Albert Salerno — ADJ11216841, ADJ11216670

Firefighter applicant Albert Salerno sustained a specific injury to his right shoulder (2012) and a cumulative injury (through Feb. 2013) affecting numerous body parts including heart, spine, extremities, hypertension, hernia, and hearing loss. The WCJ found permanent total disability by adding applicant's multiple disabilities rather than combining them under the Combined Values Chart (CVC). Defendant sought reconsideration, arguing the medical evidence failed to support rebuttal of the CVC under Vigil v. County of Kern. The Appeals Board agreed, holding that neither AME Dr. Simpkins nor QME Dr. Green properly conducted the Vigil analysis—Dr. Green never analyzed applicant's ADLs and conflated mere overlap with synergy. The Board granted reconsideration, rescinded the February 10, 2026 F&A, and returned the matter to the trial level for further development of the record.