Plantar Fasciitis Accepted as a Consequence of an Earlier Injury
A published workers’ compensation appeal successfully advanced by JM Disability Management Solutions for a worker who developed plantar fasciitis while coping with an accepted psychological injury.
The Situation
The worker increased walking and standing as a way of coping with an accepted psychological condition. The worker later developed plantar fasciitis, but WCB did not initially accept the foot condition as part of the claim.
Why WCB Denied or Limited the Claim
- WCB did not accept the physical condition as flowing from the accepted psychological injury.
- The worker’s coping activity was treated as separate from the claim.
- The causal chain between the accepted injury and later condition was not properly recognized.
How JMDMS Won the Appeal
JMDMS established the connection between the accepted psychological condition, the worker’s coping activities and the development of the physical injury.
What the Appeal Decision Achieved
The appeal achieved a successful result recognizing the plantar fasciitis as a compensable consequence.
Why This Decision Matters to Other Injured Workers
A later condition may still be compensable when it develops because of an accepted injury or the reasonable steps taken to manage that injury.
Could This Help Your Claim?
If your claim involves similar medical, psychological, vocational or benefit issues, this decision may help demonstrate that WCB’s first decision is not always the final answer. Every appeal depends on its own evidence, but a denial should be carefully reviewed to determine whether WCB applied the correct policy, considered all relevant evidence and fairly assessed the worker’s actual circumstances.
Why Experienced WCB Appeal Representation Matters
Second-injury claims require a clear causal chain. JMDMS knows how to show why a later condition should remain part of the original claim.
Successful appeals often require a detailed understanding of WCB legislation, policy, medical causation, vocational evidence, earnings calculations, functional limitations and Appeals Commission reasoning. JMDMS reviews the entire claim record, identifies what WCB missed and prepares focused submissions designed around the exact issue that must be proven.
Has WCB Denied Your Claim or Ended Your Benefits?
Speak with JM Disability Management Solutions about the decision, the evidence already on your file and the next available level of review or appeal.
Request a Free WCB Discussion Call 587-956-7530This case summary is provided for general information only. Every claim is decided on its own facts and evidence. A previous appeal result does not guarantee the outcome of another claim.