Johnson, Stephen

Stephen Johnson, an employee of the California Department of Correction and Rehabilitation (self-insured, adjusted by State Compensation Insurance Fund), had a matter pending on reconsideration from a WCJ decision dated March 10, 2021. While the case was pending before the Appeals Board, the parties reached a proposed settlement. Because the District Office is precluded from acting on a case pending reconsideration under Cal. Code Regs., tit. 8, § 10961, the Board rescinded the WCJ's decision and returned the matter to the trial level so the WCJ could review the proposed settlement. The Board emphasized this was not a final decision on the merits, and if the settlement is not approved, the WCJ may reinstate the original decision, after which any aggrieved party may timely seek reconsideration.