CompFox AI Summary
This case involves an applicant who sustained a left knee injury while working for the City of Willits in 2002, leading to a stipulated award. He later injured the same knee in 2008 while employed by the County of Mendocino. The County sought reconsideration of a WCJ decision that found the 2008 incident to be a second industrial injury. The Appeals Board denied the County's petition, upholding the WCJ's decision. The Board found the WCJ properly admitted and relied on medical reports from Dr. Hanley and the treating physician, Dr. Gunther, which supported the finding of a new injury. The Board also clarified that the City, as a lien claimant, had a due process right to present relevant medical evidence, including Dr. Hanley's report, even though the applicant and County selected a different PQME.
Full Decision Text1 Pages
This case involves an applicant who sustained a left knee injury while working for the City of Willits in 2002, leading to a stipulated award. He later injured the same knee in 2008 while employed by the County of Mendocino. The County sought reconsideration of a WCJ decision that found the 2008 incident to be a second industrial injury. The Appeals Board denied the County's petition, upholding the WCJ's decision. The Board found the WCJ properly admitted and relied on medical reports from Dr. Hanley and the treating physician, Dr. Gunther, which supported the finding of a new injury. The Board also clarified that the City, as a lien claimant, had a due process right to present relevant medical evidence, including Dr. Hanley's report, even though the applicant and County selected a different PQME.
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