Wackerman, Edward

Edward Wackerman, a 61-year-old merchandiser, sustained an industrial right shoulder injury on September 5, 2016, resulting in 37% permanent disability. The WCJ found his condition became permanent and stationary on July 18, 2017, the date assigned by primary treating physician Dr. Centeno. Applicant petitioned for reconsideration, arguing that QME Dr. Manijeh Ryan's P&S date of March 28, 2019 was correct because his condition continued to improve after July 2017. The Board granted reconsideration and agreed with applicant, finding Dr. Centeno's P&S opinion was conclusory and not substantial evidence, particularly because subsequent improvement showed applicant had not actually reached maximal medical improvement on July 18, 2017. The Board amended the decision to reflect a P&S date of March 28, 2019 and deferred the issue of any temporary disability after July 17, 2017.