Summary
Unusual 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.
Keywords
Venous diseases - medical expertise - diagnostics - social-medical importance - reduction
in earning capacity - occupational disability - German social civil code
