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
Diagnosed Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) in left arm, adhesive capsulitis and tendinitis in right upper extremity, total disability due to absence of use of left upper extremity and marked limitation in right upper extremity. Noted worsening condition due to delayed treatment and need for inpatient hospitalization.
The WCJ and WCAB relied on Dr. Kaplan's detailed clinical findings and opinions on permanency and disability, including his explanation of the diagnosis and impact of delayed treatment.
From the decision · page 2The parties selected Daniel Kaplan, M.D. as the orthopedic QME, who evaluated applicant
on November 29, 2016. Dr. Kaplan reported his findings on clinical examination, and discussed
applicant's medical history, which the QME asserted was notable for a lack of treatment
authorization. (Ex. RR, report of Daniel Kaplan, M.D., dated November 29, 2016, p. 12)
secondary_treaterRelied upon · pain management
Declared applicant permanent and stationary with total loss of function of left arm and whole person impairment. Concluded applicant totally and permanently disabled.
The WCJ and WCAB credited Dr. Kohan's opinion on total disability and permanency, consistent with other medical evidence and testimony.
From the decision · page 3Applicant's secondary treating physician Jonathan Kohan, M.D. declared her permanent
and stationary on March 6, 2019. Dr. Kohan noted a total loss of function of the left arm, and
assessed corresponding whole person impairment for the left arm and also to the lumbar spine.
(Ex. 3, reports of Jonathan Kohan, M.D., dated May 22, 2017 to August 11, 2020, p. 7.)
QMERelied upon · neurology
Diagnosed hyperesthesia of left arm, disagreed with CRPS diagnosis, but agreed with other medical opinions on neurological impairment and permanency. Added neurologically mediated disability to orthopedic disability.
The WCJ and WCAB gave weight to Dr. Young's neurological evaluation and her agreement to add neurological disability to the orthopedic disability, supporting the total disability finding.
From the decision · page 3The parties selected QME Rosabel Young, M.D. to report on applicant's alleged
neurological complaints. Dr. Young evaluated applicant on February 18, 2020, and diagnosed
hyperesthesia of the left arm, rather than Complex Regional Pain Syndrome. (Ex. BB, report of
PQME Rosabel Young, M.D., dated February 18, 2020.) The QME identified neurological
secondary_treaterRelied upon · orthopedic
Found applicant completely disabled in left upper extremity, noted compensable consequences in right upper extremity, daily narcotic pain medication use, and total disability.
The WCJ and WCAB relied on Dr. Nassos' treating physician reports supporting total disability and permanency.
From the decision · page 2Following the injury, applicant received industrial medical treatment, and was diagnosed
with a "fracture at the radial head of the left arm with intraarticular extension and about 2 mm of
impaction of the broken end in her left elbow." (Ex. BB, report of PQME Rosabel Young, M.D.,
dated February 18, 2020, p. 4.) Applicant filed an application for adjudication on June 13, 2016,
and began treatment with Jonathan Nassos, M.D. Applicant reported to Dr. Nassos that she had
received little or no medical treatment immediately following her injury. (Ex. UU, reports of
Jonathan Nassos, M.D., dated September 30, 2016, p. 173.) Dr. Nassos requested authorization for
a variety of conservative treatment modalities including physical therapy and medication. (Id. at
p. 176.) On December 2, 2016, Dr. Nassos diagnosed Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS)
in the left arm, and requested authority for referral to pain management. (Id. at 157.) Dr. Nassos
continued to request various treatment modalities, but also reported that the requests for
authorization were denied. (Id. at 134.)