What defines a new condition in a workers' compensation claim?

A new condition in a workers' compensation claim is defined as one that develops after the acceptance of an initial claim. This means that once a claim is accepted and the circumstances surrounding the original injury are established, any additional condition that arises subsequently is recognized as a new condition. This is significant because it often requires separate consideration and may impact benefits or the course of treatment provided to the injured worker.

In contrast, conditions that were present before the acceptance of the claim do not qualify as new conditions; they are considered part of the existing claim status. Similarly, conditions that were explicitly omitted from the notice or existed prior to the injury are not categorized as new conditions since they either fall within the original claim evaluation or are viewed as pre-existing factors. Recognizing the timeline of condition development is crucial for properly managing claims and determining eligibility for additional benefits or treatment options.