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

Case No. ADJ400686 (VNO 0499836)
Regular
Nov 08, 2016

MICHAEL CURZI vs. PHARMAVITE, LLC, TRAVELERS DIAMOND BAR

In *Curzi v. Pharmavite, LLC*, the Workers' Compensation Appeals Board (WCAB) granted reconsideration to further study the case. The WCAB amended the original decision to defer issues of sleep disorder, permanent disability, apportionment, and attorney fees. This action was taken to allow for further development of the record regarding the industrial causation of the sleep disorder. The matter is returned to the trial level for further proceedings and a new decision by the WCJ.

Workers' Compensation Appeals BoardPharmaviteLLCTravelers Diamond BarADJ400686VNO 0499836Opinion and Decision After ReconsiderationFindings and Awardcomputer operatorindustrial injury
References
Case No. ADJ6527507
Regular
Oct 18, 2010

Wayne Moore vs. EAST BAY MUNICIPAL UTILITY DISTRICT, ATHENS ADMINISTRATORS

The Appeals Board granted reconsideration, finding the WCJ improperly substituted his medical judgment for the Qualified Medical Evaluator's (QME) regarding the applicant's industrial sleep disturbance. The WCJ's finding of no industrial sleep impairment, despite the QME's opinion indicating such, was deemed erroneous. The Board rescinded the original award and remanded the case for a new rating that incorporates the QME's findings on sleep disturbance. Additionally, the WCJ must correct an identified occupational group number error in future rating calculations.

Workers' Compensation Appeals BoardWayne MooreEast Bay Municipal Utility DistrictAthens Administratorsmachinist maintenance workermachinistmachinist maintenancepermanent disabilityapportionmentQualified Medical Evaluator
References
Case No. ADJ7037201
Regular
Apr 22, 2013

Eddie Avakian vs. CITY OF BALDWIN PARK, ADMINSURE

This case involves an applicant police officer seeking reconsideration of a Workers' Compensation Appeals Board (WCAB) decision that awarded 72% permanent partial disability. The applicant contended the WCJ erred by excluding sleep disturbances and sexual dysfunction from the disability rating and by apportioning his cardiovascular disability. The WCAB granted reconsideration, rescinded the original award, and found the applicant's sexual dysfunction and sleep disorder compensable. The matter was returned to the trial level for a new decision, with the WCAB stating it would not disturb other findings, including the hypertension apportionment.

Workers' Compensation Appeals BoardEddie AvakianCity of Baldwin ParkPermissibly Self-InsuredAdministered By ADMINSUREADJ7037201Opinion and Order Granting ReconsiderationDecision After ReconsiderationFindings and Award and OrderAdministrative Law Judge
References
Case No. ADJ7295285
Regular
Dec 05, 2012

CARL SIRL vs. VSJ, INC., ENDURANCE INSURANCE COMPANY, FIRSTCOMP INSURANCE AGENCY

The Workers' Compensation Appeals Board (WCAB) granted reconsideration and rescinded the prior award finding applicant suffered a 23% permanent disability, including 12% for sleep disturbance. The PQME's reliance on the Epworth Sleepiness Scale for the sleep impairment rating was deemed insufficient without further explanation, particularly regarding the absence of formal sleep studies. The WCAB remanded the case to the trial level for further development of the medical record concerning the sleep disorder and its impairment rating. Defendants were directed to continue paying uncontested permanent disability indemnity for the applicant's back injury.

Workers' Compensation Appeals BoardPermanent DisabilitySleep DisturbanceEpworth Sleepiness ScalePQMEAMA GuidesWhole Person ImpairmentActivities of Daily LivingDue ProcessMedical Record Development
References
Case No. ADJ3896064 (SAL 0121108)
Regular
Aug 08, 2012

BRUCE AYERS vs. GRANITE ROCK COMPANY, ZURICH AMERICAN INSURANCE COMPANY

This Workers' Compensation Appeals Board order denies reconsideration of a prior award finding permanent and total disability. The applicant's treating physician and vocational experts opined that the applicant's multiple impairments, including chronic pain, medication side effects, and sleep disturbances, render him unemployable. The Board found the defendant failed to present a fair and complete picture of the medical evidence regarding the applicant's employability, specifically omitting key portions of the physician's opinion. The Board also noted the defendant's attempt to reopen discovery regarding sleep medication was without merit, as the applicant's testimony was credible and the existing evidence supported his ongoing disability.

