Stokes, Jasmine

Applicant Jasmine Stokes, a bus driver for the City of Santa Rosa, claimed injury to multiple body parts on June 1, 2022. The WCJ found AOE/COE injury to her cervical spine, right shoulder, and low back, relying on treating physician Dr. Morely's reports over QME Dr. McGillicuddy's contrary opinion, and ordered the parties to further develop the record on temporary disability. Defendant sought reconsideration, arguing it was entitled to a supplemental report from Dr. McGillicuddy and that Dr. Morely's reports were not substantial evidence. The WCAB denied reconsideration, finding Dr. Morely's reports constituted substantial evidence consistent with applicant's credible testimony, and that defendant's due process argument failed because the WCJ's order to develop the record matched defendant's own trial objection. The Board also admonished counsel for misrepresenting the trial record regarding the timing of shoulder injury evidence.