James Bechtold — ADJ10522919

Applicant James Bechtold, a field service engineer, sustained an industrial injury on November 27, 2013 to his lumbar spine, right shoulder, bladder incontinence, and sexual dysfunction. On July 9, 2026, the WCAB issued an ODAR finding 100% permanent disability without apportionment, relying on vocational expert reporting from Frank Diaz, CDMS. Defendant Oracle America (insured by Safety National Casualty Corporation, administered by Tristar Risk Management) petitioned for reconsideration, arguing the replacement commissioner assignment was invalid, the August 3, 2022 order was an impermissible 'grant-for-study,' the Diaz vocational reporting was not substantial evidence, and the nearly four-year ODAR delay required remand for further medical evaluation and discovery. The Board rejected defendant's procedural arguments regarding timeliness, grant-for-study, and en banc review, but ultimately granted reconsideration to further study developing legal issues and ensure due process, deferring a final decision after reconsideration.