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.
QMENot substantial evidence · Ph.D.
Predominant cause of psyche injury is industrial; >51% threshold met
Sparse pre-existing history, incomplete record review, conclusory opinions
From the decision · page 8Dr. Jess Ghannam evaluated the applicant for the workers’ compensation claim against the employer. Dr. Ghannam’s opinion is not substantial evidence as to the issue of injury AOE/COE. His history of the applicant’s pre-existing psychological history was sparse and his record review was incomplete. His opinions lack analysis and are conclusory.
otherPartially credited · M.D.
Pre-existing conditions (neck, back, plantar fibroma, urinary incontinence) not caused by 09/21/2017 injury
Opinion noted as requiring further development on plantar fibroma causation
From the decision · page 4On July 21, 2022, Paul Kim, M.D., issued a report following his evaluation of applicant as an independent medical-legal evaluator. The report states that: “Pre-Existing Causation: The chronic neck and lower back pain with radiculopathy is likely secondary to degenerative disc disease with disc herniation.
otherNot substantial evidence · Psy.D.
Applicant credible; subsequent psychiatric injury predominantly caused by employment events; aggravation, not mere lighting-up
Glaring omission in history regarding communication problems and divorce; inconsistency with trial testimony about abusive husbands
From the decision · page 8Dr. Nhung Phan’s evaluation reports obtained by Applicant for the SIBTF claim are also not substantial evidence. There was at least one glaring omission in the applicant’s history—she told Dr. Phan that she had “communication problems” that led to her divorce from her third husband, [husband]. She also said that she was happy in that relationship.
otherPartially credited · M.D.
Industrial injury caused by cumulative trauma; tension headaches and urticaria aggravated by work-related harassment/retaliation
Opinion supports industrial causation for headaches and skin; record development needed for headaches/ophthalmology
From the decision · page 5Then on August 20, 2022, Raye Bellinger, M.D., issued a report as an independent medicallegal evaluator, stating in part: “The examinee’s industrial injury was caused by trauma as a result of her work-related activities over time with substantial orthopedic injuries, as described above.” (Exhibit A10, Raye Bellinger, M.D., August 20, 2022, p. 58.)