IS A DISEASE SUCH AS DIABETES A FEDERAL WORKERS' COMPENSATION CLAIM?

Diabetes in itself is not a compensable disease for federal workers' compensation purposes. However if the worker can show that his diabetes was caused by or aggravated by a compensable injury, then the diabetes itself may be compensable. For example: a workers suffers a severe knee injury that leads to a sedentary lifestyle that in turn leads to increased weight and development of diabetes. He presents medical evidence that directly relates the development of diabetes due to the change in lifestyle caused by his compensable knee injury. The diabetes that developed as a consequence can be considered compensable. (ECAB 93-1596) However the claim for the diabetes must be filed within 3 years of the date he became aware of the link between his diabetes and his original injury. (ECAB 96-2061)