Tammy Worth, writing for Leader's Edge, notes that "When workers compensation collides with existing health conditions, a complex situation can quickly worsen for all involved."

"In an August 2025 report, the Workers Compensation Research Institute found that, of nearly 1 million claims studied with seven or more days of lost time, about 39% of claimants had at least one comorbid condition. About 22% involved one condition, almost 10% had two comorbidities, and roughly 7% included three or more. Degenerative conditions such as osteoarthritis or spinal disc diseases were the most frequent comorbidity, showing up in about 19% of all claims and roughly one-third of orthopedic-related claims like back and shoulder injuries."

You can read her full analysis here.

The WCRI study cited is Degenerative and Comorbid Conditions in Workers’ Compensation.  Click on the link for information on downloading a copy!