CompFox Logo
AboutWorkflowFeaturesPricingCase LawInsights

Updated Daily

Case Law Database

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

Case No. ADJ4689210 (VNO 0544832) ADJ6906409 ADJ7469887
Regular
Sep 20, 2019

Donald Yeager vs. CALPORTLAND COMPANY, MITSUI SUMITOMO INSURANCE USA, INC., administered by SEDGWICK CLAIMS MANAGEMENT SERVICES, INC.

The Applicant sought removal and disqualification of the Workers' Compensation Judge after the judge ordered trial and denied reassignment. However, the parties had already entered into and received approval for three Compromise and Release agreements settling all claimed injuries. The Appeals Board found these settlement agreements rendered the Applicant's petitions moot. Therefore, the Board dismissed both the Petition for Disqualification and the Petitions for Removal.

Petitions for RemovalPetition for DisqualificationCompromise and ReleaseOrders Approving Compromise and ReleaseOrder Rescinding Orders Approving Compromise and ReleaseReconsideration UnitJurisdictionMoot IssuesWCJ GlassWCJ Morgan
References
Case No. ADJ15875626
Regular
Jun 30, 2025

Evyette Gaines vs. Riverside University Health System

Defendant sought reconsideration of the April 11, 2025 Findings, Award, and Orders (FA&O), where the WCJ found the reporting of PQME, Dr. Albert Simpkins, to be substantial medical evidence, with the exception of apportionment. Applicant, Evyette Gaines, was found to have sustained injury AOE/COE to the cervical spine, lumbar spine, and psyche, resulting in 38% permanent disability. Defendant contended that Dr. Simpkins' apportionment findings constituted substantial medical evidence and that the WCJ misapplied legal precedents. After considering the petition and the WCJ's report, the Appeals Board denied the Petition for Reconsideration.

Workers Compensation Appeals BoardPetition for ReconsiderationFindings Award and OrdersQualified Medical EvaluatorPQMEAlbert SimpkinsApportionmentSubstantial Medical EvidenceAOE/COECervical Spine
References
Case No. ADJ10335205
Regular
Feb 16, 2017

BARNARD VILLAR vs. STATE OF CALIFORNIA, CDCR, STATE COMPENSATION INSURANCE FUND

The Workers' Compensation Appeals Board denied the applicant's Petition for Reconsideration. The Board found the medical opinion of the panel Qualified Medical Examiner (PQME) to be substantial medical evidence, based on an adequate examination and supported by reasoning. This opinion was relied upon by the workers' compensation administrative law judge. Consequently, the applicant's petition was denied.

Petition for ReconsiderationDeniedWorkers' Compensation Appeals BoardWCJ ReportAdopted and IncorporatedSubstantial Medical EvidenceReasonable Medical ProbabilityPanel Qualified Medical ExaminerPQMEBarry Gwartz M.D.
References
Case No. ADJ9418197
Regular
Jan 02, 2020

ALEXANDER GOLIS vs. PACTIV CORP., ACE AMERICAN INSURANCE COMPANY ON BEHALF OF SEDGWICK CLAIMS MANAGEMENT SERVICES

The Workers' Compensation Appeals Board (WCAB) denied the employer's petition for reconsideration in the case of Alexander Golis v. Pactiv Corp. The WCAB adopted the findings of the workers' compensation administrative law judge (WCJ) that neither Dr. Kettner's nor Dr. Anderson's apportionment opinions constituted substantial evidence. Consequently, the employer failed to meet its burden of proving apportionment for the applicant's post-traumatic stress disorder.

Workers' Compensation Appeals BoardPetition for ReconsiderationDeniedPost-traumatic stress disorderPTSDImpairmentApportionmentSubstantial evidenceBurden of proofWCJ
References
Case No. ADJ8939504
Regular
Oct 13, 2016

RAMON RAMIREZ vs. INTEX AUTO PARTS, SENTRY INSURANCE COMPANY

This case involves Ramon Ramirez claiming workers' compensation for an injury. The Workers' Compensation Appeals Board (WCAB) denied the employer's petition for reconsideration. The WCAB found that the defendant failed to meet their burden of proof regarding apportionment. This failure was based on a physician's report being too brief and conclusory without adequate reasoning or factual support, as required by established law.

Workers' Compensation Appeals BoardPetition for ReconsiderationDeniedWorkers' Compensation Administrative Law JudgeWCJ ReportPhysician's ReportReasonable Medical ProbabilitySpeculativeApportionmentBurden of Proof
References
Case No. ADJ4225526 (GOL 0092072)
Regular
Apr 20, 2017

JESUS ARROYO vs. JOHN CRAVENS PLASTERING, STATE COMPENSATION INSURANCE FUND

This case involves Jesus Arroyo's petition for reconsideration of a Workers' Compensation Appeals Board decision. The Board denied reconsideration, adopting the reasoning of the workers' compensation administrative law judge. Medical evidence from Dr. Markovitz established that Arroyo suffered a total and permanent disability resulting from industrial injuries, including an aortic aneurysm repair and subsequent strokes. The Board found Dr. Markovitz's opinions constituted substantial medical evidence, despite conflicting defense opinions, and affirmed that all necessary medical care and permanent disability were industrially caused.

