Alma Diaz Meraz — ADJ18031412

Lien claimant Medland Medical sought reconsideration of an April 2026 Findings and Order in which the WCJ disallowed its lien in its entirety, finding that the lien claimant failed to meet its burden of proof on injury AOE/COE. The underlying claim (bilateral arms, hands, back, hips, legs) had been denied by the carrier and later settled by Compromise and Release approved October 14, 2025. The lien matter was submitted on the evidentiary record, and QME Dr. Shane Doney deferred the ultimate causation determination to the Trier of Fact, noting no documented symptoms until October 2023—seven months after applicant stopped working for the defendant employer. The Appeals Board granted reconsideration on a preliminary basis, concluding the record may be incomplete on compensability and that further study was needed. The Board deferred issuance of a final decision after reconsideration pending full review of the merits and the entire record.