Case Law Database

JASON WUEST vs. KERN COUNTY SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS, SELF-INSURED SCHOOLS OF CALIFORNIA

The defendant sought reconsideration of an award finding the applicant sustained injury to his cervical spine, left shoulder, and elbow, resulting in 28% permanent disability. The defendant argued the Qualified Medical Examiner's (QME) reports lacked substantial evidence, while the primary treating physician's (PTP) reports should have been determinative. The Appeals Board denied reconsideration, finding the QME's detailed reports provided substantial evidence supporting the findings. The Board affirmed the WCJ's reliance on the QME's opinions regarding impairment calculations and the compensable consequence neck injury.