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Access over workers' compensation decisions, including En Banc, Significant Panel Decisions, and writ-denied cases.

Case No. ADJ4258585 (OXN 0130492) ADJ220258 (OXN 0130487)
Regular
Apr 17, 2018

ENRIQUE HERRERA vs. MAPLE LEAF FOODS, U.S. FIRE INSURANCE COMPANY, ALEA NORTH AMERICAN INSURANCE COMPANY

This notice informs parties that the Workers' Compensation Appeals Board (WCAB) intends to admit its rating instructions and a disability rater's recommended permanent disability rating into evidence. The WCAB previously granted reconsideration for further study. Parties have seven days to object to the rating instructions or the recommended rating, with specific procedures for addressing objections. If no timely objection is filed, the matters will be submitted for decision thirty days after service.

WORKERS' COMPENSATION APPEALS BOARDPermanent Disability RatingDisability Evaluation UnitRating InstructionsRecommended Permanent Disability RatingJoint RatingReconsiderationObjectionRater Cross-ExaminationRebuttal Evidence
References
0
Case No. ANA 0388502
Regular
Aug 15, 2007

MICHAEL BELTRAN vs. REESE CONCRETE, CLARENDON NAT'L. INSURANCE COMPANY, AMERICAN ALL RISK LOSS ADMINISTRATORS

The Appeals Board granted reconsideration, overturning the WCJ's decision to apply the old permanent disability rating schedule. The Board found that the presence of multiple fractures alone did not constitute a report indicating permanent disability under Labor Code section 4660(d), thus the new 2005 Schedule must apply. The case is returned to the trial level for a new rating and decision regarding permanent disability and attorney's fees.

Workers' Compensation Appeals BoardPetition for ReconsiderationFindings and AwardPermanent Disability1997 Schedule2005 ScheduleQualified Medical EvaluatorTreating PhysicianLabor Code section 4660(d)Pendergrass II
References
8
Case No. SDO 0323941
Regular
Aug 20, 2007

CAPRICE SMITH vs. KINDERCARE LEARNING CENTER, SPECIALTY RISK SERVICES, AIG

This case concerns whether the old or new workers' compensation permanent disability rating schedule applies to an injury predating the 2005 schedule changes. The Board affirmed the WCJ's prior determination that the 1997 schedule applies due to a final, unchallenged finding on the matter. However, the Board granted reconsideration to amend the award, deferring the issue of permanent disability and attorney's fees for further proceedings at the trial level due to the WCJ's insufficient explanation of the disability rating and apportionment.

Workers' Compensation Appeals BoardKindercare Learning CenterSpecialty Risk ServicesAIGCaprice SmithSDO 0323941Petition for ReconsiderationAmended Findings and AwardPreschool TeacherIndustrial Injury
References
7
Case No. ADJ3416937 (SRO 0141443) ADJ4476347 (SRO 0118020)
Regular
Apr 25, 2011

TIMOTHY ROBINSON vs. COUNTY OF SONOMA, Permissibly Self-Insured

This case concerns apportionment of permanent disability for an injured correctional officer. The applicant sustained an admitted industrial injury to his neck, resulting in a 12% permanent disability after initial apportionment. The WCJ calculated a total permanent disability of 43%, then apportioned 20% to non-industrial factors under Labor Code section 4663. Further apportionment occurred for a prior low back injury under Labor Code section 4664, using a converted rating from the old schedule to the new AMA Guides. The Appeals Board affirmed the WCJ's decision, finding no prohibition against applying both section 4663 and section 4664 apportionment, and deeming the prior injury properly converted and subtracted. A dissenting opinion argued that the older rating schedule's "overlap" concept is incompatible with the current AMA Guides method, and that the defendant failed to prove overlap for the prior injury.

Workers' Compensation Appeals BoardCounty of SonomaTimothy RobinsonCorrectional OfficerIndustrial InjuryNeck InjuryPermanent DisabilityApportionmentLabor Code Section 4663Labor Code Section 4664
References
6
Case No. BAK 0142744
Regular
Apr 01, 2008

DARIN SLOAN vs. WASCO STATE PRISON, STATE COMPENSATION INSURANCE FUND

This case concerns whether the old or new permanent disability rating schedule applies. The Board affirmed the WCJ's decision to use the old schedule, finding that medical reports in 2004 indicated permanent disability, even if not explicitly stating the condition was permanent and stationary. This ruling aligns with the more recent *Zavala* precedent, superseding the stricter interpretation in *Vera*.

