Monast Law Office - March 2018

HOW PRE-EXISTING CONDITIONS APPLY TO WORKERS’ COMP

1. The pre-existing condition is affecting the care or outcome of an allowed injury. This is known as a comorbidity condition, and it occurs when the pre-existing condition must first be addressed in order for the worker to recover from a work-related injury. In such situations, the pre-existing condition can be treated until the work injury is resolved. 2. The pre-existing condition is ‘substantially aggravated’ by a work injury or incident. In order to receive benefits for these pre-existing conditions, the law requires that a “substantial aggravation” be documented by objective diagnostic findings, objective clinical findings, or test results. This means that medical providers and injured workers must offer tangible evidence showing that the condition has worsened. If you have been reinjured or have experienced worsening symptoms, it’s critical that you seek medical care as soon as possible. Be upfront with your medical provider about all previous problems, and be sure to detail every symptom you experience and all past injuries.

“Pre-existing condition” can be a vague and scary phrase. Many people are familiar with the term as it applies to health care, where insurance companies often seek to eliminate these conditions from their coverage to save money. But what effect will a pre-existing condition have on your Ohio workers’ compensation claim? First, What Is a Pre-Existing Condition? As it applies to workers’ compensation, a pre-existing condition is a medical condition that an injured worker had prior to sustaining a work-related injury. This can include a wide range of injuries and diseases, from arthritis to tendonitis, and can include conditions that may or may not have been symptomatic. These pre-existing conditions are typically not covered by the workers’ compensation system unless affected by a work injury. Ohio Law and Pre-Existing Conditions While pre-existing conditions are not covered in most circumstances, there are two situations in which workers’ compensation will provide benefits to address these issues.

SUDOKU

ABBY’S APPETIZERS ZESTY ZUCCHINI ENCHILADAS

For a lighter take on enchiladas, go carb-free by swapping tortillas for zucchini!

INGREDIENTS

2 teaspoons cumin

4 large zucchinis

2 teaspoons chili powder

1 tablespoon olive oil or ghee

3 cups cooked, shredded chicken

1 large onion, chopped

2 cups shredded cheese

2 cloves garlic, minced

DIRECTIONS

three slices, slightly overlapping, and spoon chicken mixture on top. Roll the zucchini “tortilla”and place on baking sheet. Repeat until all zucchini and chicken is used. Cover the enchiladas with remaining sauce and sprinkle with cheese. Bake 20 minutes, and enjoy!

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Heat oven to 350 F. To make enchilada sauce, heat oil in a large skillet. Add onion, garlic, cumin, chili powder, and salt to taste. Stir to combine. Add chicken to prepared enchilada sauce. Use vegetable peeler to thinly slice zucchini lengthwise. Lay out

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Adapted from delish.com.

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