E. Parsons

The worker, an Educational Assistant, appealed the denial of initial entitlement for a mental stress injury (PTSD and MDD) following multiple physical assaults by students.

The Appeals Resolution Officer found the incidents were objectively traumatic and the medical evidence supported that the cumulative effect of these workplace events directly caused the worker's psychological conditions.

The appeal was allowed, granting entitlement under the Traumatic Mental Stress policy, and the date of injury was set to the date of the final incident.

The worker appealed a Case Manager's decision that found them partially impaired, identified Customer and Information Service Representative as a suitable occupation (SO), and awarded partial loss of earnings (LOE) benefits.

The Appeals Resolution Officer found that while the worker was partially impaired and the SO was physically safe, the worker lacked the transferrable skills and cognitive abilities for the role.

Given the worker's age, lack of skills, and complex non-compensable medical issues, the worker was deemed competitively unemployable.

The appeal was allowed, and the worker was granted full LOE benefits from June 3, 2020, until they turned 65 on January 24, 2022.

The worker appealed a Return-to-Work Specialist's decision that identified Computer Network Technician - Systems Administrator as a suitable occupation and approved an associated Work Transition plan.

The worker, who sustained physical and psychological injuries after falling through a floor hole, argued the occupation was not suited to their transferrable skills or functional abilities.

The Appeals Resolution Officer found that while the occupation was within the worker's physical functional abilities, it was not suited to their transferrable skills, aptitudes, or education, noting significant gaps in English literacy and math skills.

The Work Transition plan was also found inappropriate as it did not sufficiently address these proficiency gaps.

The worker's objection was allowed.

The worker appealed a decision denying entitlement to medical cannabis for neuropathic pain stemming from a 2012 workplace injury.

The Appeals Resolution Officer applied WSIB Policy 17-01-10 and found that while the worker had a designated condition, they had not exhausted conventional treatments, lacked an appropriate clinical assessment, and had contraindications that outweighed the benefits.

Furthermore, the prescribed dosage exceeded policy guidelines.

The appeal was dismissed.