Balam, Francisco

Lien claimants Dental Trauma Center and Sleep Treatment Clinics of California sought reconsideration of a WCJ's F&A that found applicant did not sustain an industrial dental injury, that Dental Trauma Center's services were not reasonable or necessary, and that awarded Sleep Treatment Clinics only $1,819.30 based on defendant's bill review expert. The case arose from an admitted 2009 specific injury (a bus driver who struck and killed a pedestrian) with the case in chief resolved by a stipulated award at 100% permanent total disability including lifetime medical treatment. The Board noted significant due process concerns because applicant did not appear to have been served with the F&A or hearing minutes, despite the finding of no dental injury potentially undercutting applicant's right to future medical treatment (with 'teeth' listed as a stipulated body part). Rather than resolving the merits immediately, the Board granted reconsideration, deferred a final decision, and encouraged the parties to participate in the Appeals Board's voluntary mediation program. A final decision after reconsideration was deferred pending mediation or further review.