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

Case No. SRO 134400, SRO 139130
Regular
Sep 11, 2007

COBY RICHARDS vs. COUNTY OF SONOMA AND G.B. BRAGG AND ASSOCIATES, CITY OF CLOVERDALE AND REMIF

The applicant, a police officer, claimed a cumulative trauma injury resulting in a brain tumor, asserting exposure to x-rays as a known carcinogen under Labor Code section 3212.1. The Appeals Board denied reconsideration, affirming the finding that the applicant did not establish an industrial injury. While acknowledging the applicant's exposure to x-rays, the Board found this exposure did not present a reasonable link to the brain tumor, as per the Agreed Medical Examiner's opinion that only direct radiation to the brain is a known risk factor.

Workers' Compensation Appeals BoardIndustrial injuryAstrocytomaBrain tumorCarcinogenLabor Code section 3212.1Presumption of injuryPeace officerCumulative traumaX-rays
References
Case No. ADJ6720899
Regular
May 15, 2012

MELISSA ROSAS vs. CITY OF SAN BERNARDINO POLICE DEPARTMENT, CITY OF SAN BERNARDINO

The Workers' Compensation Appeals Board denied the City of San Bernardino Police Department's petition for reconsideration. The Board adopted the judge's report, which found the applicant, Melissa Rosas, sustained a compensable injury in the form of cancer. This decision was based on the applicant being a police officer exposed to known carcinogens and the presumption under Labor Code § 3212.1 not being rebutted by the defense. The judge found the applicant's treating physician's opinion on variable cancer latency periods more persuasive than the defense expert's.

Labor Code § 3212.1cancer presumptionpolice officercarcinogen exposurebenzenecigarette smokegasoline fumesauto accidentsvehicle firesresidence fires
References
Case No. ADJ7298156, ADJ6499211
Regular
Jun 21, 2013

SOLOMON WELLS vs. CITY OF FRESNO, AMERICAN ALL RISK LOSS ADMINISTRATION

This case involved a police officer's claim for industrial injury, including stomach cancer. The applicant sought reconsideration and removal of an order that allowed the record to be reopened for further medical evidence development concerning his cancer diagnosis. The Appeals Board dismissed the reconsideration petition because the order was not a final determination of substantive rights. They also denied the removal petition, finding no significant prejudice or irreparable harm, and directed the WCJ to rule on a subsequent petition to reopen. The Board noted potential application of Labor Code section 3212.1 regarding cancer presumptions for police officers.

Workers' Compensation Appeals BoardPetition for ReconsiderationPetition for RemovalUnsubmittedMedical IssueCancer DiagnosisMandatory Settlement ConferenceIndustrially CausedLate OfferingReopening Discovery
References
Case No. ADJ307882 (VNO 0453543)
Regular
Oct 03, 2008

CEHEL WARE vs. LOS ANGELES COUNTY METROPOLITAN TRANSPORTATION AUTHORITY

The Appeals Board granted reconsideration, rescinded the prior award, and returned the case for further proceedings. This decision was based on the inadequacy of the medical evidence supporting the applicant's claim of industrial hypertension and hypertensive heart disease, as the court-appointed QME's opinion lacked sufficient factual basis and adherence to procedural requirements. Additionally, the initial trial record was found to be unclear regarding the stipulated and disputed issues, necessitating clarification before a new decision can be rendered.

Workers Compensation Appeals BoardCumulative TraumaHypertensionHypertensive Heart DiseaseIndustrial InjuryMedical EvidenceReconsiderationSubstantial EvidenceAgreed Medical EvaluatorQualified Medical Evaluator
References
Case No. ADJ9509417
Regular
Apr 05, 2023

ELIZABETH ARBOGAST vs. CALIFORNIA HIGHWAY PATROL, STATE COMPENSATION INSURANCE FUND

The Workers' Compensation Appeals Board affirmed an award for further medical treatment and attorney fees for an applicant diagnosed with ovarian cancer, hernia, peripheral neuropathy, and colon issues sustained during her employment with the California Highway Patrol. The Board found the applicant's ovarian cancer to be an insidious and progressive disease, warranting a reservation of jurisdiction over permanent disability. This reservation allows for future determination of permanent disability if the condition worsens or recurs.

Workers' Compensation Appeals BoardCalifornia Highway Patrolmedically uninsuredState Compensation Insurance FundAdjudication NumberOpinion and Decision After ReconsiderationFindings and Awardworker's compensation administrative law judgeovarian cancerhernia
References
Case No. ADJ6990407
Regular
Nov 02, 2011

DANIEL CHESNUT vs. MANTECA POLICE DEPARTMENT, MUNICIPAL POOLING WALNUT CREEK

The Workers' Compensation Appeals Board denied the applicant's petition for reconsideration. The applicant, a police officer, sought to establish that his testicular cancer was presumptively industrial under Labor Code section 3212.1. However, the Agreed Medical Evaluator concluded that the cancer's manifestation fell outside the established ten-year minimum latency period for solid tumors, thus rebutting the statutory presumption. The Board found this conclusion to be substantial evidence, particularly as the applicant's cancer was not characterized by extreme aggressiveness or massive exposure doses that might shorten latency.

Workers' Compensation Appeals BoardDaniel ChesnutManteca Police DepartmentMunicipal Pooling Walnut CreekADJ6990407Petition for ReconsiderationLabor Code section 3212.1testicular cancerinjurious exposurepolice officer
References
Case No. ADJ18001417
Regular
Sep 05, 2025

CHRISTOPHER CANDIA vs. CITY AND COUNTY OF SAN FRANCISCO

The Workers' Compensation Appeals Board (WCAB) denied the defendant's Petition for Reconsideration in the case of Christopher Candia v. City and County of San Francisco. The Board adopted the Arbitrator's Report and Recommendation, which found applicant Christopher Candia's meningioma to be a compensable industrial injury. The decision was based on the cancer presumption under Labor Code section 3212.1 for firefighters, as the medical opinion of treating neurosurgeon Dr. Bruce McCormack classified the tumor as Grade II, indicating malignant features, and evidence showed Candia's exposure to carcinogens during his employment. The Board upheld the arbitrator's determination, giving greater weight to Dr. McCormack's opinion over the IME Dr. Raye Bellinger's.

Workers' Compensation Appeals BoardPetition for ReconsiderationArbitrator's ReportLabor Code Section 5909Electronic Adjudication Management Systemsubstantial evidenceneurosurgeontreating physicianIMEmeningioma
References
Case No. ADJ3229251 (GRO 0032007) ADJ4697200 (GRO 0032008)
Regular
Apr 24, 2009

JOYCE ROARK vs. CORDOVA CHEMICAL/AEROJET, PACIFIC EMPLOYERS INSURANCE by ESIS

The Workers' Compensation Appeals Board granted the applicant's petition for reconsideration, increasing the death benefit to $125,000 and the attorney fee to $18,750, based on a June 2004 date of injury. The Board denied the defendant's petition, upholding the finding that the deceased worker's death from cancer was industrially caused based on Dr. O'Neill's medical opinion. While the majority found Dr. O'Neill's revised opinion, considering chromosomal damage and a specific medical article linking rare tumors to similar chemical exposures, constituted substantial evidence, one commissioner dissented, arguing the medical evidence was insufficient for a finding of industrial causation. The dissenting commissioner believed further medical evaluation was necessary, preferring an IME to resolve the causation issue.

David RoarkJoyce RoarkCordova Chemical/AerojetPacific Employers InsuranceESISADJ3229251ADJ4697200Joint Findings and AwardPetition for ReconsiderationIndustrial Injury
References
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