Disability Benefits for Pre-existing Condition Aggravated by Employment

The insured individual, having been employed by an entity that ceased operations, contested the denial of disability benefits based on a pre-existing condition that allegedly predated their employment, which the insurer claimed was the sole cause of the subsequent disability. The court found that while a pre-existing condition existed, the subsequent work environment and strain, combined with the documented medical progression, were significant contributing factors to the degree of disability claimed, thus upholding the right to benefits despite the initial condition, as the employment played a material role in the ultimate impairment.