Assessment of Work Capacity in Somatoform Pain Disorders

Facts

The case concerns an insured person suffering from a lumbospondylogenic syndrome with muscular imbalance and mild degenerative changes in the spine. The psychiatric expert was unable to establish a psychiatric diagnosis, as the requirements for a persistent somatoform pain disorder according to ICD-10 were not met. Nevertheless, the insured person complained of significant pain and limitations in all areas of life, which could not be fully explained by the medical findings.

Considerations

The Federal Court states that for the assessment of work capacity, a health impairment within the meaning of the Disability Insurance Act (IVG) must first be established. In the case of pain alone, the subjective statements of the insured person are not sufficient, but there must be plausible medical findings. The extent of incapacity for work is generally assessed on the basis of a psychiatric expert opinion.

However, the Federal Court sees uncertainties as to whether a health impairment within the meaning of the law can actually only be inferred from a diagnosis according to recognized medical classification systems. These systems primarily serve to standardize and harmonize diagnoses, but not to comprehensively record all disease-relevant conditions. Particularly in the case of somatoform pain disorders, the diagnostic classification…