Jose Rios — ADJ10080187

Jose Rios, a roofer, sustained an accepted specific injury on July 3, 2015, to his low back, left hip, right ribs, and right clavicle when a heavy roll of roofing material crushed his torso during a fall. He later claimed heart and lung injuries (obstructive sleep apnea, obesity hyperventilation syndrome, and right-sided heart failure) as compensable consequences. The WCJ found these conditions industrial based on pulmonology QME Dr. Frank Ganzhorn's opinion that post-injury weight gain caused by reduced physical activity from the orthopedic injuries contributed to the conditions, despite Dr. Ganzhorn changing his opinion (initially finding the conditions non-industrial because applicant was already overweight). Defendant petitioned for reconsideration, arguing Dr. Ganzhorn's opinion was not substantial evidence. The WCAB adopted the WCJ's report and denied reconsideration, holding the QME's opinion was substantial medical evidence supported by South Coast Framing.