The ability to claim workers’ compensation benefits may be affected by certain factors, including a pre-existing medical condition.
If you have a health condition such as diabetes, it can impact your workers’ compensation claim. The insurance company may raise a question about whether your injury is work-related or due to having diabetes. Factors that are considered include the extent of the illness, job duties, and work environment.
Diabetes
Diabetes is a medical condition in which a person has higher than normal blood glucose levels. The condition is caused because:
- the body does not produce enough insulin
- the body does not respond to insulin the way it should
Types of Diabetes
- Type 1 – The body does not produce enough insulin. Type 1 diabetes is uncommon and affects 10 percent of people with diabetes. Persons with Type 1 diabetes are dependent on insulin shots and must follow a special low-sugar diet.
- Type 2 – The body does not react to insulin the way it should. About 90 percent of diabetics have Type 2 diabetes. It usually worsens over time and the person has to regularly monitor blood sugar levels.
- Gestational diabetes – Affects pregnant women and happens when the woman has high blood glucose levels and the body is not able to produce insulin fast enough.
Effect on Workers’ Compensation Claims
Diabetes can be managed with proper treatment and the right diet; however, it can have an adverse effect on your work. If you are injured at work, it may have an impact on your workers’ compensation claim. Key factors that come into play when a diabetic patient files a workers’ compensation claim include:
- Whether diabetes is the cause of the inability to perform job functions such as those involving the use of arms or legs
- Whether the employee’s work activities caused the injury or are the result of progressive diabetes
- Whether the worker should receive disability benefits as a result
St. Louis Workers’ Compensation Lawyer
If you are finding it difficult to prove your workers’ compensation claim, talk to a St. Louis workers’ compensation lawyer. Call The Law Office of James M. Hoffmann at (314) 361-4300 for a free consultation.
Influencing Factors & Denied Claims
Social Media Workers Compensation
Workers Compensation Lawsuit Women
Workers Compensation Prosthetic
Workers Compensation Pre Existing Condition
Workers Compensation Diabetes
Workers Compensation Safety Programs
Workers Compensation Medical Testimony
Obesity and Workers Compensation
Workers Compensation Surveillance
Workers Compensation Retirement Age
Sick Leave and Workers Compensation
Workers Compensation Other State Coverage
Workers Compensation Refusing Medical
Failing to Maintain Workers Compensation
Workers Compensation Denied
Workers Compensation Denied by Employer
Workers Compensation Denied by Doctor
Workers Compensation Denied Surgery
Workers Compensation Denied Pre Existing Condition
Workers Compensation Denied Not Work Related
Workers Compensation Stopped Payments
Workers Compensation Disputes
Fired for Filing a Workers Compensation Claim
Workers Compensation Wrongful Termination
MMI Workers Compensation
Disputing Maximum Medical Improvement
Work Comp Accused Me of Fraud
Missouri Second Injury Fund
Person Comfort Doctrine
photo credit: TheeErin