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

Case No. ADJ8026817
Regular
Apr 22, 2013

MARIA OCHOA vs. RANGERS DIE CASTING COMPANY, COMPWEST INSURANCE COMPANY

The Workers' Compensation Appeals Board (WCAB) granted reconsideration of a decision finding the applicant sustained injury to her respiratory system and psyche AOE/COE. The WCAB rescinded the decision and returned the case to the trial level, finding the medical opinions of Dr. Lipper and Dr. Curtis lacked substantiality. Specifically, the physicians failed to provide clear diagnoses, quantify exposures, or adequately explain causation. The Board noted contradictory testimony from the applicant's supervisor and insufficient evidence to support the initial findings.

Workers' Compensation Appeals BoardMaria OchoaRangers Die Casting CompanyCOMPWEST INSURANCE COMPANYADJ8026817Los Angeles District OfficeOpinion and Order Granting ReconsiderationDecision After ReconsiderationFindings of FactWorkers' Compensation Administrative Law Judge (WCJ)
References
Case No. ADJ563768 (SBR 0331684), ADJ2410618 (SBR 0338943)
Regular
Mar 22, 2010

JORGE GONZALEZ vs. TOYO TIRE USA, TOKO MARINE PASADENA

Lien claimant Access Health Medical Group seeks full reimbursement for services, arguing the WCJ erred by disallowing most of its lien based on anti-referral laws (Labor Code §§ 139.3, 139.31). Access contends these laws do not apply to in-house referrals for chiropractic, acupuncture, or "work conditioning" services, as these are not "physical therapy." The Appeals Board granted reconsideration, finding the WCJ applied an overly broad definition of physical therapy. The case is returned for further proceedings to determine if the billed services were distinct from physical therapy, or if "work conditioning" constitutes physical therapy under the statute.

Labor Code §§ 139.3Labor Code § 139.31anti-referral lawsin-office referralsphysical therapychiropracticacupuncturework conditioninglien claimantFindings and Order
References
Case No. GOL 96757
Regular
Jun 10, 2008

SA YANG LO vs. CUSTOM SENSORS & TECHNOLOGIES, INC., STATE COMPENSATION INSURANCE FUND

The Workers' Compensation Appeals Board denied reconsideration of a prior award, upholding the application of the 2005 Permanent Disability Rating Schedule. The Board found that exceptions allowing for the 1997 Schedule did not apply, as the applicant's temporary disability indemnity extended beyond January 1, 2005, and no qualifying pre-2005 reports indicated permanent disability. Furthermore, the Board found the applicant's vocational expert's opinion regarding diminished future earning capacity unpersuasive, thus affirming the initial 9% permanent disability rating.

Workers' Compensation Appeals BoardSA Yang LoCustom Sensors & TechnologiesInc.State Compensation Insurance FundGOL 96757Opinion and Order Denying ReconsiderationFindings and AwardWorkers' Compensation Administrative Law JudgeWCJ
References
Case No. ADJ8266885
Regular
Jan 20, 2016

DAYSI PATRICIA MOLINA ROMERO vs. CALIFORNIA PIZZA KITCHEN, TRAVELERS DIAMOND BAR

This case involves a lien claim by Mario Arroyo, D.C., for chiropractic and physical therapy services provided to an injured worker. The Workers' Compensation Appeals Board (WCAB) granted reconsideration and rescinded the original findings. The WCAB held that "visits" must be distinguished by the type of treatment rendered, allowing for separate reimbursement caps for chiropractic and physical therapy visits. Further development of the record is required to determine the nature of services provided and whether Arroyo is entitled to reimbursement for physical therapy beyond the 24 chiropractic visits already paid.

Workers' Compensation Appeals BoardPetition for ReconsiderationFindings and OrderLien ClaimantChiropractic VisitsPhysical TherapyLabor Code Section 4604.5(c)(1)Bill ReviewerCumulative TraumaIndustrial Injury
References
Case No. ADJ7817116, ADJ7875974
Regular
Nov 13, 2012

Karen Swanson vs. FRESNO UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT

The Workers' Compensation Appeals Board granted reconsideration to address the defendant's claim that the prior award of medical treatment lacked substantial medical evidence. The Board affirmed the necessity of a Nurse Case Manager, a power-assisted wheelchair, podiatrist visits, and a consultation with Dr. Kodama based on stipulations and medical opinion. However, the Board found insufficient evidence for other requested treatments like physical therapy, home modifications, housekeeping, a wheelchair-accessible van, and social worker visits. Jurisdiction was reserved for these deferred issues pending further development of the medical record, including a home modifications consultation.

