Linda Trejo — ADJ11183397, ADJ11183422, ADJ8313173

Applicant Linda Trejo, a data entry clerk, filed three cumulative trauma claims spanning 2002-2016 alleging injuries to multiple orthopedic body parts and internal systems (sleep, hypertension, GERD). After trial, the WCJ found the three CTs were 'inextricably intertwined' into one continuous trauma period, found no basis for apportionment under section 4663, awarded 76% permanent disability, and added rather than combined the hypertension disability. Defendant petitioned for reconsideration arguing the WCJ erred in finding one continuous trauma, in rejecting internal QME Dr. Hirsch's apportionment, and in adding rather than combining hypertension PD. The Appeals Board granted reconsideration to allow further study of the number of cumulative injuries and apportionment issues, noting the record may be incomplete and the Joint Findings and Award lacked clarity regarding permanent disability. The Board deferred a final decision on the merits pending further review.