Compare the old and new record
Worsening Disability: Before-and-After Worksheet
Use this tool now
Use this private worksheet to identify changes after an award and locate supporting documents. It is not a petition, medical opinion, or deadline calculator. Do not wait to finish it before seeking advice about filing dates.
How to use it
- 1.Use existing records and your accurate recollection. Label estimated dates and write unknown when needed.
- 2.Keep injury, award, worsening, and filing dates separate; do not calculate a personal deadline here.
- 3.Keep the completed sheet private. Bring it and the original documents to your attorney or DWC Information and Assistance if unrepresented.
Worksheet
Worsening Disability: Before-and-After Worksheet
1. Original injury and case documents
Injury date as recorded, claim/case reference, award or agreement title, order date, and where the complete copy is kept.
2. Medical record at the award
Report date, findings, restrictions, rating, and future-care language. Identify the original document rather than interpreting it.
3. What changed, and when?
First noticed change, date reported to the doctor, later work or nonwork events, and uncertain dates clearly labeled.
4. Current medical and work evidence
Dated reports, changed findings or restrictions, missed work, wage records, and the doctor’s discussion of the original injury.
5. Existing notices and filing proof
List any petition, filing receipt, proof of service, order, treatment decision, and delivery record. An adjuster call is not filing proof.
6. Questions needing prompt individual review
Which issue: increased disability, existing medical rights, treatment denial, release terms, or a later injury? Who will review the dates and procedure?
Avoid
- — Do not treat five years as running from the award or latest appointment.
- — Do not assume a petition restores rights released in a C&R or automatically increases benefits.
- — Do not put confidential medical details in an unsecured online form.
Keep with this tool
- — Complete award or settlement and attachments
- — Medical reports before and after the change
- — Work-status slips, schedules, and wage records
- — Notices with envelopes or electronic delivery records
- — Prior petitions, filing receipts, and service proof
Common questions
Does completing this sheet reopen my case?
No. Filing and service are separate procedures. This sheet does not extend a deadline or replace a petition.
Does a worsening condition always mean more benefits?
No. Medical evidence, timing, connection to the original injury, benefit rules, and the award or settlement matter.
Is continued medical care the same as reopening?
No. Existing medical rights and a request for increased disability are different questions. Keep treatment notices and their deadlines separate.
Read the deeper explanation
Work Injury Worse After an Award? Check Reopening OptionsAuthoritative sources
Check the linked official source for current forms and rules. Updated: .
WCLG
Need help with the actual claim?
Every claim depends on its documents, medical evidence, and procedural history. WCLG offers a free consultation without promising a result.