ALEX JOHNSON vs. CITY OF LOS ANGELES, Permissibly Self-Insured

The Workers' Compensation Appeals Board (WCAB) granted reconsideration to review the trial judge's finding of no apportionment for the applicant's knee disability. The WCAB rescinded the prior decision and returned the case for further proceedings and a new decision. This was based on the deposition testimony of the Agreed Medical Evaluator (AME), Dr. Sohn, which provided substantial medical evidence for apportionment. Dr. Sohn's opinion addressed the increase in disability due to industrial factors versus non-industrial factors such as weight and the natural progression of arthritis, consistent with apportionment statutes.