Pre-existing medical conditions are considered in determining the causal relationship of a work-related injury. But if a pre-existing medical condition becomes aggravated, accelerated or exacerbated by a work related injury the workers' compensation carrier is usually responsible for the increased disability, including medical treatment.

If you sustain a work-related injury to a previously injured part of your body, regardless of whether the previous injury was work-related, you will not be barred from recovery under any state’s workers’ compensation system. Similarly, if you are in an accident which aggravates or accelerates a pre-existing physical condition, such as arthritis, a back condition or a prior surgery, you are still entitled to all the rights and benefits provided by the workers’ comp law in your state.

(Reviewed 9-08)