Richardson, Chad

Chad Richardson, a custodian, sustained an accepted industrial injury to his lumbar spine on February 10, 2021. The dispute concerned permanent disability: applicant relied on PQME Dr. Kelekar's reporting (rating 14%), while defendant relied on PTP Dr. Wood's reporting (rating 0%). The WCJ found applicant not credible due to symptom embellishment and concluded Dr. Kelekar's reporting—which rested on applicant's unvalidated subjective complaints—was not substantial evidence, adopting Dr. Wood's 0% finding. On reconsideration, the Board agreed neither physician's opinion constituted substantial evidence but held that once Dr. Kelekar's reporting was rejected, the proper course was to develop the record rather than default to Dr. Wood's deficient opinion. The Board granted reconsideration, deferred the issue of permanent disability and attorney's fees, found applicant entitled to future medical treatment, and included a finding on the stipulated temporary disability payments.