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.
PTPRelied upon · Orthopedic Surgery
Assessed right peroneus brevis tendon tear and right ankle possible ligamentous laxity; recommended surgery; noted recurring pain limiting activities.
Reports support the issue of temporary disability after the injury.
From the decision · page 4Rachael Triche, M.D., Orthopedic Surgeon at Cedars-Sinai/Kerlan-Jobe Institute,
issued a January 7, 2020 report. His assessment was right peroneus brevis tendon
tear, and right ankle possible ligamentous laxity. He was ready to proceed to
surgery. Applicant was wearing tall walking boot. She was limited in her activities
due to the ankle. She was doing better since last visit. He noted that she may
consider surgery since the pain in her ankle has been recurring for the past couple
of years and is limiting her activities including walking, hiking, and going to the
gym.
PTPRelied upon · Orthopedic Surgery
Diagnosed right ankle tendon injury, peroneus brevis tear, and ankle instability; recommended surgery; released applicant to sedentary work; supported temporary disability claim.
Reports support the issue of temporary disability after the injury.
From the decision · page 5Frederick Nicola, M.D., Orthopedic Surgeon, has issued three medical reports. He
has also diagnosed right ankle tendon injury, peroneus brevis tear and right ankle
instability. He also recommends right ankle arthrotomy repair of peroneal tendons
and repair of ankle instability. He released the Applicant to return to work with the
restrictions of sedentary work. (Applicant's Exhibit 4)
QMERelied upon
Found applicant may continue work with modifications, precluded from prolonged standing or walking more than one hour, avoid uneven terrain, and use ankle brace; opined applicant may return to same type of work.
Reports support the issue of temporary disability after the injury.
From the decision · page 5Finally, Applicant was evaluated by Qualified Medical Evaluator, Babak Samimi,
M.D. on January 14, 2020. The Applicant may continue to work with modifications
precluded from prolonged standing or walking more than one hour at a time and
she should avoid walking on uneven terrain. She should be allowed to utilize an
ankle brace as needed. Based upon her job description, [Dr. Samimi stated that] she
may return to the type of work that she was performing. (Joint Exhibit DD)