Workers' Compensation Appeals BoardJesus ArroyoJohn Cravens PlasteringState Compensation Insurance FundPetition for ReconsiderationAgreed Medical ExaminerGerald Markovitzechocardiogramaortic root dilationexpanding aortic aneurysm
References
Case No. ADJ2025038
Regular
Jan 21, 2009

SHERRY SPOONER vs. MEDREC SERVICES, STATE COMPENSATION INSURANCE FUND

The WCAB denied defendant's petition for reconsideration, finding that the medical opinion on apportionment was not substantial evidence and that the defendant failed to meet its burden of proof.

Workers Compensation Appeals BoardMedrec ServicesState Compensation Insurance FundSherry SpoonerFindings and Awardindustrial injuryspinepsychepermanent disabilityapportionment
References
Case No. ADJ10231754
Regular
May 07, 2018

JUAN LOCOCO vs. HUMBLE POTATO LLC, EMPLOYERS PREFERRED INSURANCE COMPANY

The Workers' Compensation Appeals Board granted reconsideration of the judge's award finding applicant sustained injury arising out of and occurring in the course of employment (AOE/COE) to his back. The Board found the applicant's medical report from Dr. Donahue was not substantial evidence as it was based on an inaccurate history and potentially obtained after discovery closed, thus prejudicing the defendant. Consequently, the Board rescinded the prior award and returned the matter to the judge for further development of the record and proceedings. This will allow for proper due process and ensure the record contains substantial evidence before a new decision is made.

AOE/COEPetition for ReconsiderationFindings and AwardDr. DonahueLAC/USCsubstantial evidencecredibilitydue processdevelop the recordLabor Code section 5502(d)(3)
References
Case No. ADJ11428234
Regular
Oct 17, 2025

RAMON COLLADO vs. CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS, CENTINELA STATE PRISON

The Workers' Compensation Appeals Board granted reconsideration to study the factual and legal issues in Ramon Collado's case against the California Department of Corrections and Centinela State Prison. Collado sought reconsideration of a WCJ's Findings and Order from July 28, 2021, which concluded he failed to prove an industrially caused heart/hypertension injury between December 20, 2012, and August 14, 2018. The Board found the Qualified Medical Evaluator's opinion on whether Collado's condition was an aggravation or mere exacerbation of prior injuries was unclear and contradictory, failing to constitute substantial medical evidence. Consequently, the Board rescinded the WCJ's decision and returned the matter to the trial level for further proceedings, including the development of the medical record and a determination on the applicability of Labor Code section 3212 presumptions.

Workers Compensation Appeals BoardRamon ColladoCalifornia Department of CorrectionsCentinela State PrisonState Compensation Insurance FundOpinion and Decision After ReconsiderationFindings and Orderworkers' compensation administrative law judgeindustrially caused injuryexacerbation
References
Case No. ADJ10332854
Regular
Jun 19, 2017

RALPH SWASEY vs. EL DORADO UNION HIGH SCHOOL DISTRICT

This case involves a worker's compensation claim for industrial injury to the left elbow and shoulder. The Appeals Board granted reconsideration, affirming the chosen occupational group but increasing the permanent disability award from 21% to 23%. This increase occurred because the Qualified Medical Evaluator's apportionment of 10% to non-industrial factors was not supported by substantial medical evidence. Specifically, the doctor's reasoning for attributing disability to diabetes and arthritis was conclusory and did not adequately explain how these factors contributed to permanent disability rather than just healing time.

Petition for ReconsiderationOccupational Group Number 390ApportionmentMedical TreatmentPermanent DisabilityQualified Medical EvaluatorSubstantial Medical EvidenceLabor Code 4663Labor Code 4664Industrial Injury
References
Showing 1-10 of 44 results

Ready to streamline your practice?

Apply these legal strategies instantly. CompFox helps you find decisions, analyze reports, and draft pleadings in minutes.

CompFox Logo

The AI standard for workers' compensation professionals. Faster research, deeper analysis, better outcomes.

Product

  • Platform
  • Workflow
  • Features
  • Pricing

Solutions

  • Defense Firms
  • Applicants' Attorneys
  • Insurance carriers
  • Medical Providers

Company

  • About
  • Insights
  • Case Law

Legal

  • Privacy
  • Terms
  • Trust
  • Cookies
  • Subscription

© 2026 CompFox Inc. All rights reserved.

Systems Operational