Angelica Rosas Vega — ADJ12419865

Applicant, a housekeeper, claimed multiple body part injuries; the parties used a chiropractic AME (Dr. Jacob) who deferred GI and psychiatric/psychological issues to appropriate specialists and recommended Panel QMEs. After the applicant moved at trial to take the matter off calendar for additional QMEs in gastroenterology and psychology, the WCJ found good cause to develop the record, took the matter off calendar, and ordered additional panels. Defendant petitioned for reconsideration, contending the AME foreclosed the need for additional QMEs and that the issue had been previously litigated adversely to applicant. The Board dismissed the petition for reconsideration because both the order taking the matter off calendar and the order for additional panels are non-final interlocutory orders, and denied removal because defendant failed to show substantial prejudice or irreparable harm. The Board agreed with the WCJ that the AME endorsed the need for specialty evaluations and that applicant was diligent in seeking the panels.