Under which circumstance may a claim for temporary benefits cease according to IME regulations?

The cessation of temporary benefits in the context of West Virginia Workers' Compensation regulations is directly linked to when a claimant reaches Maximum Medical Improvement (MMI). This is a critical point in time when the treating physician has determined that the claimant's medical condition has stabilized and is unlikely to improve with further treatment. Once MMI is reached, the temporary benefits, which are designed to support the claimant during their recuperation, are no longer deemed necessary as the claimant is not expected to improve further.

In this instance, the recommendation for a permanent partial award in excess of 15% would indicate a significant, lasting impairment; however, it is the MMI determination that triggers the end of temporary benefits due to the stabilization of the injury. Hence, identifying MMI is fundamental in the transition from temporary benefits to considerations for permanent awards.

The other circumstances might not directly result in the cessation of temporary benefits. For example, hospitalization does not imply improvement or stabilization of the condition. A physician's recommendation for a permanent partial award also doesn't automatically stop temporary benefits unless it aligns with a determination of MMI. Lastly, the lack of further treatment does not necessarily indicate that benefits should cease; in some cases, claimants may not pursue treatment for various reasons while still