Ward, Amanda

Amanda Ward, a chef for Safeway (permissibly self-insured), claimed a back injury on August 8, 2022. The WCJ found applicant did not sustain injury AOE/COE, relying heavily on a negative credibility determination and finding the PQME report not substantial because it was based on inaccurate history and uncertainty over whether the PQME reviewed key Kaiser records. The Board granted reconsideration, holding that a lay credibility determination cannot resolve a medical causation question requiring expert opinion, and that the record was undeveloped because the PQME had not reviewed records the parties agreed to forward. The Board rescinded the F&O and returned the matter to the WCJ to provide the PQME with the credibility findings, trial minutes, medical records, and the decision so an updated substantial medical opinion on causation could be obtained.