Home/Case Law/KATHLEEN ZIPP vs. ST HELENA U.S.D., PSI, NORTH BAY SCHOOLS INSURANCE AUTHORITY
Regular DecisionOpinion and Decision After Reconsideration

KATHLEEN ZIPP vs. ST HELENA U.S.D., PSI, NORTH BAY SCHOOLS INSURANCE AUTHORITY

Filed: Apr 14, 2025
Santa Rosa
ADJ12471831

CompFox AI Summary

The applicant sought reconsideration of a June 13, 2023, Findings and Order (F&O) which found her psychiatric injury claim barred by the good faith personnel action (GFPA) defense under Labor Code section 3208.3(h). The Workers' Compensation Appeals Board (WCAB) rescinded the F&O, determining that the medical evidence from the Qualified Medical Evaluator (QME), Dr. Kothapalli, was not sufficiently detailed or Rolda-compliant regarding the causation percentages attributed to personnel actions by Ms. Ely and other school district 'players.' The matter was returned to the trial level for further development of the record, including clarification of events and potentially additional medical opinion, to ensure a proper substantial causation analysis.

Full Decision Text1 Pages

The applicant sought reconsideration of a June 13, 2023, Findings and Order (F&O) which found her psychiatric injury claim barred by the good faith personnel action (GFPA) defense under Labor Code section 3208.3(h). The Workers' Compensation Appeals Board (WCAB) rescinded the F&O, determining that the medical evidence from the Qualified Medical Evaluator (QME), Dr. Kothapalli, was not sufficiently detailed or Rolda-compliant regarding the causation percentages attributed to personnel actions by Ms. Ely and other school district 'players.' The matter was returned to the trial level for further development of the record, including clarification of events and potentially additional medical opinion, to ensure a proper substantial causation analysis.

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