PanelQMEMed-legalLienGranted
Regina Armstrong — ADJ19328573
REGINA ARMSTRONG, Applicant vs. SUTTER VALLEY HOSPITALS, dba MEMORIAL MEDICAL CENTER, permissibly self-insured, adjusted by SUTTER HEALTH SACRAMENTO, Defendants
- ADJ number
- ADJ19328573
- Decision date
- Jun 25, 2026
- District office
- Sacramento
- WCJ
- —
- Claim administrator
- Sutter Health Sacramento (Sutter Sacramento Health WC), administering for Sutter Valley Hospitals dba Memorial Medical Center, permissibly self-insured
- Commissioners
- PAUL F. KELLY, COMMISSIONER, KATHERINE WILLIAMS DODD, COMMISSIONER, JOSEPH V. CAPURRO, COMMISSIONER
Injury / body parts: lumbar spine, thoracic spine, cervical spine, right shoulder
LC §5909LC §5900LC §4660LC §4660.1LC §4663LC §4664CCR §10390CCR §10109
Summary
Applicant Regina Armstrong, a registered nurse, sustained an admitted industrial injury on October 24, 2021, to her lumbar, thoracic, cervical spine and right shoulder while breaking up an altercation between a nurse and patient. The WCJ found 38% permanent disability after apportionment based on PQME Dr. Robinson's opinions. Applicant sought reconsideration, arguing the apportionment finding was not supported by substantial medical evidence. The Board granted reconsideration, finding Dr. Robinson's apportionment opinions failed to explain 'how' the identified non-industrial factors (cervical spondylosis and preexisting degenerative changes) caused the DRE IV cervical impairment, contained internal inconsistencies, and were expressly admitted to be based on speculation. The Board amended the award to 51% permanent disability without apportionment and corrected the employer's legal name to Sutter Valley Hospitals dba Memorial Medical Center.
Issues
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Holding
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Analysis
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Applicant takeaway
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Defense takeaway
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Provider takeaway
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