Metu, Ngozi

Applicant Ngozi Metu, an elementary school teacher, alleged a cumulative trauma psychiatric injury (April 1, 2014 to July 12, 2017) against the Rialto Unified School District. The PQME, Dr. Johnson, found actual events of employment were the predominant cause of the psychiatric injury, but most causative events were characterizable as personnel actions. The WCJ found defendant met its burden under Labor Code 3208.3(h), showing lawful, nondiscriminatory, good faith personnel actions (placement in a 2-year evaluation cycle, increased principal scrutiny, combo class assignment, final evaluation, two formal reprimands, and SWAN evaluation) totaling 40% causation, which constitutes 'substantial cause' under section 3208.3(b)(3). On reconsideration, the WCAB granted reconsideration solely to amend the finding to reflect that applicant sustained an industrial psychiatric injury and to admit Exhibit 9, but otherwise affirmed the take-nothing order.