Vargas, Maribel

Lien claimant Medland Medical petitioned for reconsideration of a WCJ decision finding that it failed to prove applicant Maribel Vargas sustained an industrial injury (AOE/COE) to multiple body parts during a continuous trauma period of September 26, 2020 through October 4, 2022. The WCJ awarded Medland $2,255.46 for the April 19, 2023 date of service (characterized as a medical-legal evaluation) plus a 25% penalty and interest, but disallowed remaining dates of service for medical treatment because injury was not established. Medland argued that the unrebutted medical-legal report of Dr. Omar Haghighinia, D.C., a certified QME, was the only substantial medical evidence and was sufficient to prove industrial injury. The Appeals Board granted reconsideration on a preliminary basis, finding it unclear whether the existing record was sufficient to support the WCJ's decision or whether further development of the record was necessary. The Board deferred issuance of a final decision after reconsideration pending further review of the merits and the entire record.