); see also I.C. § 72-732. Substantial and competent evidence is relevant evidence which a reasonable mind might accept to support a conclusion. Bollinger, 134 Idaho at 4, 995 P.2d at 349. Because the Commission is the fact finder, its conclusions on the credibility and weight of the evidence will not be disturbed on appeal unless they are clearly erroneous. Id. This Court does not weigh the evidence or consider whether it would have reached a different conclusion from the evidence presented. Id. Whether a claimant has an impairment is a factual determination. See Urry v. Walker and Fox Masonry Contractors, 115 Idaho 750, 755, 769 P.2d 1122, 1127 (1989). Likewise, the degree of permanent disability resulting from an industrial injury is a question of fact. Zapata v. J.R. Simplot Co., 132 Idaho 513, 516, 975 P.2d 1178, 1181 (1999).