FRED BROYLES vs. ATLAS VAN LINES, ARCH INSURANCE, GALLAGHER BASSETT SERVICES
In Broyles v. Atlas Van Lines, the WCAB denied the defendant's petition for reconsideration, affirming the finding of 29% permanent disability. The Administrative Law Judge and the Board found that the Qualified Medical Evaluator (QME) properly utilized the Almaraz/Guzman principles to deviate from a strict AMA Guides rating. The QME's analogy to a hernia condition was deemed substantial evidence for assessing the applicant's impairment due to limitations on lifting and its impact on daily living activities. The Board concluded the QME adequately explained the departure from the standard rating and provided sufficient reasoning for the alternative assessment.