Which report is admissible before a WCJ on the issue of permanent disability?

The QME report is considered admissible before a Workers' Compensation Judge (WCJ) on the issue of permanent disability due to the specific role that Qualified Medical Evaluators play in the workers' compensation system. QMEs are independent medical professionals designated to perform evaluations that help determine the extent of a worker's disability and the associated benefits.

This report is crucial as it is based on an impartial assessment of the injured worker's condition, making it a reliable source for the WCJ when making decisions regarding permanent disability benefits. Additionally, the QME's evaluations and conclusions are based on comprehensive medical examinations, which include a review of medical history, diagnostic tests, and other relevant information, providing a robust basis for their findings.

In contrast, reports from primary treatment physicians or general medical reports may lack the necessary impartiality or specific focus required for permanent disability evaluations. Also, referral reports from specialists might provide valuable medical insight; however, they do not carry the same weight as the QME report in the context of legal proceedings regarding workers' compensation claims. As a result, the QME report stands out as the admissible evidence necessary for the WCJ to determine the significance of permanent disability.