David Edwards — ADJ9442121

Applicant David Edwards, a former professional baseball player with the San Diego Padres, alleged a cumulative industrial injury ending October 1, 1982. The WCJ issued a February 24, 2022 Findings and Order finding applicant permanent and stationary as of June 1, 1984, but deferred all other issues pending further development of the medical record. Applicant filed a 'Petition for Removal' challenging the WCJ's failure to rule on the admissibility of QME orthopedist Dr. Einbund's April 8, 2020 supplemental report and the deferral of all issues. The Board treated the petition as one for reconsideration (because the decision was a 'hybrid' containing the final P&S finding) and denied it, concluding the April 8, 2020 report did not resolve all deficiencies the WCJ identified. The Board nonetheless expressed concern over delays given applicant's out-of-state residence and late-stage renal disease, and exhorted the parties and WCJ to expedite discovery and bring the matter to trial.