Workers Compensation
 

I am 63 yrs. old , I have been off work with pulled ribs for 9 months. I was given a new Doctor a specialist a phydiotrist sp? . I have never been given a hands on exam , any test of my flexiblity, no xrays. I have had 12 physical therapy visits, I think it was 3 Chiropractor visits. This last Doctors appointment the Doctor stands across the room as he usually does and askk how I am doing . I tell him that I felt it has gotten worse and is as good as it is going to. I feel better. I feel I'm ready to go back to work. And he shakes his head and disagrees with me. Tells me I can't do this kind of work any more. He says you are disabled. He ask me how much I can lift ? I told him I'm not sure I haven't been tested. A little history : he has had me with a restriction of 20 lbs. and my Employer has no modified work and will not take me back unless I'm 100 %. So this Doctor says to me well I'm going to put say you can lift no more than 5 lbs and push no more than 10 lbs. tells me I can go on State Disability and to get the forms and he will fill them out and when that runs out apply for Federal disability.
Anyway I do not agree I am disabled . I know for a fact I can lift two bags of dog food and that's about 48 lbs. that';s why I know I'm ready for work. So this Doctor has released me with Permanent restrictions. I have lost my benefits. My WC Adjustor is going to mail me a request for a QME Doctor. I have made an appointment with the Primary Doctor to follow up on this work status earliest is Sep 27th. I am screwed right now. I am still employed ,but I have no benefit money coming in . What can be done . I am worried this Doctor will not allow me to go back to work ? How can I convince him I can do my job? He has submitted hiss report yet . Can I apply for State disability? It says on the form it is for Non-work related injurys and you must have been looking for work. Can I ask for a different Doctor at this late date ? My adjustor said I had to ask the Clinic I am going to. I tried calling State disability office to ask questions but no live person. I need to work. if not for the employer I have but for someone. How can this Doctor hold me hostage and say I have bogus limitations? Help !