C. Rubino

The worker objected to the denial of entitlement to a permanent disability reassessment for neck and back injuries sustained in a 1989 workplace accident.

The worker's permanent disability pension had previously been increased to 40 per cent.

The Appeals Resolution Officer reviewed recent medical reports from the worker's family doctor, which showed a further reduction in the range of motion of the cervical spine and new radicular symptoms in the left leg.

The Appeals Resolution Officer concluded that these findings provided evidence of deterioration and granted the worker entitlement to a permanent disability reassessment.

The worker, an auto mechanic, appealed the denial of entitlement for bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS).

He argued the CTS was related either to a prior compensable neck injury or to his repetitive work duties involving vibratory equipment.

The Appeals Resolution Officer accepted the medical opinions that the worker's job duties were the primary cause of the CTS, with the neck injury potentially masking the delayed onset of symptoms.

The appeal was allowed, and initial entitlement for bilateral CTS was granted on a disablement basis.