Cartnal, Jennifer

Applicant Jennifer Cartnal sustained injuries (cervical/lumbar spine, left hand, head, ears, psyche, and blackouts) in a May 18, 2015 motor vehicle accident while employed as an Associate Director of Transportation at UC Irvine. The WCJ issued an October 23, 2024 Findings and Award finding applicant totally permanently disabled on a psychiatric basis and not amenable to vocational retraining. Defendant sought reconsideration arguing the WCJ erred in finding a brain injury resulting in total permanent disability and that applicant's vocational expert evidence was not substantial evidence. The Appeals Board granted reconsideration on a preliminary basis, finding it unclear that substantial medical evidence supported the WCJ's decision and that the record was not properly developed. The Board deferred a final decision pending further review of the merits and the entire record.