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

Case No. SAC 286368
Regular
Jan 25, 2008

DALE OLIVER vs. BRIAN WILLIAMS CONSTRUCTION, STATE COMPENSATION INSURANCE FUND

This case involves an applicant seeking approval for disc replacement surgery for a work-related back injury. The defendant argued the surgery is experimental per ACOEM guidelines, thus not covered. The Board denied reconsideration, finding the applicant's physician rebutted the presumption of experimental status. The Board determined the surgery is no longer experimental, citing FDA approval, and is reasonably required for the applicant's specific condition, supported by expert medical opinion.

Workers' Compensation Appeals BoardBrian Williams ConstructionState Compensation Insurance Fundindustrial injuryright anklefootelbowshoulderskneesleft lower extremity
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 The Board rescinded the original award and remanded the case for a new rating that incorporates the QME's findings on sleep disturbance.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. ADJ3409548 (RDG 0112116) ADJ2825274 (RDG 0112117)
Regular
Aug 21, 2014

Alice Swetzer vs. OFFICE MAX, OLD REPUBLIC, GALLAGHER BASSETT SERVICES

The Appeals Board rescinded the WCJ's denial of Alice Swetzer's petition to reopen, finding the medical record regarding her right sacroiliac fusion surgery was insufficiently developed. Applicant argues her industrial back and knee injuries contributed to the need for surgery, even if a fall precipitated it. The Board agreed that existing medical opinions did not fully address whether the industrial injuries exacerbated her condition or if the surgery was medically necessary to treat the industrial injury's effects. Therefore, the case is returned to the trial level for further medical evidence development on these causal links.

Compensable consequence doctrineSacroiliac fusion surgeryIndustrial injuryFurther development of medical recordQME opinionCausationPreexisting conditionAggravationMedical necessityReconsideration
References
Case No. ADJ8436467
Regular
Sep 09, 2015

CELEINE MELENDEZ vs. KOHL'S DEPARTMENT STORE, NEW HAMPSHIRE INSURANCE COMPANY

This case concerns an employee seeking workers' compensation for back surgery, specifically an anterior lumbar discectomy and fusion. The employer contested the necessity of the surgery, arguing the administrative law judge erred in approving it. The Appeals Board affirmed the judge's decision, finding the request for authorization was valid as it reflected a change in circumstances. Therefore, the defendant is ordered to provide the authorized surgical treatment.

Workers' Compensation Appeals BoardReconsiderationUtilization ReviewAnterior Lumbar Discectomy and FusionLabor Code section 4610(g)(6)Primary Treating PhysicianIndependent Medical ReviewFindings and OrderLumbar SpineMedical Treatment Authorization
References
Case No. ADJ7084863, ADJ7380456
Regular
Aug 05, 2011

JAMES LAMB vs. THE KENAN ADVANTAGE GROUP, AMERICAN ZURICH INSURANCE CO.

This case involves a truck driver, James Lamb, who sustained a lumbar spine injury with radicular pain during his employment. The defendant sought reconsideration of the prior award finding injury only to his lumbar spine. Subsequently, the applicant and defendant reached a settlement via a Compromise and Release agreement. The Appeals Board granted reconsideration, rescinded the prior award, and returned the matter to the trial level for review of the settlement.

Workers' Compensation Appeals BoardKenan Advantage GroupAmerican Zurich Insurance Co.Gallagher BassettJoint Findings Award and Ordertruck drivercumulative periodlumbar spineradicular painlower extremities
References
Case No. ADJ6619207 ADJ6736606
Regular
May 24, 2010

ALBERTO ALVAREZ vs. AKT DEVELOPMENT CORPORATIONS, INSURANCE OF THE WEST

The Workers' Compensation Appeals Board granted reconsideration of a decision awarding lumbar fusion surgery, finding the WCJ erred by solely relying on the *Cervantes* decision regarding timely utilization review. The Board determined that the defendant's utilization review timeliness was unclear, and the parties had agreed to an Agreed Medical Examiner (AME) to resolve the surgery dispute before *Cervantes* was issued. Furthermore, the Board held that the treating physician's recommendation for surgery must constitute substantial evidence, which was not definitively established here. Therefore, the matter was returned for further development of the record, requiring the treating physician to address the AME's concerns regarding the necessity of fusion surgery.

