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 · neurology
Dr. Newton reviewed the medical file and a witness statement, concluding the applicant suffers from a significant headache disorder lasting from a few hours to all day, with severe symptoms supporting a 20% whole person impairment rating.
Dr. Newton's detailed review and updated impairment rating were relied upon to support the vocational expert's opinion that the applicant cannot benefit from rehabilitation.
AMERelied upon · neurology
Dr. Gupta reported the applicant experiences daily severe headaches lasting 6 to 7 hours with associated symptoms such as nausea and photophobia.
Supports the severity and frequency of headaches relevant to disability and rehabilitation capacity.
From the decision · page 10Dr. Gupta reported, in Joint Exhibit FF, on page 3, that the applicant "...experiences headaches
on a daily basis at least once a day. It can last 6 to 7 hours. The headaches are characterized as
sharp pain. It can be bilateral or on either side. There is a tingling feeling over the head. The
headaches are associated with nausea, phonophobia, photophobia. The headaches tends to have
acute onset. Once or twice per week, the headache intensity increases and they can reach up to
9/10.
AMERelied upon · neurology
Dr. Klein reported constant pain in head, neck, and spine with severe migraines about three times a week, including nausea and vomiting, supporting the severity of the applicant's condition.
Supports the severity and frequency of headaches relevant to disability and rehabilitation capacity.
From the decision · page 11Dr. Klein, in Joint Exhibit GG, page 3, reported that the applicant has "Constant pain is present
in his head, neck and spine. He has more severe headaches characterized as migraines,
approximately three times a week, which may be accompanied by nausea and vomiting....
Migraines are also characterized as some of the most severe pain he experiences."
otherRejected
Dr. Penafiel provided a functional capacity evaluation (FCE) but his opinion that the applicant cannot benefit from rehabilitation was not substantial evidence due to lack of explanation and failure to consider critical reports.
The panel found Dr. Penafiel's opinion on rehabilitation non-substantial and did not rely on it for the final decision.