Workers' Compensation Discussion Forums

I received the IME report today.

The attorney for the wc insurance company enclosed a cover letter; the following is from the cover letter:

Enclosed is the IME report from Dr. XXX. He finds the claimant's low back complaints are related to the injury. However, he does not feel there is a need for additional treatment.

It appears that your client has exhausted all types of epidural injections and physical therapy was not beneficial. She is not a surgical candidate. Please let me know where that leaves you after you speak to your client.

Sincerely,
XXXX

The good news is this puts me in a whole body rating.
The bad news is the IME doctor writes in his report I have a lumbar spine sprain.

Pain management is the only treatment I have received since 8/07 for my back and I still have daily nerve pain. I have to limit the amount of time I am on my feet due to issues with my back & knees.

At the time I was released from physical therapy the therapist told me the problems with my back is keeping me from making any more progress with my total knee recovery.

The first 2 epidural injections did help, and that doctor gave me the diagnosis of S1 joint dysfunction.

I do have one question?
Can lumbar spine strain cause neuropathy pain?

I have a hearing next month to add the back to my claim.

The IME's opinion is what you should have expected. Now you need to go find your own doctor to issue a rebutal IME.

Hi stiffneck

My injury was of my knees over 3 years ago.

Guess I am suprised the IME doctor connected the back to the original injury.
I fought 28 months in court to get my knee surgery.

It sounds like the IME doctor was more in your favor. You just got to follow through with your own medical evidence and you'll get what you need.

I thought an injured worker would be rated by an IME doctor.

In my report there is no mention of me being at MMI or being rated.

I have a meeting this afternoon with my attorney and will post what he says.

When I arrive at my attorney's office he was still in court. His secretary said he had hearings scheduled all day.

We went over the IME report and letter from insurance company attorney.
I pointed out the unthuths in the IME report, and showed him the medical documentation to backup what I was saying.

It was decided to keep the scheduled court date and to request medical treatment.
The judge may consent to treatment or there may be another IME scheduled.