CompFox AI Summary
The Workers' Compensation Appeals Board granted reconsideration, rescinded the initial award, and returned the case for further proceedings because the Agreed Medical Examiner's (AME) disability rating was not substantially supported by medical evidence. The AME failed to adequately justify his departure from the standard AMA Guides methodology, relying instead on an alternative section without sufficient explanation. The Board also dismissed the defendant's petition for removal, finding the procedural due process claim moot and lacking extraordinary circumstances. The matter will be returned to the trial level for development of the record and a new decision on permanent disability, with parties to address Labor Code section 4658(d).
Full Decision Text1 Pages
The Workers' Compensation Appeals Board granted reconsideration, rescinded the initial award, and returned the case for further proceedings because the Agreed Medical Examiner's (AME) disability rating was not substantially supported by medical evidence. The AME failed to adequately justify his departure from the standard AMA Guides methodology, relying instead on an alternative section without sufficient explanation. The Board also dismissed the defendant's petition for removal, finding the procedural due process claim moot and lacking extraordinary circumstances. The matter will be returned to the trial level for development of the record and a new decision on permanent disability, with parties to address Labor Code section 4658(d).
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