A Medicolegal Analysis of Worker Appeals for Fibromyalgia as a Compensable Condition Following Workplace Soft-tissue Injury

Abstract

Over half of appeals for aggravation or causation of FM following a work-related soft-tissue injury were accepted by the tribunal, with importance ascribed to a rheumatologist diagnosis. Concerns are raised regarding lengthy duration from injury to diagnosis, claimants' high healthcare use, and neglect of mention of previous health status. The attribution of causation of FM to a soft-tissue workplace traumatic event is contentious and requires further examination.

Percepciones de pacientes con fibromialgia sobre el impacto de la enfermedad en el ámbito laboral

“…Yo no quiero estancarme aquí (M11) prestaciones de incapacidad permanente, lo que atribuyen a la falta de reconocimiento social de la FM (punto 22). Aunque se estima que entre el 25 y 50% de los pacientes con FM debe dejar de trabajar por su enfermedad, solo se aceptan aproximada la mitad de las alegaciones 5,6,27,32 . Que se trate de una enfermedad caracterizada por ausencia de pruebas que indiquen de manera objetiva la severidad es considerado por los jueces como un elemento negativo para conceder la incapacidad 8,33 .…”

Work-related Physical Trauma and Fibromyalgia

“…I was therefore particularly interested to read the article by Fitzcharles, et al 1 . I congratulate the authors for gathering and presenting these data.…”

Dr. Fitzcharles, et al reply

“…We thank Dr. Harth for his comments 1 on our article examining the Workplace Safety and Insurance Appeals Tribunal (WSIAT) of Ontario, Canada, decisions regarding fibromyalgia (FM) as a compensable condition following workplace injury 2 . In reaching decisions regarding health-related issues, the WSIAT is reliant on input from the medical community that must therefore be reliable, accurate, and reflective of the current state of the medical condition under consideration.…”