CompFox AI Summary
The Appeals Board granted reconsideration and affirmed the original award, but remanded the case to defer the issue of permanent disability. This decision arose because the treating physician's permanent disability rating, based on grip strength loss, was deemed not substantial medical evidence under AMA Guides. The Appeals Board found that the doctor failed to adequately justify the use of grip strength over range of motion or other objective findings, and further development of the medical record is required. Consequently, the case returns to the trial level for further proceedings on permanent disability.
Full Decision Text1 Pages
The Appeals Board granted reconsideration and affirmed the original award, but remanded the case to defer the issue of permanent disability. This decision arose because the treating physician's permanent disability rating, based on grip strength loss, was deemed not substantial medical evidence under AMA Guides. The Appeals Board found that the doctor failed to adequately justify the use of grip strength over range of motion or other objective findings, and further development of the medical record is required. Consequently, the case returns to the trial level for further proceedings on permanent disability.
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