Gonzalez, Ellie

Ellie Gonzalez, an assistant principal for LAUSD, claimed she contracted disseminated coccidioidomycosis (Valley Fever) from exposure to wildfire smoke and fungal spores while working in the Sylmar area during the December 2017-June 2018 cumulative trauma period. The WCJ denied the claim, relying primarily on PQME Dr. Zagelbaum's opinion that the roughly six-month gap between exposure and onset of severe disease exceeded the disease's short latency period (about 2-3 weeks). The Appeals Board granted reconsideration and found the WCJ misapplied applicant's burden of proof, raised due process concerns about a 'moving target,' and concluded the record required further development on two issues: whether applicant was actually exposed to fungal spores at work, and the latency period of Valley Fever. The Board rescinded the WCJ's Findings and Order and returned the matter to the trial level for further proceedings and a new decision, expressing no final opinion on industrial causation.