Ann Mazuk — ADJ10202480

Applicant Ann Mazuk, a 38-year employee of The Aerospace Corporation, filed a claim for a specific slip-and-fall injury on 10-22-2015 to her left knee and right hip, later amended to add a circulatory system/hypertension injury. The left knee and right hip were admitted; defendant denied the hypertension claim, which was supported only by the reporting of internist Dr. Richard Hyman. Defendant contended Dr. Hyman's reporting was not substantial medical evidence (due to a typographical error reading '2014' instead of '2015' and reliance on a temporary medication increase rather than blood pressure readings), and that its due process rights were violated when the WCJ developed the record without allowing a rebuttal opinion. The WCAB adopted and incorporated the WCJ's report, finding Dr. Hyman's reporting constituted substantial medical evidence showing an 'aggravation and acceleration' of preexisting hypertension (40% industrial / 60% non-industrial), and rejecting the due process argument since defendant had chosen to forego a PQME and never timely requested one. The Board affirmed the February 22, 2021 Findings and Award.