Gonzalez, Avelina

Applicant Avelina Gonzalez sustained an industrial injury on February 27, 2014 to her neck, bilateral shoulders, back, and psyche while working as a Senior Operator for Abbott Cardiovascular Systems. The central dispute was whether permanent impairment should be based on the PQME (Dr. Inman) or the primary treating physician (Dr. Bernicker), with the WCJ relying on Dr. Bernicker to find 35% permanent disability. Defendant petitioned for reconsideration arguing the decision was unreasonable and not based on substantial medical evidence, particularly challenging Dr. Bernicker's combined rating of range of motion loss and strength deficit for the shoulders. The WCJ found Dr. Bernicker's reporting constituted substantial medical evidence, noted Dr. Inman's failure to address cervical muscle spasm and pain add-on, and recommended denial. The WCAB adopted and incorporated the WCJ's report and opinion and denied reconsideration.