Kopec, Gerald

Applicant Gerald Kopec, an insurance underwriter, was found by the WCJ to have sustained a cumulative industrial injury through February 22, 2013 to multiple body parts, resulting in 100% permanent total disability payable at $837.69 per week. Defendant petitioned for reconsideration, arguing the total disability finding was unsupported by substantial evidence, that the WCJ disregarded apportionment evidence, and that hyperacusis was non-industrial. The Appeals Board granted reconsideration to further study the record, identifying multiple deficiencies including the absence of any scheduled rating, questionable substantiality of the PQME's opinions, unaddressed apportionment, a clerical error in the PD payment rate, ambiguity in attorney fees (15% vs. 20%), unconfirmed defendant/insurance status, and unresolved exhibit admissibility. The Board deferred a final decision on the merits pending further review.