An aggravation is a worsening of a previously accepted condition. Aggravation claims occur when an old work injury (either a closed disabling claim or a non-disabling claim that has been inactive for more than a year) gets worse. Your doctor must file a Form 827 aggravation and provide chart notes to “perfect” your aggravation claim.

If you are successful re-opening your claim as an aggravation, you are entitled to all the same benefits you originally got for your work injury, including time loss and permanent disability (assuming your disability has worsened). However, you do not need to get your claim re-opened to get medical treatment for a previously accepted claim because an accepted claim entitles you to medical treatment for life for the accepted condition.