Having an Award Order for lifetime medical benefits through the Virginia Workers’ Compensation Commission is only part of the struggle in the Virginia workers’ compensation process. Once the Commission awards you your benefits, it is up to you to keep them active.
I tell 
people all the time to keep their benefits active because if they don’t see a doctor for their work related injuries for an extended period of time and, then, have a flare-up, it can be very difficult for a doctor to relate their current symptoms from an injury that happened a year, or 5 years, or 10 years ago, to their claim unless they have a consistent medical history to review. Seeing the doctor at least once a year will help to keep the workers’ compensation injury medical history current and it builds that paper trail.
On top of that, if you need to go to a hearing in order to get some medical treatment approved by the insurance company, the medical history you have created by keeping your medical treatment active can be used as evidence at the court hearing. This could be the difference in having ongoing medical benefits awarded or denied!
If you have questions about workers’ compensation benefits or if you would like more information on the Virginia workers’ compensation system, order my book, “The Ultimate Guide to Workers’ Compensation in Virginia”, or call our office today (804) 755-7755.
The Injured Workers Law Firm is a Richmond, Virginia based firm solely focused on serving clients with workers' compensation claims in Virginia. If you have questions about your benefits or if you would like more information on the Virginia workers’ compensation system, order our book, “The Ultimate Guide to Workers’ Compensation in Virginia” , or call our office today (804) 755-7755.