What the panel ordered
The Appeals Board granted the Petition for Reconsideration, rescinded the WCJ's February 18, 2025 Findings, Award, and Order, and returned the matter to the WCJ for further proceedings consistent with the opinion.
Applicant sought reconsideration of the WCJ's February 18, 2025 Findings, Award, and Order, which found injury only to the right wrist and hand, arguing for further development of the record regarding additional body parts injured. The WCJ's report recommended denial of the petition, but the Appeals Board granted reconsideration, rescinded the WCJ's decision, and returned the matter for further proceedings.
What was disputed, and how it came out
Each issue the panel decided, with the reasoning it gave. An outcome is what this panel did on this record — not a rule, and not a prediction.
The Appeals Board found that the AME reports did not constitute substantial medical evidence as they failed to address all body parts injured as described by applicant's unrebutted trial testimony, and that the Board has authority to order further development of the record to achieve substantial justice.
From the decision · page 8Accordingly, we grant applicant's Petition for Reconsideration, rescind the F&A and return the matter to the WCJ for further proceedings consistent with this opinion.