Apportionment is based on which factor?

Apportionment is based on which factor?

• A. Medical Report
• B. Preexisting Condition
• C. Pathology
• D. Causation

Answer: (D)

Apportionment rests on causation—the question is what portion of the claimant’s disability is caused by the work-related injury versus other factors. Medical reports, pathology, and notes about preexisting conditions are the evidence used to assess that causal connection, but the key criterion is whether the injury caused the impairment in question. If the work event causally contributes to the disability, that portion is apportioned to the workers’ compensation liability; if not, it isn’t. The other terms describe pieces of evidence or factors that can influence the determination, but they aren’t the determining basis themselves.

Apportionment rests on causation—the question is what portion of the claimant’s disability is caused by the work-related injury versus other factors. Medical reports, pathology, and notes about preexisting conditions are the evidence used to assess that causal connection, but the key criterion is whether the injury caused the impairment in question. If the work event causally contributes to the disability, that portion is apportioned to the workers’ compensation liability; if not, it isn’t. The other terms describe pieces of evidence or factors that can influence the determination, but they aren’t the determining basis themselves.