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
Concluded no industrial causation for applicant's symptoms; noted persistent complaints despite removal from exposure; found no ratable permanent impairment or need for future medical care.
Dr. Fishman's reports were given great weight by the WCJ and supported denial of industrial injury causation.
From the decision · page 4Applicant filed an application for adjudication on August 17, 2017, through her prior attorney.
Applicant alleged injury to her ears, nose, throat, face, left eye, headaches, migraine, allergy,
nausea, immune system, neurologic, circulatory, brain, respiratory system, and nervous system.
Applicant presented to Dr. Ira Fishman in the capacity of the Panel QME. Dr. Fishman issued
multiple reports, requested all medical records for review, performed multiple evaluations of the
applicant, and referred applicant for further diagnostic testing. Applicant was referred to Dr.
Michael Takamura in the capacity of a Panel QME in the specialty of psychiatry. Applicant
presented to Dr. Takamura for an evaluation. Dr. Takamura reviewed applicant's medical file and
issued reports on his findings. This WCJ concurred with the findings of Dr. Takamura as it related
to her credibility in that he found the applicant lacking in credibility. This WCJ during the course
of the trial also noted applicant's inconsistencies and found her less than credible.
QMERelied upon · psychiatry
Found applicant lacking credibility; concluded no work/labor disabling psychiatric injury; no psychiatric impairment related to work exposure.
Dr. Takamura's psychiatric evaluation and credibility findings were adopted by the WCJ.
From the decision · page 4Applicant filed an application for adjudication on August 17, 2017, through her prior attorney.
Applicant alleged injury to her ears, nose, throat, face, left eye, headaches, migraine, allergy,
nausea, immune system, neurologic, circulatory, brain, respiratory system, and nervous system.
Applicant presented to Dr. Ira Fishman in the capacity of the Panel QME. Dr. Fishman issued
multiple reports, requested all medical records for review, performed multiple evaluations of the
applicant, and referred applicant for further diagnostic testing. Applicant was referred to Dr.
Michael Takamura in the capacity of a Panel QME in the specialty of psychiatry. Applicant
presented to Dr. Takamura for an evaluation. Dr. Takamura reviewed applicant's medical file and
issued reports on his findings. This WCJ concurred with the findings of Dr. Takamura as it related
to her credibility in that he found the applicant lacking in credibility. This WCJ during the course
of the trial also noted applicant's inconsistencies and found her less than credible.
QMERelied upon · neurology
Noted headaches began prior to job assignment change; no neurological complaints of decreased memory, concentration, vision, or hearing; no industrial neurological injury found.
Dr. Moore's neurological evaluation supported no industrial causation and was relied upon by the WCJ.
From the decision · page 12Applicant was further evaluated by a Neurological Panel QME, specifically, Dr. Robert Moore.
(Joint Exhibit 106) It should be noted that this is the doctor that indicated applicant was a good
historian. Applicant reported to Dr. Moore a history of her injury and noted that her problems
began when her job assignment changed in November of 2016. However, Dr. Moore correctly
noted that the medical records established that her headaches began prior to her assignment change
in November of 2016. (Joint Exhibit 106, page 2) Dr. Moore reviewed additional medical records
of the applicant, noting that applicant complained of a chemical reaction in the face, beginning on
June 13, 2017, as well as seasonal allergies. (Joint Exhibit 106, page 3) During the current
evaluation, applicant noted that her headaches appeared to have improved, but she still suffered
from approximately 8 headaches per month. Dr. Moore reported that from a cognitive standpoint,
there were no complaints of decreased memory or concentration.