Alfred Velasco — ADJ4467694, ADJ3736071

Applicant Alfred Velasco, an 87-year-old assembly mechanic, sustained industrial injuries to his low back, left foot, bilateral upper extremities, and dermatological injury while employed by Boeing, with both claims resolved by a Joint Stipulated Award of 70% permanent disability in 2007. Applicant filed a petition to reopen for new and further disability and need for treatment. After trial and further development of the record, the WCJ found that applicant sustained a compensable consequence dermatological injury (contact dermatitis) requiring treatment but that this resolved without additional permanent impairment, and that no increase beyond the stipulated 70% had occurred. The WCAB denied reconsideration, adopting the WCJ's report and relying on the opinions of the AMEs (Dr. Danzig, orthopedic; Dr. Raskin, dermatology; Dr. Majcher, internal), who found no new and further impairment. The Board cited Power v. WCAB for the principle that AME opinions should be given great weight given their presumed neutrality and expertise.