Expert appraisal of venous diseases

Abstract

SummaryUnusual features and problems at the expert assessment of vein damages and venous diseases are described, including indications for rational and evidence based diagnostics adapted to the needs. Besides it was an essential concern to point out important actual conceptual changes for the expert assessment in the legal scheme by the German social civil code (Sozialgesetzbuch VI). So the concepts of occupational disability (Berufsunfähigkeit) and of lost of earning capacity (Erwerbsunfähigkeit) don‘t exist in the legal pension scheme since 01st 01st 2001 any more. The idea of the “reduction in earning capacity” (Erwerbsminderung) has been introduced instead. There is still the concept of occupational disability (Berufsunfähigkeit) for the professional supply systems (berufsständige Versorgungswerke) and the private occupational disability insurances – but with different definitions and performances, which have to be taken into account if need be. Since the old definitions still frequently appear at the expert’s activcity, they are represented in these explanations briefly.In general, the scope and contents of expert appraisal records for venous diseases often constitute a sorry example of the general ignorance pertaining to the pathophysiology, clinical medicine, modern diagnostics and the significance of venous diseases, in both the sociomedical context and in occupational health.