Coby Dietrick — ADJ8301583

Coby Dietrick, a former professional basketball player, claimed a cumulative trauma injury during his 1970-1985 career to numerous body parts and his neurological system. After the original WCJ rescinded her award and retired, the successor WCJ appointed Dr. Laura Hatch as a regular physician under Labor Code section 5701, who found orthopedic injury to the cervical spine, lumbar spine, left knee, and bilateral hips, with 48% permanent disability and apportionment of 50% to nonindustrial causes for the spine. Applicant sought reconsideration challenging the P&S date, the appointment of a regular physician over his QME's reports, the substantiality of Dr. Hatch's reporting and apportionment, the refusal to reopen discovery for new body parts, and the 15% attorney fee. The Appeals Board affirmed the F&O, adopting the WCJ's Report, except it amended findings to add that applicant did not sustain a neurological injury (per Labor Code section 5815) and to admit Dr. Hatch's reports and deposition (Board Exhibits X, Y, Z) into evidence.