William Paredes — ADJ12549012

William Paredes, a 60-year-old bus driver for the Santa Barbara Metropolitan Transit District, sustained a cumulative trauma injury (Oct. 5, 2017–Oct. 5, 2018) to his lumbar spine, heart, and internal system (hypertension and GERD). The WCJ awarded 84% permanent disability without apportionment, and the self-insured defendant sought reconsideration arguing it met its apportionment burden under Labor Code sections 4663 and 4664 based on PQME reports from Dr. Saadat (orthopedic) and Dr. Levey (internal medicine). The WCAB panel denied reconsideration, finding both PQMEs' apportionment opinions failed to constitute substantial medical evidence because they did not explain the 'how and why' linking preexisting conditions and risk factors to the actual current permanent disability. The Board also rejected defendant's request to develop the record, holding that defendant—who bears the apportionment burden—had ample opportunity to cure the deficiencies through deposition and supplemental reporting. The decision affirms the WCJ's award without apportionment.