3. Upon sign-off from the vessel for medical treatment, the seafarer is entitled to sickness allowance equivalent to his basic wage until he is declared fit to work or the degree of permanent disability has been assessed by the companydesignated physician but in no case shall this period exceed one hundred twenty (120) days.   For this purpose, the seafarer shall submit himself to a post-employment medical examination by a company-designated physician within three working days upon his return except when he is physically incapacitated to do so, in which case, a written notice to the agency within the same period is deemed as compliance. Failure of the seafarer to comply with the mandatory reporting requirement shall result in his forfeiture of the right to claim the above benefits.   If a doctor appointed by the seafarer disagrees with the assessment, a third doctor may be agreed jointly between the employer and the seafarer. The third doctors decision shall be final and binding on both parties.[26]   There is no dispute that beginning March 26, 1999 or three days from his repatriation on March 23, 1999, Cantomayor submitted himself to a series of medical examinations conducted by a company physician.[27] On October 8, 1999, said company physician issued an assessment limiting his disability to a Grade 7 impediment rate.[28] Both the NLRC and LA relied on this assessment. Micronesia, et al. insist that said assessment is conclusive.   Not so. We have held that while it is the company-designated physician who must declare that a seafarer-claimant suffers a permanent disability, the formers declaration is not conclusive upon the latter or the court.[29] In the present case, there is no indication that Cantomayor sought a second opinion. Nonetheless, it is of record that the latter was rendered unfit to discharge his duties as Third Officer for more than 120 days. It is of record that Cantomayor was repatriated on March 23, 1999.Almost seven months later or on October 8, 1999, Micronesia, et al.s designated physician issued the following medical findings on the condition of Cantomayor: