Ronald Nelson — ADJ9996033

Applicant Ronald Nelson, an alarm technician, sustained admitted industrial injury to his pulmonary system (invasive aspergillosis) and adrenal gland from a cumulative trauma spanning June 2, 2014 through March 20, 2015. The WCJ found applicant 100% permanently totally disabled based on the opinions of PQME Dr. Eli Hendel and vocational evaluator Roderick Stoneburner, with no apportionment. Defendant petitioned for reconsideration, arguing Dr. Hendel's reports did not constitute substantial medical evidence and that apportionment to applicant's pre-existing non-industrial asthma was required. The WCAB adopted and incorporated the WCJ's report, finding Dr. Hendel evaluated applicant on four occasions (most recently September 13, 2019) and thoroughly explained why the entirety of the respiratory and adrenal impairment was industrially caused. The Board denied reconsideration.