Hochgesang, Nathan

Nathan Hochgesang, a former professional baseball player for the Los Angeles Dodgers (2004-2006), filed a cumulative trauma claim. The WCJ found his date of injury under Labor Code section 5412 was March 22, 2024 (the date of QME Dr. Hellner's first report), rejected the statute of limitations defense, found Dr. Hellner's reporting was not substantial medical evidence, and ordered the parties to agree on an AME or have a regular physician appointed under section 5701. Defendant sought reconsideration, arguing the date of injury was December 3, 2006 (when applicant's career ended), that the claim was time-barred, and that the record should be developed by returning to Dr. Hellner. The Appeals Board granted reconsideration but only to amend paragraph 3 to clarify that March 22, 2024 was applicant's 'first date of knowledge' (deferring findings on specific body parts), otherwise affirming the WCJ's decision in full.