DARRIN WALKER vs. COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES--SHERIFF'S DEPARTMENT

This case concerns Darrin Walker's claim for workers' compensation benefits related to a lumbar spine injury. The primary dispute centers on the validity of an Independent Medical Review (IMR) decision that denied authorization for surgery due to a potential delay in the IMR process. The Workers' Compensation Appeals Board (WCAB) denied reconsideration, holding that the statutory timeframes for IMR decisions are directory, not mandatory, citing case law. Consequently, the WCAB affirmed the administrative law judge's prior order denying the applicant's appeal of the IMR determination.