Virginia Berglund vs. University of California San Diego, SEDGWICK CLAIMS MANAGEMENT SERVICES

This case concerns applicant Virginia Berglund's claim for workers' compensation benefits against the University of California San Diego for injuries sustained in 2006. The Workers' Compensation Appeals Board (WCAB) granted reconsideration to review the administrative law judge's (WCJ) findings regarding permanent disability, including psychiatric injury and the application of a 15% indemnity increase. The WCAB affirmed most of the WCJ's award but deferred issues concerning the applicant's permanent and stationary date, further permanent disability for psychiatric injury, life pension, and attorney's fees, remanding the case for further proceedings to clarify these matters. Specifically, the WCAB found the treating psychiatrist's reports lacked substantial evidence and that the panel QME's apportionment was improperly based on another physician's opinion, necessitating supplemental evaluations.