Opinion ID: 2747890
Heading Depth: 3
Heading Rank: 1

Heading: Ponder's Medical History Before March 31, 2010

Text: On July 12, 2002, a surgeon removed a cyst from Ponder's brain. The procedure went well, and the surgeon predicted that Ponder would do very well from this in the long run. Ponder soon reported significant improvement in neurological function, and her surgeon consequently released her from his care. Ponder thereafter returned to work in a rice mill from 2003 to 2005 and never returned to the surgeon for any follow-up care. In coming years Ponder obtained routine checkups and other examinations from her primary care physician, Dennis Yelvington, M.D. On October 22, 2009, for instance, Ponder visited Dr. Yelvington to obtain a yearly physical. During the visit Dr. Yelvington noted that Ponder may have degenerative joint disease and osteoarthritis in her knees, but he also noted that her back, neck, extremities, and neurological functions were otherwise normal. Ponder left ambulatory in no acute distress, and Dr. Yelvington did not issue her any work restrictions. Similarly, on November 9, 2009, Ponder visited Stuttgart Medical Clinic and complained of only sinus congestion/infection. Ponder again left ambulatory in no acute distress, and again without any work restrictions. On March 13, 2010—less then three weeks before her insured status expired—Ponder again visited Stuttgart Medical Clinic and complained of sinus congestion/cough. As with prior visits, Ponder voiced no complaints about her musculoskeletal system, neurological systems, or psychological condition. Her treating physician did not issue Ponder any work restrictions and noted that Ponder's back, neck, and extremities again appeared normal.