Barrios, Alvina

Applicant, a welder, filed multiple cumulative trauma claims against employers Collins Technologies (insured by Travelers) and Aerotek/L3 (insured by ACE/ESIS), after previously settling a 2005 specific injury claim by Compromise and Release. The WCJ consolidated four cases and found industrial injury to the neck, back, bilateral upper extremities, pulmonary, and gastrointestinal systems while employed by Collins, relying primarily on AME Dr. Brourman and treating physician Dr. Scott. Travelers sought reconsideration, arguing it was not party to the AME selection, that medical reports were not substantial evidence, that the statute of limitations barred the claim, and that res judicata precluded relitigation. The Board held that the AME reporting was properly admitted in consolidated proceedings under CCR 10396 and Labor Code 4064(d)/4061(i), that Travelers had actively engaged with the AME, and that the statute of limitations and claim preclusion defenses were waived for failure to raise them timely. The February 6, 2020 F&A was affirmed.