Guardian Group

SIBTF Division

The Guardian Group’s SIBTF Division comprises a team of board-certified medical evaluators and certified physicians who specialize in conducting detailed and comprehensive medical reviews and SIB (Subsequent Injury Benefits) examinations for each applicant. Our mission is to identify and medically substantiate all pre-existing compensable disabilities, leaving no detail overlooked. Each SIB report is supported by robust medical research and published findings to ensure accuracy and credibility. We prioritize efficiency without compromising quality, offering fast turnaround times to maximize compensable ratings. Our dedicated medical forensic investigation team takes an individualized approach to every case, supported by our belief that collaboration leads to stronger outcomes. By leveraging the expertise of our multidisciplinary teams, we deliver thorough, highly detailed, and medically sound cases tailored to meet the legal and medical needs of each SIBTF applicant.
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SIBTF Evaluators

Director of Medical-Legal Reporting, Director of Education

Dr. Rene Nevarez earned her Doctor of Chiropractic degree from Southern California University of Health Sciences in 2007. She became a Qualified Medical Evaluator and holds board … Read more

Orthopaedic Surgery

Dr. Ahmadi has joined The Guardian Group as a premier & world-renowned orthopedic surgeon for Qualified Medical Evaluations (QME) & SIB evaluations. He holds board certification in … Read more

Internal Medicine

Charmaine Reghitto, MD, QME, has been in medical practice for over 20 years. She began her academic journey at UC Irvine, earning undergraduate degrees in Biology and Spanish with a … Read more

Psychiatry

Dr. Sorta is a Seattle-based psychiatrist specializing in the treatment of depression, anxiety, PTSD, ADHD, OCD, and insomnia. In 2012, Dr. Sorta earned a Bachelor of Science degree in … Read more

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Medical Research Team

Nick Bautista, MD, obtained his medical degree from UERM in Manila, Philippines. He underwent post-graduate training in Makati Medical Center, after which he obtained his license to … Read more

Ralph Andres, MD, is a jack-of-all-trades and the Team Manager of History Editing for The Guardian Group. He was cultivated to be an ethical and responsible member of the community, … Read more

Lizeth Andrea Molero, MD, who prefers to go by Andrea, is 30 years old and resides in Manhattan Beach, CA. Originally from Venezuela, she moved to the United States three years ago. Dr. Molero … Read more

In reflecting on his journey, one of the most significant choices Henok Fekadu, MD, made in his pursuit of a residency program in the United States was joining the Guardian Group. This decision, … Read more

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The Subsequent Injuries Benefits Trust Fund (SIBTF)

agreed medical evaluation

The Subsequent Injuries Benefits Trust Fund (SIBTF) provides additional compensation to workers with pre-existing disabilities who sustain a workplace injury resulting in a combined permanent disability of 70% or more. It aims to support disabled workers while shielding employers from extra liability, encouraging the hiring of individuals with disabilities. Benefits are paid from a state trust fund and calculated based on the combined effect of the injuries, considering specific criteria like the “opposite and corresponding member” or a 35% threshold. Pre-existing conditions must have been labor-disabling and ratable before the subsequent injury to qualify for benefits. There is no strict statute of limitations, but claims must be filed within a reasonable time after discovering the likelihood of eligibility.

*To know more, visit SIBTF.