What the panel ordered
Petition for Reconsideration granted; WCJ's Findings of Fact and Order of January 7, 2026 rescinded; case returned to trial level for further proceedings.
Defendant petitioned for reconsideration of the WCJ's Findings of Fact and Order of January 7, 2026, which found compensable temporary disability. The WCAB granted reconsideration, rescinded the WCJ's decision, and returned the matter to the trial level for further development and decision.
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 did not analyze whether the applicant reasonably refused or abandoned suitable modified work, which is necessary to determine entitlement to temporary disability indemnity. The WCAB found the record insufficient and remanded for further development including QME reporting on disability and work restrictions.
From the decision · page 4Here, it appears to be uncontested that applicant refused or abandoned an offer of modified work. The relevant inquiry in this matter is whether applicant's refusal or abandonment of modified work was reasonable under the circumstances of this case. Here, the WCJ did not analyze this issue.