Steven D'Braunstein — ADJ16267092, ADJ16267075

Applicant Steven D'Braunstein petitioned for reconsideration of the WCJ's November 20, 2025 Joint Findings of Fact, which found he was an independent contractor rather than an employee of the defendant. Applicant contended he was an employee and that defendant failed to establish its affirmative defense. The Board granted reconsideration pending review, after which the parties engaged in voluntary mediation at the Appeals Board and reached a proposed Compromise and Release settlement. To expedite approval, the Board rescinded the November 20, 2025 Findings of Fact and returned the matter to the WCJ to consider the C&R, expressly declining to rule on the merits of the reconsideration petition.