Navarretta Medrano, Maria

Applicant Maria Navarrete Medrano, an interpreter for Santa Rosa City School District, sought temporary disability benefits after a cumulative trauma injury to her low back. The WCJ denied TD, finding defendant satisfied its burden by showing modified work was available within applicant's restrictions, and also found applicant had not reached permanent and stationary status. On reconsideration, the WCAB granted the petition, agreeing applicant was not P&S but finding the record insufficient to establish that the offered modified work was actually within applicant's restrictions or that it constituted a bona fide offer rather than an invitation to apply. The Board emphasized that the Job Accommodation form (limiting carrying to 10 pounds with 'minor adaptations') was completed months before the disability period and likely exceeded the more restrictive limitations later found by PQME Dr. Newmark and treating physician Dr. Zereshki. The Board affirmed the P&S finding but deferred the issues of average weekly earnings, work restrictions, modified work, and wage loss, returning the matter to the trial level for further proceedings.