Ochoa, Vilma

Vilma Ochoa, a housekeeper for Gerard and Stephanie Casale, sustained an industrial injury to her right lower extremity on July 16, 2003. The WCJ's September 29, 2021 Findings and Award found earnings of $300/week, periods of temporary total disability, and a 'tentative' 76% permanent disability rating while simultaneously ordering further development of the medical record on internal injury, permanent disability, and apportionment via AME Dr. Woolf. Applicant sought reconsideration challenging the earnings determination and the permanent disability rating. The Appeals Board found the WCJ failed to specify which method of Labor Code section 4453(c) was used to calculate earnings, improperly invoked laches, and failed to include the mandatory value of room and board under section 4454. The Board affirmed unchallenged findings but rescinded and deferred the earnings finding and the tentative permanent disability finding, returning the matter to the trial level for new determination.