What indicates that an aggravation has occurred after a last award?

An aggravation in a claim context occurs when a pre-existing condition worsens due to a new injury or event. Medical evidence supported by objective findings is crucial in demonstrating that an aggravation has taken place. This typically includes diagnostic imaging, assessment results, or other medical tests that provide tangible proof of the worsening condition.

Objective findings are critical because they serve as an unbiased basis for establishing the status of the claimant's health before and after the last award. These can include X-rays, MRIs, lab results, and physician notes that indicate a change in the condition that can be directly correlated to the claimed event. This type of evidence is generally required to validate the claim of aggravation in a formal claims process, as it goes beyond subjective experiences or perceptions and provides a concrete basis for medical assessments.

While patient satisfaction surveys and evaluations from a secondary physician can contribute to the overall understanding of the individual’s situation, they do not provide the objective medical evidence necessary to substantiate a claim of aggravation. Additionally, re-evaluating all claims could be a broad approach but does not specifically indicate an aggravation in any given case without the necessary objective medical findings.