Matthew Harvey — ADJ18574715

CHP officer Matthew Harvey claimed a cumulative trauma injury (October 18, 2022 through October 18, 2023) to his psyche and heart while employed as a CHP officer. The WCJ found 56% permanent disability by adding (rather than combining) impairments from PTSD, hypertension, and coronary artery disease under Kite/Vigil principles, relying on internal QME Dr. Bellinger and psychiatric QME Dr. Dorsey. Defendant sought reconsideration, arguing the WCJ improperly made a medical determination, that Dr. Bellinger found overlap in ADLs warranting combining rather than adding, and that Dr. Dorsey's opinion was not substantial medical evidence. The Appeals Board granted reconsideration, concluding that on preliminary review it was unclear whether substantial medical evidence supported the permanent disability finding without further development of the record. The Board deferred a final decision pending further review of the merits.