Perea, Daniel

Daniel Perea filed two claims: a specific injury claim (ADJ14612291) for back, left leg, and hips from March 24, 2021, and a cumulative trauma claim (ADJ14612308) to the back, bilateral legs, and hips for the period March 1, 2020 through March 30, 2021, while working as a correction service technician. The WCJ found a cumulative trauma injury to the lumbar spine, found the specific March 24, 2021 injury did not arise out of employment, and ordered the record developed on hips/legs and disability issues. Defendant sought reconsideration, challenging the cumulative trauma finding (arguing PQME Dr. Nicola's reporting was not substantial evidence because medical records did not show applicant reported back pain from increased duties) and the order to develop the record. The Board granted reconsideration but made no substantive changes, correcting a clerical error to reflect the exposure period extended through March 30, 2021 and deferring the Labor Code section 5412 date of injury issue. The Board affirmed that Dr. Nicola's reporting constituted substantial medical evidence and that the WCJ properly exercised discretion in ordering further development.