When is a document considered filed with the Workers Compensation Appeals Board?

A document is considered filed with the Workers Compensation Appeals Board (WCAB) when it is received by the board. This means the date on which the board actually obtains the document is the critical factor for determining whether a filing is timely or valid.

The importance of this rule lies in the procedural requirements of workers' compensation claims. Timely filing can have significant implications on a case’s progression, including deadlines for appeals or requests for hearings. Therefore, relying on the receipt date ensures there is an accurate record of when the board actually has the information necessary to move forward.

Other potential criteria, such as mailing dates or submissions being stamped by the board, do not reflect when the document has entered the board’s possession. As such, these options do not establish the actual point at which the filing takes effect in terms of the board's processing timeline. Thus, aligning with the correct definition of filing within the context of the workers’ compensation system is essential for upholding procedural integrity and ensuring claims are managed appropriately.