Lawrence Thompson — ADJ18042476

Applicant Lawrence Thompson, a stockman/retail laborer for Hobby Lobby, sustained an industrial injury to his low back and shoulders on April 14, 2023. The WCJ found 35% permanent disability, rejected the QME's Almaraz/Guzman rating for the lumbar spine, and assigned occupational group number 360 (a compromise between defendant's 214 and applicant's 470). Applicant sought reconsideration challenging both the rejection of the Almaraz/Guzman rating and the occupational group number. The Board granted reconsideration, finding that while QME Dr. Smolins was permitted to analogize to Table 6-9 (hernia table) instead of Table 15-3, his opinion lacked sufficient explanation to constitute substantial medical evidence. The Board rescinded the F&A, deferred the issues of permanent disability, attorney's fees, and occupational group number, and returned the matter to the trial level to develop the record through further evidence from the QME.