Evidence-Based Vocational Evaluations Review and Analysis of Medical Documents: California Workers’ Compensation

Reports prepared by medical experts must meet specific criteria established by the California Worker’s Compensation system in order to be considered Substantial Medical Evidence. This article addresses the evidence-based, scientific vocational assessment process of analyzing medical reports and related information resulting in conversion of medical impairments to vocational factors of disability. This vocational evaluation model meets the measurement criteria of California’s Worker’s Compensation System, which involves the Labor Code, case law relevant to issues of work and disability, and specific issues relating to employability and earning capacity of injured workers. Reports prepared by vocational experts must meet the criteria for Substantial Vocational Evidence in a similar fashion. Thus, California’s Worker’s Compensation system is expecting vocational experts to being held to similar standards. No longer can vocational experts rely upon the basis of their “years of experience” in the field. Rather, they must carefully analyze medical documents to identify, extract, and analyze for vocational impact of the medical condition. Reviewing and analyzing medical information is the foundation of the evidence- based vocational evaluation designed to meet the specific requirements for determining the impact of industrial injuries in terms of the ability to engage in competitive employment.