When it comes to working for a living, mental health conditions can be just as disruptive as physical injuries. However, many workers are unsure whether they qualify for workers’ compensation benefits due to their challenges. In Iowa, mental health claims often render an individual eligible for workers’ compensation benefits, though they are often more complex than claims involving visible physical harm.
Iowa generally allows benefits for mental health conditions when they are connected to employment. These claims often fall into two categories. The first involves a mental condition that develops as a result of a physical workplace injury, such as depression or anxiety following a serious accident. These claims tend to be relatively straightforward because the physical injury provides a clear starting point for claims evaluators to assess a worker’s limitations.
The second category involves mental injuries without a physical manifestation, sometimes referred to as “mental-mental” claims. In Iowa, these claims may be compensable, but the standard is generally higher than that developed as a result of a work-related injury or illness. In these instances, a worker must show that their condition was caused by work-related stress that is greater than what employees typically experience in similar jobs. Ordinary workplace stress or general job dissatisfaction is usually not enough.
When a mental health claim succeeds
When a claim is accepted by the state, several types of benefits may be available. Medical treatment for mental health conditions is generally covered if it is deemed reasonable and related to a recipient’s specific work injury. As with physical injuries, an employer or insurance carrier often has the right to select the provider who treats the worker at issue.
Wage replacement benefits may also apply. If a mental health condition prevents a worker from performing job duties, temporary total disability benefits may be paid. These are typically calculated as a percentage of the worker’s average weekly wage, subject to state limits. If the condition leads to long-term impairment, permanent disability benefits may be available.
Mental health claims can be challenging, particularly when employers or insurers question whether a particular condition is work-related. Speaking with an experienced workers’ compensation legal team can help ensure that a claim is properly supported and that all available benefits are pursued.
