Cristina Martinez — ADJ9227113, ADJ9638263

Applicant Cristina Martinez claimed two injuries while working as a packer for self-insured Kern Ridge Growers, including alleged CRPS evaluated by neurological QME Dr. Jay Jurkowitz, who testified applicant 'probably' had work-related CRPS. The WCJ found the QME's reports and deposition constituted substantial medical evidence and found injury AOE/COE to certain body parts per the parties' stipulations. Defendant sought reconsideration arguing Dr. Jurkowitz's opinions were not substantial evidence and requesting a replacement neurology QME panel. The Board affirmed the F&O, holding that AD Rule 31.5(a) does not authorize a replacement panel based on the alleged insubstantiality of a QME's opinions, and that the replacement-panel issue was improperly raised for the first time on reconsideration. The Board also noted CRPS causation was never identified as a trial issue and found it confusing that defendant offered the very reports it claimed were not substantial evidence.