Russell, Andrew

Andrew Russell alleged a cumulative trauma injury to his right knee while working for permissibly self-insured Southern California Edison during the period September 10, 2020 through September 10, 2021. The matter went to trial on whether applicant was entitled to a replacement PQME or further development of the record before proceeding on AOE/COE, and the WCJ issued a Findings and Order on February 17, 2023 finding no industrial cumulative trauma injury. The WCJ relied on PQME Dr. Jerome Hall's reporting, which opined applicant was dealing with the sequelae of a prior 2012 injury rather than a new cumulative trauma, finding Hall's reports constituted substantial medical evidence while the other offered evidence (MRI, X-ray, a conclusory Mammoth Hospital PA report, and prior PQME Dr. Doty's reports) did not establish industrial causation. The WCAB adopted and incorporated the WCJ's Report and Recommendation and denied reconsideration.