James Bechtold — ADJ10522919

Applicant James Bechtold sustained an industrial injury to his lumbar spine and right shoulder (with claimed urinary incontinence and sexual dysfunction) while working as a field service engineer on November 27, 2013. The WCJ awarded 54% permanent disability, relying on Dr. Mallavaram's lumbar rating, excluding the sexual dysfunction impairment under Labor Code section 4660.1(c)(1), and rejecting the applicant's vocational expert opinion of total disability. On reconsideration, the Board majority amended the award to 100% permanent disability without apportionment, finding the sexual dysfunction was a direct neurogenic injury (not a barred compensable consequence) and that vocational expert Frank Diaz's opinion of total loss of earning capacity constituted substantial evidence. Commissioner Razo concurred on the sexual dysfunction and PQME reliance but dissented on the vocational analysis, favoring defense expert Simon and a 70% rating. The majority affirmed the FA&O as amended, awarding 100% PD plus future medical treatment.