CompFox AI Summary
This case involves applicant Rosemary Hernandez's industrial injury in 2007 as a correctional officer, resulting in lumbar spine and leg impairment. The Workers' Compensation Appeals Board (WCAB) affirmed the finding of 48% permanent disability, which was calculated by apportioning 8% of the disability to a prior 1989 injury. This apportionment was permissible because the agreed medical evaluator could rate the prior disability using the same AMA Guides method as the current injury, unlike in the Minvielle precedent. The majority found this consistent with Labor Code section 4664, which presumes prior permanent disability exists and allows for apportionment if overlap can be proven.
Full Decision Text1 Pages
This case involves applicant Rosemary Hernandez's industrial injury in 2007 as a correctional officer, resulting in lumbar spine and leg impairment. The Workers' Compensation Appeals Board (WCAB) affirmed the finding of 48% permanent disability, which was calculated by apportioning 8% of the disability to a prior 1989 injury. This apportionment was permissible because the agreed medical evaluator could rate the prior disability using the same AMA Guides method as the current injury, unlike in the Minvielle precedent. The majority found this consistent with Labor Code section 4664, which presumes prior permanent disability exists and allows for apportionment if overlap can be proven.
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