THEMAS ERTZMAN (Decedent) AKSHARA ERTZMAN (Widow/Applicant) vs. PACIFIC BELL TELEPHONE COMPANY/ AT&T, INC., permissibly self-insured, administered by SEDGWICK CLAIMS MANAGEMENT SERVICES

The Workers' Compensation Appeals Board granted reconsideration, rescinded a previous Findings and Order, and returned the case to the judge for further proceedings. The employer sought reconsideration, arguing the union contract was improperly admitted and the judge shifted the burden of proof. The Board agreed that further development of the record was needed regarding the union contract and the decedent's union membership. This was deemed necessary for a full adjudication of the death benefit claim.