Stockman, Jim

Applicant Jim Stockman, a cabinet estimator, sustained industrial injury on December 15, 2016 to his cervical and lumbar spine, with urinary and fecal incontinence and sexual dysfunction. The WCJ awarded 63% permanent disability, less 15% attorney fees, and future medical care, finding the AMA Guides had not been rebutted. Applicant sought reconsideration, contending he is permanently totally disabled (100% PTD) based on total loss of earning capacity and a 'sheltered workshop' theory, that the WCJ erred in declining a 3% pain add-on, that apportionment by the orthopedic QME was unreliable, and that his counsel should receive an 18% extraordinary attorney fee instead of 15%. The Board granted reconsideration on a preliminary basis, finding it unclear whether the existing record was sufficient to support the WCJ's findings or whether further development was needed. The Board deferred a final decision after reconsideration pending further review of the merits and the entire record.