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

Case No. ADJ7673518, ADJ7647749
Regular
Jan 23, 2015

ANA DE AYALA vs. AO-THE UNIVERSITY CORPORATION / CALIFORNIA STATE UNIVERSITY NORTHRIDGE

The Workers' Compensation Appeals Board granted reconsideration and reversed a prior ruling, finding the applicant sustained industrial injury to her neck. While the applicant testified to injuring her neck in a workplace incident and this was partially corroborated, the Board found insufficient evidence for other claimed injuries. The Board specifically disagreed with the administrative law judge's credibility assessment concerning the neck injury itself, relying on medical reports and testimony supporting the neck injury claim. The Board affirmed the denial of claims for all other alleged injuries, finding insufficient medical evidence to link them to the incident.

Petition for ReconsiderationFindings and OrderIndustrial InjuryNeck InjuryBack InjurySpine InjuryUpper ExtremitiesPsycheGastroesophageal SystemInternal System
References
Case No. ADJ9447222
Regular
Jun 23, 2015

Gloria Gutierrez vs. Moonlight Companies, Zenith Insurance Company

The Appeals Board denied the applicant's petition to disqualify the Administrative Law Judge (WCJ). The applicant alleged the WCJ formed an unqualified opinion on the merits of the case. While the WCJ initially dismissed the claim based on a misunderstanding of the law, he later rescinded the dismissal and scheduled further proceedings. The Board found no evidence the WCJ formed an unqualified opinion and believes he can render a fair hearing.

Petition for disqualificationWorkers' Compensation Appeals BoardWCJunqualified opinionmerits of actionLabor Code section 3600(a)(10)post-termination defensereporting of injuriesCode of Civil Procedure section 641(f)Order Rescinding Dismissal
References
Case No. ADJ7948651
Regular
May 09, 2016

Barbara Tom vs. CITY OF OAKLAND, JT2 INTEGRATED

This case involves a petition for reconsideration by the defendant, City of Oakland, following an award of permanent disability to applicant Barbara Tom. The defendant argued the Workers' Compensation Judge (WCJ) erred by not deferring to the Agreed Medical Evaluator's (AME) opinion and by not developing the record with the AME. The WCAB denied reconsideration, adopting the WCJ's report which found the AME's opinion deficient. The WCJ's report detailed how the primary treating physician's report was more persuasive and thoroughly reasoned, supporting the WCJ's findings over the AME's.

Workers' Compensation Appeals BoardPetition for ReconsiderationAgreed Medical Evaluator (AME)Primary Treating Physician (PTP)AMA GuidesPermanent Disability RatingCarpal Tunnel SyndromeSubstantial EvidenceWCJ OpinionMedical Opinion Deference
References
Case No. ADJ8737025 ADJ9415548
Regular
Jan 21, 2020

HERIBERTO GUILLEN vs. INFINITY STAFFING; AGGCAP INSURANCE, administered by SEDGWICK CLAIMS MANAGEMENT SERVICES, INC.

This case involves a defendant's petition to disqualify a Workers' Compensation Judge (WCJ) due to her testimony as a witness in a separate criminal proceeding concerning the applicant. The defendant argued the WCJ was a material witness, expressed an opinion on the merits, or had a doubtful capacity for impartiality. The Appeals Board denied the petition, finding her testimony, given under subpoena, did not demonstrate bias nor constituted an unqualified opinion on the case's merits, as she merely explained legal principles. One Commissioner dissented, believing the WCJ's testimony on the impact of the applicant's fraud conviction created an appearance of bias and prejudged the merits of a pending dismissal petition.

Petition for disqualificationWCJ testimonyInsurance Code section 1871.4Penal Code section 118Code of Civil Procedure section 641Rule 9721.12material witnessunqualified opinionappearance of biasnolo contendere
References
Case No. ADJ10871012
Regular
Oct 20, 2025

MICHAEL HOLMES vs. BEHAVIOR FRONTIERS, REDWOOD FIRE AND CASUALTY INSURANCE COMPANY, BERKSHIRE HATHAWAY HOMESTATE COMPANIES

Applicant Michael Holmes sought the disqualification of a workers' compensation administrative law judge (WCJ) alleging general bias. The Appeals Board, after considering the petition and the WCJ's Report and Recommendation, denied the disqualification request. The Board affirmed that expressions of opinion based on evidence and legal interpretation, or erroneous rulings, do not constitute grounds for disqualification. The applicant was also admonished regarding potential vexatious litigant proceedings if such conduct persists.

Petition for DisqualificationWCJ BiasLabor Code 5311Code of Civil Procedure 641Unqualified OpinionEnmityState of MindWCAB Rule 10960AffidavitDeclaration
References
Case No. ADJ6905239
Regular
Oct 07, 2025

ROBERT GARRISON vs. UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA LOS ANGELES, SEDGWICK CMS

The applicant filed a petition seeking to disqualify a Workers' Compensation Administrative Law Judge (WCJ) due to alleged bias. The Workers' Compensation Appeals Board (WCAB) reviewed the petition, along with the WCJ's Report and Recommendation. The Board determined that the petition did not establish valid grounds for disqualification under Labor Code section 5311 and Code of Civil Procedure section 641, citing that expressions of opinion in official duties or erroneous rulings do not constitute bias. Consequently, the WCAB denied the applicant's petition for disqualification.

Petition for DisqualificationWorkers' Compensation Appeals BoardWCJ BiasLabor Code 5311Code of Civil Procedure 641Unqualified OpinionState of Mind Evincing EnmityWCAB Rule 10960Affidavit or DeclarationTimely Filing
References
Case No. VNO 0386181
Regular
Apr 05, 2007

SUSAN PASCALE vs. BLUE CROSS/WELLPOINT DENTAL, CALIFORNIA INSURANCE GUARANTEE ASSOCIATION on behalf of FREMONT INDEMNITY

This case concerns applicant Susan Pascale's claim for workers' compensation benefits due to industrial injuries resulting in fibromyalgia and other conditions. The WCJ awarded 80% permanent disability, apportioning 20% to applicant's pre-existing personality traits based on medical opinions. The Appeals Board affirmed this decision, finding the apportionment was supported by substantial medical evidence of causation, as allowed by recent statutory changes.

Workers' Compensation Appeals BoardSusan PascaleBlue Cross/Wellpoint DentalCalifornia Insurance Guarantee AssociationFremont IndemnityVNO 0386181Opinion and Decision After ReconsiderationApplicantDefendantWCJ
References
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. 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. ADJ3015289 (FRE 0242633)
Regular
Jan 06, 2012

SHARON LONG vs. KAISER FOUNDATION HOSPITALS administered by KAISER PERMANENTE

This case involves applicant Sharon Long's claim for workers' compensation benefits due to cumulative trauma sustained as a registered nurse for Kaiser Foundation Hospitals. The Workers' Compensation Appeals Board granted reconsideration, reversing the initial denial of industrial injury. The Board found that Dr. Dureza's opinion, which attributed 33% of applicant's injuries to cumulative trauma from her nursing duties, constituted substantial evidence of industrial causation. The Board remanded the case for further proceedings on orthopedic benefits and the psychiatric injury claim, deferring the EDD lien.

Workers' Compensation Appeals BoardKaiser Foundation HospitalsSharon LongIndustrial InjuryCumulative TraumaRegistered NurseNeck InjuryLow Back InjurySpine InjuryPsyche Injury
References
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