Workers' Compensation Appeals BoardPetition for RemovalPetition for ReconsiderationJoint Findings Award and OrderIndustrial InjuryLumbar FusionUtilization ReviewCervantes v. El Aguila Food ProductsSubstantial Medical EvidenceExpedited Hearing
References
Case No. ADJ9546300 ADJ9103215
Regular
Apr 21, 2015

JAMES TUBBS vs. FRESNO CHAFFEE ZOO, NATIONWIDE AGRIBUSINESS INSURANCE COMPANY

The Workers' Compensation Appeals Board (WCAB) granted reconsideration and reversed a prior decision, finding the applicant is not entitled to a second lumbar surgery. The WCAB concluded that the applicant failed to meet the burden of proof by providing substantial medical evidence demonstrating the surgery's reasonableness and necessity, as required by Labor Code sections 5705 and 4600. While acknowledging the prior successful surgery, the WCAB found Dr. Aryan's request lacked sufficient support based on established medical treatment guidelines. The dissenting opinion argued that substantial medical evidence supported the surgery and that the defendant's delays unfairly prejudiced the applicant.

ADJ9546300ADJ9103215lumbar spine injuryDr. Francisco UnguezDr. Henry AryanRequest for Authorization (RFA)surgery authorizationL4-S1 surgeryDubon IIsubstantial medical evidence
References
Case No. ADJ9028576
Regular
Feb 29, 2016

ALLIS CHARLES vs. RICHMOND SANITARY SERVICE, INC., OLD REPUBLIC INSURANCE CO., CANNON COCHRAN MANAGEMENT SERVICES, INC.

This case involves a workers' compensation applicant who sustained industrial injury to his lumbar spine and left foot. The defendant sought reconsideration of the original award, specifically challenging the calculated $39\%$ permanent disability rating due to alleged errors. The Workers' Compensation Appeals Board granted reconsideration, deferring the findings on permanent disability and attorney's fees. The matter is remanded to the trial level for further proceedings to develop the record.

Permanent disability ratingPetition for ReconsiderationFindings of FactAward and OrdersWCJIndustrial injuryLumbar spineLeft footGarbage collectorAdministrative law judge
References
Case No. ADJ7951527
Regular
Oct 03, 2016

RONALD COYLE vs. DANE COYLE CUSTOM HOMES, INC.

The defendant sought reconsideration of an award for an applicant's industrial back injury, challenging the timeliness of the utilization review (UR) denial and the necessity of proposed spinal surgery. The Board denied reconsideration, affirming that the defendant failed to prove timely communication of the UR denial as required by law. Furthermore, substantial evidence, including reports from the treating physician and Agreed Medical Evaluator, supported the necessity of the lumbar fusion surgery. The Board found the defendant's arguments insufficient to rebut the expert medical opinions presented.

Workers' Compensation Appeals BoardPetition for ReconsiderationFindings and AwardIndustrial InjuryUtilization Review (UR) DenialTimelinessFurther Medical TreatmentSpinal SurgeryLumbar FusionRequest for Authorization (RFA)
References
Case No. ADJ2927392 (MON 0246403)
Regular
Nov 02, 2009

JOSE ACEVEDO-LOPEZ vs. OASIS AVIATION, INC., CALIFORNIA INSURANCE GUARANTEE ASSOCIATION by its servicing facility SEDGWICK CLAIMS MANAGEMENT SERVICES for LEGION INSURANCE COMPANY, in liquidation

The Appeals Board grants reconsideration, rescinds the August 10, 2009 Findings and Order, and returns the case to the trial level for a new decision regarding the reasonable value of services provided by S&B Surgery Center.

Workers' Compensation Appeals BoardLien ClaimReconsiderationFindings and OrderLumbar LaminectomyFusionReasonable ValueNecessity of ServicesCIGAAssignee Liability
References
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