The compensation experience of patients with chronic beryllium disease.

The experience of patients with chronic beryllium disease seeking workmen's compensation indicates that the system does not meet its intentions of providing for relief of workers for job-related illness. In the instance of beryllium disease there is undue delay in adjudication of the compensation. This delay has its origin in part from litigation over the diagnosis and disability on the part of private insurers and in part on failure of the IAB to press for findings. Moreover, the process of litigation and delay may produce significant psychological distress. For others the compensation for a chronic disability is inadequate. Whether compensation acts as a system of relief depends on whether the patient has a working husband or wife. Among the women here with beryllium disease, the system worked only to the extent that they could rely on their husbands. Compensation benefits should be provided in accord with rises in the cost of living index. Compensation boards should press for prompt settlement of claims.