Shannon Ritchie — ADJ11343119

Applicant Shannon Ritchie, a massage therapist, claimed injury to her cervical spine, right shoulder, lumbar spine, and left ankle on March 30, 2018. The WCJ found 33% permanent partial disability based on AME Dr. Newton's reports, including his apportionment opinions. Applicant sought reconsideration, arguing Dr. Newton's apportionment opinions were not substantial evidence and that she was entitled to an unapportioned 45% PPD award. The Board granted reconsideration, finding Dr. Newton failed to explain the nature of the pre-existing conditions, how and why they caused disability at the time of evaluation, and the basis for the assigned percentages, rendering his apportionment opinion not substantial evidence. The Board affirmed the F&A but amended it to defer the PPD and attorney fee findings, returning the matter to the WCJ to develop the record by obtaining a supplemental report from Dr. Newton.