What the panel ordered
Petition for reconsideration granted; final decision deferred pending further review of the merits and the record.
Defendant petitioned for reconsideration of the WCJ's January 9, 2026 Findings and Award, which found 56% permanent disability for applicant's psych and heart injury. The WCAB granted reconsideration and deferred a final decision for further review.
What was disputed, and how it came out
Each issue the panel decided, with the reasoning it gave. An outcome is what this panel did on this record — not a rule, and not a prediction.
The WCJ found 56% permanent disability based on medical evidence and applicant testimony, using the addition method for impairments per Kite and Vigil. The WCAB granted reconsideration to further review whether substantial medical evidence supports the WCJ's decision.
From the decision · page 8V. Accordingly, we grant defendant's Petition for Reconsideration, and order that a final decision after reconsideration is deferred pending further review of the merits of the Petition for Reconsideration and further consideration of the entire record in light of the applicable statutory and decisional law. While this matter is pending before the Appeals Board, we encourage the parties to participate in the Appeals Board's voluntary mediation program. Inquiries as to the use of our mediation program can be addressed to WCABmediation@dir.ca.gov. For the foregoing reasons, IT IS ORDERED that defendant's Petition for Reconsideration is GRANTED.