Maghakyan, Ruzanna

Applicant Ruzanna Maghakyan, a social worker, sustained industrial injury on October 8, 2013 to her neck, thoracic spine, low back, psyche, and in the form of sleep disorder and right thigh scars. The WCJ found 64% permanent disability and ruled that the factors of disability should be combined rather than added. Both parties sought reconsideration, with applicant arguing for adding (Kite) the disabilities and defendant disputing the indemnity calculation. The Board found that the WCJ's F&A improperly contained additional findings within the 'Award' section without an actual award of benefits, and that the record lacked substantial medical evidence on whether to add or combine the factors of disability, since orthopedic QME Dr. Hay never addressed the add-versus-combine question. The Board rescinded the F&A, substituted a new Findings and Award deferring permanent disability and attorney fees, affirmed in proper format, and remanded for development of the record on the add-versus-combine issue.