What the panel ordered
The WCJ's Findings, Award and Orders of January 27, 2026 are rescinded and the matter is returned to the trial level for further proceedings consistent with this decision.p. 3
Applicant sought reconsideration of the January 27, 2026 Findings, Award and Orders issued by the WCJ, which found injury and 8% permanent disability; the WCJ's decision was rescinded and the matter returned to the trial level for further proceedings.
This docket was decided more than once. Shown here is the latest released decision; we also hold May 11, 2026.
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The WCJ found 8% permanent disability and deferred the SJDB voucher issue; the WCAB rescinded the WCJ decision and returned the matter for further proceedings on the settlement proposal.
From the decision · page 1We previously granted reconsideration in order to allow us time to further study the factual and legal issues in this case. We now issue our Opinion and Decision After Reconsideration. Applicant sought reconsideration of the January 27, 2026 Findings, Award and Orders (F, A & O) issued by the workers’ compensation administrative law judge (WCJ). Therein, the WCJ found that applicant sustained injury arising out of and in the course of employment to his lumbar spine and sacroiliac (SI) joint, which resulted in 8% permanent disability and the need for further medical treatment.
The facts that decided it
What the panel treated as outcome-determinative, and which side it favoured.
The WCJ found 8% permanent disability for injury to lumbar spine and sacroiliac joint.
Favours Applicant prevailed
This finding was the basis for reconsideration and the dispute over permanent disability rating.
From the decision · page 1We previously granted reconsideration in order to allow us time to further study the factual and legal issues in this case. We now issue our Opinion and Decision After Reconsideration. Applicant sought reconsideration of the January 27, 2026 Findings, Award and Orders (F, A & O) issued by the workers’ compensation administrative law judge (WCJ). Therein, the WCJ found that applicant sustained injury arising out of and in the course of employment to his lumbar spine and sacroiliac (SI) joint, which resulted in 8% permanent disability and the need for further medical treatment.
The parties successfully mediated and filed a settlement stipulation on September 24, 2026.
Favours neutral
The settlement led to rescission of the WCJ decision and return to trial level for settlement review.
From the decision · page 2Thereafter the parties successfully participated in the mediation process, resulting in a proposal to settle all issues by way of Stipulations with Request for Award (Stipulations). The parties filed fully executed Stipulations on September 24, 2026. Since the District Office is precluded from acting on a case while it is pending on reconsideration (Cal. Code Regs., tit. 8, § 10961), in order to permit review by the WCJ of the proposed settlement, we will rescind the F, A & O and return this matter to the trial level for the WCJ to consider the proposed settlement. We note that this is not a decision on the merits, and if the WCJ does not approve the Stipulations, he may issue an order reinstating his original decision or a new decision, and any aggrieved person may timely seek reconsideration of the decision. We commend the parties for successfully resolving this matter by joint agreement, without the need for further action by the Appeals Board.
The rules the panel named
Authorities as the decision cited them, with how this panel applied each one.
California Code of Regulations
Cal. Code Regs., tit. 8, § 10961
District Office is precluded from acting while case is pending reconsideration, requiring return to WCJ for settlement review.
From the decision · page 2Thereafter the parties successfully participated in the mediation process, resulting in a proposal to settle all issues by way of Stipulations with Request for Award (Stipulations). The parties filed fully executed Stipulations on September 24, 2026. Since the District Office is precluded from acting on a case while it is pending on reconsideration (Cal. Code Regs., tit. 8, § 10961), in order to permit review by the WCJ of the proposed settlement, we will rescind the F, A & O and return this matter to the trial level for the WCJ to consider the proposed settlement. We note that this is not a decision on the merits, and if the WCJ does not approve the Stipulations, he may issue an order reinstating his original decision or a new decision, and any aggrieved person may timely seek reconsideration of the decision. We commend the parties for successfully resolving this matter by joint agreement, without the need for further action by the Appeals Board.
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About this page
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