The role the physician served, and the weight the opinion carried. Physicians are named here as the decision names them; we do not score them.
QMERelied upon · orthopedic surgery
10% apportionment to cervical/lumbar disability due to facet hypertrophy; other apportionment to prior truck driving employment rejected under LC 5500.5
WCJ relied on proposed ratings and apportionment factors except prior employment apportionment
From the decision · page 10Dr. Halbridge found apportionment of 10% of the cervical and lumbar disability to facet hypertrophy demonstrated on MRI studies. Dr. Halbridge gave other factors of apportionment based on earlier employment as a truck driver with other employers. (Id. at pp.
QMERelied upon · surgery
5% WPI for post-operative hernia with prophylactic restriction against very heavy lifting; apportioned equally between CT and specific injury
WCJ relied on proposed ratings and apportionment factors
From the decision · page 10Surgery PQME Dr. Joseph Moza prepared a single report based on his 3/2/21 evaluation. He assigned 5% impairment for the applicant’s post-operative hernia, based on complaints of occasional discomfort by the hernia site. Dr. Moza provided a prophylactic restriction against very heavy lifting. Dr.
QMERelied upon · internal medicine
10% WPI for GERD (90% nonindustrial, 10% NSAID use); dismissed other internal conditions as nonindustrial
WCJ relied on proposed ratings and apportionment factors
From the decision · page 11Internal PQME Dr. Sanford Scott prepared three reports, the most recent dated 1/25/23 based on Dr. Scott’s evaluation on that date. With little explanation, Dr. Scott dismissed applicant’s considerable internal medicine issues regarding hypertension, hyperlipidemia, diabetes and tachycardia as being nonindustrial. Dr.
QMERelied upon · dentistry
10% dental impairment based on mastication difficulties; apportioned 15% to prior dental condition, balance to industrial injuries; no work restrictions
WCJ relied on proposed ratings and apportionment factors; defendant never authorized recommended dental care
From the decision · page 11Finally, Dental PQME Dr. David Abri prepared a single report based on his evaluation on 9/17/21. He found dental impairment of 10% based on mastication difficulties. Dr. Abri apportioned this 15% to his prior dental condition and the balance to the specific and CT injuries.