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 · neurology
Diagnosed postconcussion syndrome, post-traumatic headache disorder, headache disorder, dizziness/disequilibrium, cognitive symptoms, and emotional symptoms; recommended brain trauma protocol MRI; noted vascular condition prior to injury; assigned 3% WPI for headache; suggested psychiatry QME if psychiatric issues are industrially related.
Supports the need for additional QME panels in psychology and rheumatology due to complex symptoms and possible psychiatric impact.
From the decision · page 2Joint Exhibits 1 through 5 are reports of QME Dr. Anderson. In his April 6, 2024,
report, Dr. Anderson took a history of injury from applicant. He stated the injury
occurred when applicant was driving for work and "[a]nother vehicle struck the
driver's door region, causing airbags to deploy." Following the incident, she felt:
ringing in the ears, pain all over the whole body, dizziness and off balance. (Joint
Exhibit 5, p. 11.) He conducted an examination of applicant and reviewed medical
records. He noted that applicant had a vascular condition of occlusion of blood
vessels prior to this industrial injury. (pp 14-15.) Dr. Anderson diagnosed applicant
with: postconcussion syndrome, post-traumatic headache disorder, headache
disorder, dizziness/disequilibrium, cognitive symptoms, and emotional symptoms.
(p. 20.) He then discussed the difficulty with diagnosing a concussion in this
instance. He recommended a "brain trauma protocol MRI". (p. 37.)
otherRelied upon · rheumatology
Diagnosed probable fibromyalgia related to the industrial injury and PTSD; recommended further diagnostic studies and treatment; opined accident initiated fibromyalgia.
Supports entitlement to additional rheumatology panel due to fibromyalgia diagnosis linked to industrial injury.
From the decision · page 3Applicant's Exhibit 1 consists of two reports of Dr. Britton. The July 9, 2024, report
is entitled "Medical-Legal Rheumatology Consultation/Evaluation". In his report,
Dr. Britton gave a history of present illness, conducted a medical record review,
reviewed various histories, reviewed symptoms, and conducted a physical
examination. He diagnosed her with "probable fibromyalgia" and "history of
vascular brain condition". (p. 17.) He recommended further diagnostic studies. He
stated, "although it is clear the patient had a variety of medical problems and
appointments antecedent to the accident with the car and consequent injuries, I feel
with medical probability that this accident formed an initiating condition of the
fibromyalgia." (pp. 17-18.)
otherRelied upon
Impression of severe postconcussion syndrome, traumatic brain injury, musculoskeletal issues, chronic pain, and psychological/psychiatric issues.
Supports the need for additional panels including psychology due to multiple complex conditions.
From the decision · page 3Applicant's Exhibit 2 is a report of Dr. Helman dated February 27, 2024. In his
report, Dr. Helman stated in relevant part, "it is my impression that in addition to
her severe postconcussion syndrome and traumatic brain injury, [applicant] clearly
has other issues as well including musculoskeletal issues, chronic pain, and even
psychological and psychiatric issues..." (p. 1.)