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.
AMERelied upon · orthopedics
Applicant's need for treatment, periods of temporary disability, current symptoms and level of permanent disability with regard to the low back should be accepted as meeting AOE/COE criteria and of industrial origin relative to DOI 10/17/18.
Based on thorough clinical examination, review of medical records, and reasonable medical probability.
From the decision · page 3On July 24, 2020, AME William Campbell, D.O. evaluated applicant in orthopedics. After
noting applicant's medical history and clinical examination findings, Dr. Campbell opined that
"[i]t is my opinion, the patient's need for treatment, periods of temporary disability, current
symptoms and level of permanent disability with regard to the low back should be accepted as
meeting AOE/COE criteria and of industrial origin relative to DOI 10/17/18." (Ex. DD, Report of
AME William Campbell, D.O., dated July 24, 2020, p.17.)
QMERelied upon
More likely than not that applicant developed painful symptoms in the lumbar spine as a result of work-related exposure and employment.
Based on clinical evaluation and medical record review.
From the decision · page 72 Although not offered into evidence by the parties, AME Dr. Campbell also reviewed a report dated September 23,
2019 by Qualified Medical Examiner Timothy Lo, M.D., who reviewed the medical record, performed a clinical
evaluation, and concluded that, "it is more likely than not that [applicant] developed painful symptoms in the lumbar
spine as a result of her work-related exposure and employment." (Ex. DD, report of Agreed Medical Evaluator William
Campbell, D.O., dated July 24, 2020, p.14.)
PTPRelied upon
Noted lumbar pain with right lower extremity radiculopathy and work restrictions including lifting limited to 15 pounds and ability to change position every 30 minutes.
Based on clinical findings and treatment notes.
From the decision · page 2On October 18, 2018, applicant sought medical treatment with Keith Wiley, M.D., who
diagnosed an acute thoracic myofascial strain, and took applicant off work through October 25,
2018. (Ex. DD, Report of AME William Campbell, D.O., dated July 24, 2020, p.7.) On October
26, 2018, applicant was re-evaluated by Sonny Young, M.D., who noted no improvement in back
and neck pain, and pending requests for diagnostic MRI testing. Dr. Young released applicant to
return to work with modified duties, including no driving or operating heavy equipment. (Ibid.)
On November 12, 2018, applicant consulted with Victoria Barber, M.D., who noted that
radiographs were negative for fracture, but that MRI studies had not yet been authorized.
Dr. Barber noted straight leg raise testing was positive on the right, and assessed lumbar pain with
right lower extremity radiculopathy, rule out lumbar disc disease. (Id. at pp.7-8.)
PTPRelied upon
Prescribed multiple treatment modalities and work restrictions including ability to sit and stand as needed; confirmed ongoing treatment through February 2021.
Based on treatment reports and clinical notes.
From the decision · page 3Thereafter, applicant transferred her care to primary treating physician David Smolins,
M.D. In a report of October 22, 2020, Dr. Smolins requested a repeat lumbar spine MRI, prescribed
multiple treatment modalities including medication, physical therapy and weight loss, and
described work restrictions including the ability to sit and stand as needed. (Ex. 4, report from
David Smolins, M.D., dated October 22, 2020.) These work restrictions were reiterated through
applicant's subsequent treatment with Dr. Smolins though February, 2021. (See Exs. 5 through 8,
reporting of PTP David Smolins, M.D., various dates through February 4, 2021.)