The postinjury return-to-work (RTW) status of 502 injured workers in Montana who were referred for vocational rehabilitation services between 1984 and 1991 was examined to determine which variables improved the capacity to predict RTW outcomes after injury. Predictor variables included age, education, attorney involvement, mandated vocational rehabilitation, and time from injury to referral. The number of years of preinjury education was found to be a strong predictor of postinjury RTW outcomes. Age, attorney involvement, mandated vocational rehabilitation, and timely provision of services were also found to be significant predictors.

This is a retrospective study that examined predictor variables for postinjury employment outcome of workers' compensation claimants with back injury. Vocational status (returned to work, not returned to work) was used to reflect employment outcome. Using a binary stepwise logistical regression analysis, we found that education, age, physical demands of the job at injury, and mandated vocational rehabilitation independently added information that enhanced the ability to predict claimants who would return to work. The findings support the position that providers of vocational rehabilitation services must be aware of the influence specific demographic and vocational factors may have on employment outcomes for workers' compensation claimants with back injury.