Workers' Compensation Appeals BoardDarin SloanWasco State PrisonState Compensation Insurance FundOpinion and Decision After ReconsiderationWCJindustrial injurypermanent disabilityapportionment1997 Schedule for Rating Permanent Disabilities
References
8
Case No. MISSING
Regular Panel Decision

Claim of Keselman v. New York City Transit Authority

Claimant, injured in 1986, initially established a right shoulder injury. The Workers’ Compensation Board affirmed this but denied a causally related neck injury in 1996. After another application in 1998 alleging a worsened neck condition, the Workers’ Compensation Law Judge found a causally related neck injury and permanent partial disability, awarding benefits from February 5, 1998, which the Board affirmed. Separately, the Board also ruled the employer was entitled to credit schedule payments against disability payments made after February 5, 1998. The court affirmed both decisions, finding substantial evidence supported the deterioration of the neck injury post-1996 and that schedule awards are independent of actual disability periods, thus allowing the employer's credit.

Workers' CompensationPermanent Partial DisabilitySchedule AwardDisability PaymentsNeck InjuryRight Shoulder InjuryCausally Related InjuryReopening CaseMedical EvidenceMRI
References
7
Case No. ADJ3783720 (EUR 0038931)
Regular
Apr 05, 2011

STANLEY HOLCOMB, JR. vs. TOWN OF SCOTIA COMPANY, LLC, Successor In Interest to THE PACIFIC LUMBER COMPANY (PSI), Administered By TRISTAR RISK MANAGEMENT

The Workers' Compensation Appeals Board granted reconsideration and amended a prior decision regarding the applicable Permanent Disability Rating Schedule. The Board determined that Dr. Brandvold's November 17, 2004 report indicated permanent disability, thus triggering an exception under Labor Code section 4660(d). Consequently, the 1997 Permanent Disability Rating Schedule, not the 2005 Schedule, must be applied. The case is returned for further proceedings to determine permanent disability under the correct schedule.

2005 Permanent Disability Rating Schedule1997 ScheduleLabor Code section 4660(d)Petition for ReconsiderationWCJ's Report and Recommendationtreating neurosurgeonQualified Medical Evaluators (QMEs)cumulative injuryapportionmentpermanent disability
References
6
Case No. ADJ1099369
Regular
Jul 01, 2009

SANDRA SMULLEN vs. CITY OF SAN DIEGO, PERMISSIBLY SELF-INSURED

The Workers' Compensation Appeals Board granted reconsideration of a prior award, finding that the applicant's pre-2005 treating physician reports sufficiently indicated permanent disability. Consequently, the Board applied the 1997 permanent disability rating schedule instead of the 2005 schedule. This resulted in an amended award of 56 percent permanent disability based on the stipulated rating under the 1997 schedule. The decision reversed the prior award that had utilized the 2005 schedule and awarded 35 percent permanent disability.

Workers' Compensation Appeals BoardPermanent Disability Rating Schedule2005 Rating Schedule1997 Rating ScheduleLabor Code section 4660(d)Petition for ReconsiderationIndustrial InjuryPolice OfficerBack InjuryTreating Physician
References
6
Case No. ADJ6879193
Regular
Feb 10, 2012

KATHERINE LAU vs. CUPERTINO UNION SCHOOL DISTRICT, KEENAN and ASSOCIATES

The Workers' Compensation Appeals Board granted reconsideration to review the application of the 1997 vs. 2005 Permanent Disability Rating Schedules. The Board reversed the WCJ's finding, determining there was insufficient pre-2005 medical evidence of permanent disability to apply the 1997 schedule. Consequently, the Board applied the 2005 schedule, reducing the applicant's permanent disability rating from 29% to 12%. One Commissioner dissented, arguing the record supported the use of the 1997 schedule based on pre-2005 indications of permanent disability.

Workers' Compensation Appeals BoardReconsiderationFindings and AwardPermanent Disability Rating1997 Schedule2005 ScheduleLabor Code Section 4660(d)Comprehensive Medical-Legal ReportTreating Physician ReportIndustrial Injury
References
4
Case No. ADJ302815 (OXN 0136951)
Regular
Sep 27, 2010

PETER RODRIGUEZ vs. MERCO CONSTRUCTION ENGINEERING, INC., MAJESTIC INSURANCE

The Workers' Compensation Appeals Board granted reconsideration to determine which permanent disability rating schedule applies to Peter Rodriguez's 2004 industrial injury. The Board reversed the trial judge, finding that Dr. Ghilarducci's May 21, 2004 report constituted substantial evidence of permanent disability prior to January 1, 2005. Consequently, the Board held that the 1997 Schedule for Rating Permanent Disabilities, not the 2005 Schedule, applies to this case. The matter was remanded for further proceedings to apply the correct schedule to determine permanent disability and apportionment.

Workers' Compensation Appeals BoardReconsiderationAmended Findings and AwardLabor Code2005 Schedule1997 SchedulePermanent DisabilityApportionmentMedical-Legal ReportTreating Physician
References
7
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