Blake Lycett — ADJ12253396

Blake Lycett, a deputy sheriff for the County of San Mateo, claimed a cumulative trauma injury to the neck, low back, and circulatory system (hypertensive cardiovascular disease and coronary artery disease) ending September 30, 2018. The WCJ found a single cumulative trauma injury, applied the heart presumption (Lab. Code § 3212.5) and the duty belt/low back presumption (Lab. Code § 3213.2), awarded 76% PD, and applied apportionment under § 4663 only to the cervical spine and under § 4664(b) to the cardiovascular disease and hypertension. Both parties petitioned for reconsideration: defendant disputed the duty belt presumption and argued for two separate injuries, while applicant disputed apportionment of the hypertension under § 4664(b). The WCAB granted reconsideration solely to strike Finding of Fact No. 1 (which improperly incorporated stipulations by reference from non-existent minutes), and otherwise affirmed and adopted the WCJ's decision in full. The Board emphasized that awards must be supported by actual findings of fact rather than incorporated stipulations.