Pre-existing Conditions & Aggravation

Why Pre-existing Conditions Matter

Carriers commonly use prior records to argue current symptoms predate the incident. Without contemporaneous documentation showing change, value is often compressed.

How Adjusters Evaluate Aggravation

Carriers typically review prior imaging, prior treatment frequency, and prior provider narratives, then compare to the post-incident baseline.

Common Claimant Mistakes

• ✓Failing to disclose prior issues to providers
• ✓Not obtaining prior imaging for comparison
• ✓Allowing the file to omit narrative of changed baseline

How Insurance Carriers Evaluate the File

Insurance carriers typically review the entire claim file — incident facts, liability, medical records, imaging, treatment timeline, provider notes, wage loss documentation, communication history, and prior medical history. Diagnosis alone rarely determines value; the consistency, completeness, and credibility of the file across time often matters more.