CompFox AI Summary
The Workers' Compensation Appeals Board granted reconsideration to clarify that the applicant's cumulative trauma orthopedic injury claim is still under development. The Board agreed with the WCJ that the defense's medical expert, Dr. Baldwin, failed to provide substantial medical evidence due to a misunderstanding of cumulative trauma principles. Dr. Baldwin improperly required documented prior specific injuries to opine on cumulative trauma, thereby failing to adequately assess the applicant's extensive work history. Therefore, the case is affirmed except for the amendment of a finding of fact to reflect that the orthopedic injury claim is contested and requires further medical evaluation.
Full Decision Text1 Pages
The Workers' Compensation Appeals Board granted reconsideration to clarify that the applicant's cumulative trauma orthopedic injury claim is still under development. The Board agreed with the WCJ that the defense's medical expert, Dr. Baldwin, failed to provide substantial medical evidence due to a misunderstanding of cumulative trauma principles. Dr. Baldwin improperly required documented prior specific injuries to opine on cumulative trauma, thereby failing to adequately assess the applicant's extensive work history. Therefore, the case is affirmed except for the amendment of a finding of fact to reflect that the orthopedic injury claim is contested and requires further medical evaluation.
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