Chantal Reid

The worker suffered a compensable psychological injury after speaking with a suicidal caller.

The case manager determined that the worker had achieved maximum medical recovery by September 2020 with no permanent impairment.

The worker objected, arguing they still required accommodations and suffered from ongoing impairment.

The Appeals Resolution Officer allowed the appeal, finding that the treating psychologist's reports indicated the worker remained at risk for relapses, had ongoing functional impairments, and required further support.

The matter was remitted to the operating area to determine if maximum medical recovery had yet been achieved.

The worker, a prep cook for over 18 years, appealed the denial of initial entitlement for a left shoulder injury.

The worker claimed the injury, diagnosed as rotator cuff tendinitis, subacromial bursitis, and biceps tenosynovitis, was a gradual onset disablement caused by heavy and repetitive work duties.

The Appeals Resolution Officer reviewed the worker's extensive daily tasks, which involved significant over-shoulder reaching and lifting.

Finding the medical evidence and job duties compatible with the injury, the Officer allowed the appeal and granted entitlement to benefits, including surgery and associated loss of earnings.

The worker, a light-duty cleaner, appealed a decision denying initial entitlement to benefits for a low back injury.

The worker alleged experiencing immediate severe low back pain after finishing work duties but delayed reporting the injury and seeking medical attention.

The Appeals Resolution Officer applied the five-point check system and the 'four immediates' test, finding no proof of a work-related accident.

The evidence showed the worker initially claimed sick leave, had a pre-existing symptomatic low back condition, and denied a specific injury when first seeking medical care.

The worker's objection was denied.

The worker suffered a right shoulder fracture at work in 2015 and initially returned to work after conservative treatment.

Years later, the worker developed avascular necrosis and severe osteoarthritis requiring a reverse shoulder arthroplasty.

The case manager denied entitlement for the surgery, finding the worker had fully recovered in 2015.

On appeal, the Appeals Resolution Officer found the worker had not fully recovered and that the need for surgery was a significant deterioration clinically compatible with the original injury.

The worker's objection was allowed, granting entitlement to health care benefits for the recurrence.