CompFox AI Summary
The Workers' Compensation Appeals Board (WCAB) rescinded the initial Findings and Order, which dismissed applicant David Whitt's claim as time-barred. The WCAB found that the Qualified Medical Evaluator's (QME) opinion was not substantial evidence because it was based on an incorrect history regarding prior back issues and failed to adequately address cumulative injury. Consequently, the case was returned to the WCJ for further proceedings and a new decision, with instructions to consider the statute of limitations liberally in favor of the employee. The WCAB noted that the applicant may have filed timely if he did not know his injury was work-related until receiving the QME's report.
Full Decision Text1 Pages
The Workers' Compensation Appeals Board (WCAB) rescinded the initial Findings and Order, which dismissed applicant David Whitt's claim as time-barred. The WCAB found that the Qualified Medical Evaluator's (QME) opinion was not substantial evidence because it was based on an incorrect history regarding prior back issues and failed to adequately address cumulative injury. Consequently, the case was returned to the WCJ for further proceedings and a new decision, with instructions to consider the statute of limitations liberally in favor of the employee. The WCAB noted that the applicant may have filed timely if he did not know his injury was work-related until receiving the QME's report.
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