conditions

Spinal Conditions Added To Social Security listings

“Medical equivalence” and the effects of treatment and obesity may also result in Social Security disability. Two added spinal disorders were among the changes to the Social Security musculoskeletal disability “Listings” which became effective February 2002. Arachnoiditis and pseudoclaudication, as defined and discussed in the Listings at 20 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), Part 404, … Read more

Social Security Regulations List Disabling Spinal Conditions

The Social Security regulations list numerous conditions which render a person legally “disabled” for the purpose of receiving Social Security disability benefits. The conditions listed are collectively referred to as “the Listings.” In prior articles we have explained that a person is disabled if Social Security finds a condition which impairs ability to work to … Read more

Workers’ Comp: The Gnarly World Of Preexisting Conditions And The Hurdles Of Elective Surgery

This is the third in our series reviewing basic medical-legal aspects of our legal specialties. The focus of this edition is Oregon Workers’ Compensation law. Issues frequently arising in Workers’ Compensation disputes include “preexisting conditions” and “major cause.” The bulk of Volume 27 of our Medical-Legal Journal is devoted to sorting out the various applications … Read more

Revisiting “Preexisting Conditions,” “Major Cause” And Other Terms Used In Workers’ Comp Cases

If your patient has a work-related injury or an occupational disease, it is important for you to understand the current definition of “pre-existing condition.” This requires an understanding of a number of key terms used in workers’ compensation cases. The revised definition of “pre-existing condition” became effective January 1, 2002. Even though it has been … Read more

Reporting Preexisting Conditions: A Model

This is the third in a 3-part series on preexisting conditions. If your patient’s work injury has combined with a preexisting condition, your opinion on whether the work injury caused 51% or more of your patient’s disability or need for treatment (“major contributing cause”) may determine whether your patient receives Workers’ Compensation benefits. How should … Read more