Case Law Database

KULDIP SHERGILL, et al. vs. DEPT. OF DEVELOPMENTAL SERVICES, STATE COMPENSATION INSURANCE FUND

The Appeals Board denied the Petition for Reconsideration filed by the applicants, including the family of the deceased Kuldip Shergill. The petition challenged a finding that Mr. Shergill's death, attributed to psych, heart, and alcohol disorder, was non-industrial. The Board affirmed the Workers' Compensation Administrative Law Judge's decision, concluding that the Qualified Medical Evaluator, Dr. Sylvia Shirikian, was qualified to opine on the causation of alcohol abuse disorders, despite not specializing in their treatment. Furthermore, the Board ruled that Mr. Shergill, as an employee of the Department of Developmental Services, was not entitled to the heart presumption under Labor Code § 3212.10.