Workers' Compensation Appeals BoardGranite Rock CompanyZurich American Insurance CompanyPetition for ReconsiderationWorkers' Compensation Administrative Law JudgeSleep StudySleep MedicationEarning CapacitySuitable and Gainful EmploymentVocational Experts
References
Case No. ADJ7527781; ADJ7527786
Regular
Feb 05, 2016

OCTAVIO ESPINOZA vs. TORRES FARM LABOR, SEABRIGHT INSURANCE COMPANY

The Workers' Compensation Appeals Board granted the applicant's petition for reconsideration, amending the original award to defer the finding of permanent disability and attorney's fees. The Board denied the defendant's petition for reconsideration, affirming the original award regarding future medical treatment for internal injuries. The case is returned to the WCJ for further proceedings, including consideration of a sleep study report and development of the record concerning permanent disability. The Board agreed that substantial evidence supported the finding of industrial injury to internal organs and the need for future medical treatment.

Workers' Compensation Appeals BoardIndustrial InjuryPermanent DisabilityTemporary Total DisabilityFuture Medical TreatmentPetition for ReconsiderationFindings of FactJoint AwardWCJSubstantial Evidence
References
Case No. ADJ70 84052
Regular
Mar 23, 2015

Edwin Martinez vs. Coca-Cola Enterprises, Inc.

The Workers' Compensation Appeals Board denied the defendant's petition for reconsideration. The Board adopted the Workers' Compensation Judge's report, which found a compensable sleep disorder and awarded additional permanent disability. The Board also found that the judge's order regarding the Employment Development Department (EDD) lien was a non-final order and denied the defendant's related contention.

Sleep disordercompensable sleep disorderpermanent disabilityWCJ discretionEDD lienreimbursementpetition for reconsiderationabuse of discretionWPIpsychiatric injury
References
Case No. ADJ8699740
Regular
Jan 09, 2015

Francisco Herrera vs. West-Tech Mechanical, Inc., Star Insurance Company

The Workers' Compensation Appeals Board granted reconsideration and amended a prior decision concerning Francisco Herrera's workers' compensation claim against West-Tech Mechanical, Inc. The Board affirmed the finding that Herrera sustained an injury to his neck, back, shoulders, and sleep disturbance arising from his employment. However, the Board clarified that Herrera's claim for injury to the psyche is barred by Labor Code section 3208.3(d).

WORKERS' COMPENSATION APPEALS BOARDPetition for ReconsiderationAdministrative Law JudgeOpinion and OrderDecision After ReconsiderationInjury to neckInjury to backInjury to shouldersSleep disturbanceCourse of employment
References
Case No. ADJ8996451
Regular
Mar 25, 2016

ROGELIO VELASQUEZ vs. MOLOFSKY BUILDERS, INC., EVEREST NATIONAL INSURANCE COMPANY

The Workers' Compensation Appeals Board denied the Petition for Reconsideration, upholding the Workers' Compensation Judge's decision. The Judge correctly excluded permanent disability for sleep disturbance as the QME failed to provide an apportionment opinion as required by statute. Furthermore, the Judge properly rejected the QME's *Almaraz/Guzman* rating for the left knee injury, finding it unpersuasive and lacking in specific ADL deficits. Therefore, the Judge's original findings on permanent disability were affirmed.

Workers' Compensation Appeals BoardPetition for ReconsiderationWCJ reportEpworth Scalesleep disturbancepermanent disabilityQualified Medical Evaluator (QME)apportionmentleft knee injuryAlmaraz/Guzman
References
Case No. ADJ1500373 (MON 0359154)
Regular
Jun 24, 2014

LINDA HODO MCDANIEL vs. NORWALK-LA MIRADA UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT

The Board affirmed the WCJ's award finding applicant sustained psychiatric injury, sleep disturbance, and headaches AOE/COE due to adverse employment events from 2001-2007. The Board found the AME's opinion substantial evidence, corroborated by applicant's testimony and defense witnesses, establishing the injury was caused by actual employment events. The defendant's "good faith personnel action" defense failed as the alleged actions occurred after the injury and therefore could not be the predominant cause. The Board also admonished defense counsel for unprofessional conduct and improper remarks impugning the WCJ's integrity.

AOE/COEpsychesleep disturbanceheadachesmiddle school principal66% permanent disabilityapportionmentGood Faith Personnel Actionsubstantial medical evidencepsychiatric injury
References
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