Jose Castillo — ADJ11624477

Jose Castillo, a shipping/receiving supervisor and former aircraft parts sander, claimed cumulative injury to his lungs and respiratory system from aluminum/metallic dust exposure during employment with Astro Aluminum Treating Company. The WCJ found injury AOE/COE based on QME Dr. Lineback's reports and applicant's credible testimony. Defendant sought reconsideration, arguing Dr. Lineback's reports were not substantial evidence and that the record should be further developed. The WCAB granted reconsideration to study the issues but ultimately affirmed the F&A, finding Dr. Lineback's opinions—which relied on examination, accurate history, and concurrence with treating physician Dr. Reyes and academic pulmonologist Dr. Kafi—constituted substantial evidence. The Board declined to order development of the record because defendant failed to introduce any contradictory evidence of non-industrial causation.