Mendoza, Lisa

Lisa Mendoza, an office technician, sustained admitted cumulative industrial injury to her hands, wrists, right thumb, and in the form of GERD. The parties stipulated that if Kite did not apply, permanent disability equaled 72%, but if Kite applied, the disability would be rated differently. The WCJ adopted QME Dr. Walth's opinion that the bilateral upper extremity impairments should be added rather than combined under the CVC, resulting in 91% permanent disability. Defendant sought reconsideration arguing Dr. Walth's ratings were not substantial medical evidence and that the WCJ erred in adding rather than combining. The Board denied reconsideration, holding that defendant stipulated to the component ratings and that Dr. Walth's synergistic-effect explanation complied with Kite and the en banc Vigil decision.