Nunez, Graciela

Applicant Graciela Nunez filed a specific injury claim (ADJ13276965) for an April 16, 2018 injury and was evaluated by PQME Dr. Miller. After submission of that claim, applicant filed a separate cumulative trauma claim (ADJ14016357) covering April 16, 2018 through September 1, 2020. The WCJ vacated submission, ordered development of the record, and directed the parties to return to the existing PQME to address the new cumulative trauma claim. Defendant sought reconsideration/removal. The Board affirmed the propriety of developing the record but held that, under Navarro v. City of Montebello, the parties cannot be compelled to return to the same QME for a subsequently filed injury claim absent agreement. The Board rescinded the WCJ's order and remanded for the WCJ to clarify whether the parties agreed to return to the prior QME or whether either party is exercising the right to a new panel.