Fields, Todd

Applicant Todd Fields sustained an industrial injury on February 20, 2018 to his left knee and right hip, resolved via a stipulated award of 33% permanent disability on October 31, 2022 based on PQME Dr. Sclafani's opinions. Within five years of injury (February 3, 2023), applicant filed a timely petition to reopen under Labor Code section 5410, alleging new and further disability, including a compensable consequence fall on January 8, 2023 worsening the left knee, and industrial hypertension caused by NSAID use. The WCJ found new and further disability and added hypertension as an industrial body part while deferring findings on the heart, internal organs, and sleep apnea. Defendant petitioned for reconsideration, arguing the WCJ misapplied section 5410, ignored settlement finality, misread Sarabi, and that applicant lacked substantial evidence and good cause under section 5803. The WCAB denied reconsideration, finding both a statutory basis under section 5410 and good cause under section 5803, supported by the substantial medical opinions of PQMEs Sclafani and Mahmoudi. The Board also admonished defense counsel for prior miscitations of legal authority but declined to issue sanctions because the offending petition was mooted.