What the panel ordered
Findings and Order of July 12, 2021 rescinded; new Findings and Order issued directing parties to obtain replacement QME panels in orthopedics and rheumatology specialties.
Petition for reconsideration granted to study factual and legal issues regarding the specialty of the replacement QME panel; decision after reconsideration issued.
What was disputed, and how it came out
Each issue the panel decided, with the reasoning it gave. An outcome is what this panel did on this record — not a rule, and not a prediction.
QME/AME processApplicant prevailedright ankle
The record, including Dr. Nijjar's deposition, supports the need for a replacement orthopedic panel and an additional rheumatology panel to further develop the medical record regarding causation of CRPS.
From the decision · page 3In this case, it appears that a second panel is warranted based on the record in order to promote an expeditious resolution of this case. Based on Dr. Nijjar's deposition, including the exhibits attached to it, a rheumatology panel will provide additional evidence on the causation of CRPS. Therefore, we will amend the Findings and Order to order the parties to request two panels from the medical unit.