hi i had a car accident 2 yrs ago, which has left me with disc bulges on c5 5-6 6-7, i am having quite alot of time off work for appointments and work are saying that if it is classed as a disability, then they will credit my flexi time. is this damage classed as a disability? thanks
Hi, thanks for posting the concern in the Chat Doctor. Disc bulge or prolapsed intervertebral disc can cause disability. By definition, disability is the consequence of any loss or abnormality of physiological, psychological, or anatomical structure or function, whether permanent or temporary. But, different formal sectors of employment in different countries have different policies for people with disability. That policy not only varies across the countries, but also among different organization of same country. The concerned employer has a list of disabilities for which the employees would get benefit. If an employee is disabled by definition, but that disability is not included in the list of the concerned employer, he or she won't get the benefit. The benefits also vary from financial support to work environment modification or some other compensation. However, when a disability is temporary or correctable either by rest or treatment, the employee may be benefited with leave from work for the period of treatment. In your case, even severe PIED is often correctable surgically. So, whether you would get a benefit of flextime or not, depends completely upon the employers pre-set policies. You need to consult the Human Resource Department and the Chief Medical Officer of your company to know whether you would get a benefit. For any further queries, please write back to me directly. Regards.