Lozano, Daniel

Applicant Daniel Lozano, a mechanic, sustained an admitted industrial injury to a finger of his left hand and left wrist on June 11, 2017, resulting in 11% PPD. He later claimed that an April 16, 2023 dirt-bike accident—in which his left hand allegedly seized up causing him to lose control—was a compensable consequence of the 2017 injury, adding left shoulder, arm, and upper extremity injuries. The PWCJ found the 2023 injury nonindustrial and not a compensable consequence, relying on the QME's opinion. The Appeals Board granted reconsideration, finding the QME's causation opinion conclusory and not substantial medical evidence because it ignored applicant's documented ongoing left wrist/hand symptoms (including the wrist 'seizing up') shortly before the accident. The Board affirmed the F&A but deferred the issues of other body parts, MMI, permanent disability, compensable consequence, and attorney's fees, and returned the matter for further development of the medical record.