Ana Romero — ADJ10439566

Applicant Ana Romero settled a cumulative trauma claim (neck, upper extremities, shoulders, lower extremities, wrists, feet/ankles, with psych and stress struck) via a Compromise and Release approved on April 9, 2018. She later filed a DOR claiming entitlement to benefits for a low back injury arising from the same employment. The WCJ found the low back claim barred by the C&R and issued a Notice of Intention to sanction applicant's counsel, ultimately imposing $2,250 in sanctions and $3,744 in defense attorney fees. The WCAB granted reconsideration and rescinded both the F&O and the sanctions Order, holding that because the C&R did not identify or include the low back as an injured body part—and the parties affirmatively edited the document by striking other body parts and the broad discharge language—the low back claim was not barred. The matter was remanded to the WCJ for further proceedings and a new decision.