WCABAmended Findings and OrderPetition for Reconsiderationsubstantial medical evidenceLabor Code section 4604.5Nurse Case Managerpower-assisted wheelchairpodiatristDr. Kodamadysphagia
References
Case No. ADJ4647589
Regular
Dec 10, 2019

ORIS PAYTON vs. CAL EXPO FAIRGROUNDS, CALIFORNIA FAIR SERVICES AUTHORITY

The Workers' Compensation Appeals Board (WCAB) denied the applicant's petition for reconsideration. The applicant sought further physical therapy beyond the statutory limit of 24 visits. The WCAB adopted the Workers' Compensation Administrative Law Judge's report, which concluded that the WCAB lacks the authority to challenge the constitutionality of a statute, including Labor Code section 4604.5, which limits physical therapy visits. Therefore, the applicant's request for treatment exceeding the statutory allowance was denied.

Workers' Compensation Appeals BoardPetition for ReconsiderationAdministrative Law JudgeFindings and AwardIndustrial InjuryCumulative Work ActivitiesMedical TreatmentPhysical TherapyStipulationsAgreed Medical Examiner
References
Case No. ADJ10265190
Regular
Jun 12, 2017

HANAN MEGALLA vs. COUNTY OF SAN BERNARDINO

This case involves a worker who sustained severe injuries from gunshot wounds and sought additional physical therapy. The defendant employer argued that the request was untimely and beyond the post-surgical treatment period, and that the applicant failed to establish medical necessity. The Workers' Compensation Appeals Board denied the employer's petition for reconsideration, upholding the finding that the employer failed to timely and effectively serve the Utilization Review denial. The Board found the additional physical therapy was reasonable and necessary, and that the request fell within the permissible 24-visit limitation after the post-surgical period concluded.

Workers' Compensation Appeals BoardUtilization ReviewService of DeterminationReconsiderationMedical TreatmentFindings and AwardWCJApplicantDefendantSan Bernardino County
References
Case No. ADJ3861984
Regular
Sep 23, 2010

GUADALUPE SANTA CRUZ vs. PEP BOYS, GALLAGHER BASSETT ROSEVILLE

This case involves a lien claim by a chiropractor for over $67,000 for treatment provided to an injured worker. The Workers' Compensation Appeals Board (WCAB) affirmed a prior finding that only $66.94 was owed, disallowing the balance of the lien. The WCAB ruled that a statutory amendment effective in 2008 did not apply retroactively to services rendered prior to its effective date. Additionally, the lien claimant failed to prove licensure for physical and occupational therapy, and the stipulated medical treatment and AME opinions did not cover the disputed past services.

Labor Code section 4604.5(d)(3)retrospective applicationmedical treatment utilizationchiropractic visitsphysical therapy visitsoccupational therapy visitslumbar surgerystipulated awardAME reportsACOEM Guidelines
References
Case No. GOL 096823, GOL 096824
Regular
May 02, 2008

RUDOLPH MORENO vs. CITY OF SANTA BARBARA, JT2 INTEGRATED RESOURCES

The Workers' Compensation Appeals Board granted reconsideration, finding the defendant's denial of physical therapy treatments was untimely. The Board determined that the denial occurred one day after the 14-day deadline for a decision, even with a delay notice. Consequently, the prior order finding timely compliance was rescinded and the case returned for further proceedings.

Workers' Compensation Appeals BoardPetition for RemovalPetition for ReconsiderationJoint Findings and OrderUtilization ReviewLabor Code § 4610Administrative Rule 9792.9Timeliness of DenialDelay NoticeMedical Treatment Authorization
References
Case No. VNO 343876
Regular
Jan 15, 2008

CASSANDRA GIBSON vs. COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES

The Workers' Compensation Appeals Board denied the County of Los Angeles' petition for reconsideration, upholding an award for the applicant's future medical treatment. This treatment included a weight loss program, bariatric surgery consultation, physical therapy, and an orthopedic mattress, which the defendant had unreasonably delayed providing. The Board found substantial medical evidence supported the necessity of this treatment and justified penalties for the defendant's delay.

Workers' Compensation Appeals BoardReconsiderationFuture Medical TreatmentWeight Loss ProgramBariatric Surgery ConsultationPhysical TherapyLumbar SpineOrthopedic MattressUnreasonable DelayLabor Code Section 5814 Penalties
References
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