Gabriel Thurman — ADJ10131609

Applicant Gabriel Thurman, a store manager, sustained an admitted industrial injury on June 5, 2015 when struck by a heavy chlorine barrel, with stipulated injuries to the cervical spine, thoracic spine, shoulders, right elbow, coccyx, DVT/vascular, and sleep, plus claimed head, brain, seizure, psyche, and lower extremity injuries. The WCJ found 100% permanent total disability. Defendant sought reconsideration, arguing the medical and vocational evidence was not substantial because AME neurologist Dr. Richman initially based impairment findings on a posttraumatic head syndrome that contemporaneous emergency room records (showing applicant denied a head injury and no loss of consciousness) contradicted. The Board granted reconsideration, finding Dr. Richman's reporting was no longer substantial evidence after he removed only the 10% WPI head syndrome rating without explaining the industrial cause of the related sequelae (anxiety, depression, headaches, lightheadedness). The Board rescinded the Findings and Award and remanded for further development of the record, including an additional psychiatric evaluation of applicant's syncope and anxiety.