Which statement is true regarding pre-existing conditions in workers' compensation claims?

The statement that pre-existing conditions do not affect the claim if aggravated by work is accurate within the context of workers' compensation claims. In California, if a pre-existing condition is worsened or exacerbated by a work-related injury or exposure, the injured worker may still be eligible for benefits. The key aspect here is the concept of aggravation; if an employee has a pre-existing condition that becomes more severe as a result of a work-related incident, the claim can proceed, and the pre-existing condition may be considered as part of the overall injury.

In workers’ compensation law, it is recognized that work can exacerbate conditions that already existed before the injury. This means that, although the pre-existing condition may complicate the case, it does not automatically bar the worker from receiving benefits, as long as there’s sufficient evidence to show that work activities contributed to the aggravation of the condition.

This understanding helps ensure that employees are fairly compensated for injuries that may not solely stem from their work duties but have been negatively impacted by them.