A. D'Ambrosio

The worker, a machinist, appealed a decision denying entitlement for bilateral hand osteoarthritis.

The worker claimed the condition developed gradually due to the repetitive nature of his work duties.

The Appeals Resolution Officer reviewed medical evidence, including opinions from WSIB medical consultants, which concluded that primary osteoarthritis has a multifactorial etiology primarily associated with age, and could not be specifically linked to the worker's job duties.

The objection was denied, and entitlement was not granted.

The worker suffered a compensable knee contusion at work and received loss of earnings benefits until she returned to modified duties.

She later claimed a recurrence and further loss of earnings benefits, arguing her ongoing knee problems were related to the workplace injury.

The Appeals Resolution Officer denied the objection, finding that the worker's ongoing symptoms were due to significant pre-existing, non-compensable degenerative osteoarthritis rather than the initial soft tissue injury, and noted a lack of medical continuity following her return to work.