Matha Ortega — ADJ8827235

Applicant Martha Ortega, a dishwasher/cleaner, claimed injury to her cervical spine during a cumulative trauma period (3-17-09 to 3-17-10), in addition to admitted injuries to other body parts. Injury to the cervical spine was the contested issue, with QME Dr. Lee Silver finding no industrial injury and deferring causation to the trier of fact, while PTP Dr. Mark Spoonamore found industrial cervical injury. The WCJ found Dr. Spoonamore's reports more persuasive and substantial evidence, while finding Dr. Silver's opinions deficient and not substantial evidence. Defendant Benchmark Insurance Company petitioned for reconsideration, arguing the WCJ erred in weighing both physicians' reports. The WCAB adopted and incorporated the WCJ's report, citing Place v. WCAB for the principle that one physician's opinion may constitute substantial evidence even if inconsistent with others, and denied reconsideration.