Vernon, Belinda

Applicant Belinda Vernon, an HR analyst, sustained an industrial injury to her right knee on December 9, 2013, developing chronic pain syndrome, insomnia, and gastrointestinal intolerance as compensable consequences. The WCJ awarded 56% PPD, declined to find 100% permanent total disability, excluded the sleep disorder impairment under Labor Code section 4660.1(c), and issued a vague out-of-pocket medical reimbursement award. On reconsideration, the Board agreed that applicant's vocational expert reporting was not substantial evidence because the expert improperly interjected his own medical opinions and relied on applicant's subjective beliefs, and held that SSDI findings have no res judicata effect on industrial total disability. The Board affirmed exclusion of the sleep disorder because it was a compensable consequence of the orthopedic injury rather than a direct injury. The Board rescinded the F&A and returned the matter for further development of the record, including clarification of the disputed $8,000 husband's lost wages reimbursement.