S. Crisostomo

The worker appealed an Adjudicator's decision denying initial entitlement to WSIB benefits for an allergic reaction allegedly caused by exposure to nitrile gloves at work.

The Appeals Resolution Officer reviewed the medical evidence, placing significant weight on the opinion of an occupational allergist who concluded the worker's symptoms were not compatible with a typical allergic reaction to gloves.

The Appeals Resolution Officer found no evidence that workplace exposure significantly contributed to the worker's symptoms and denied the appeal.

The worker appealed a decision denying WSIB entitlement for pulmonary fibrosis and emphysema allegedly caused by occupational asbestos exposure while working as an HVAC technician.

The Appeals Resolution Officer reviewed the medical evidence, including opinions from a respirologist and an occupational medical consultant, both of whom concluded the lung disease was secondary to an underlying connective tissue disease rather than asbestos exposure.

The appeal was denied, as the worker's employment exposure was found not to be a significant contributing factor to the development of the conditions.

The worker, a firefighter, sustained a work-related laceration to his left little finger and subsequently developed herpetic whitlow at the site of the cut.

The Case Manager initially denied entitlement for the herpetic whitlow as a secondary condition.

On appeal, the Appeals Resolution Officer found that the break in the worker's skin from the workplace injury provided a means of entry for the herpes simplex virus.

Relying on medical opinions establishing a causal association, the Officer concluded that the herpetic whitlow was a secondary condition resulting from the work-related laceration.

The worker's appeal was allowed.

The worker appealed a decision denying entitlement for chemical-induced dermatitis/eczema related to workplace exposure to oven cleaner.

The Appeals Resolution Officer found that the worker's use of EASY-OFF Heavy Duty Oven Cleaner on April 15, 2024, significantly contributed to the development of contact dermatitis on their right wrist and hand.

The delay in seeking medical attention was deemed reasonable as the worker initially attempted self-treatment.

The appeal was allowed, granting initial entitlement for the condition.

The worker appealed a decision denying entitlement to the reimbursement of costs for medical cannabis to treat his compensable Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).

The Appeals Resolution Officer found that the worker was not severely impaired as defined by policy, and that there was insufficient reliable medical or scientific evidence demonstrating the effectiveness of cannabis for treating PTSD.

The worker's objection was denied.

The worker, a long-haul truck driver, suffered work-related bilateral shoulder injuries resulting in permanent restrictions.

After the employer terminated his employment, the worker secured new employment and received partial Loss of Earnings (LOE) benefits.

The employer subsequently offered the worker a Highway Driver position, which the worker declined.

The Appeals Resolution Officer found that the employer came into compliance with their co-operation obligations by making the job offer.

However, the job offer was deemed not suitable because the employment contract superseded any verbal or written assurances and included physical requirements exceeding the worker's restrictions.

The worker was granted partial LOE benefits based on his actual earnings with his new employer.

The worker's estate appealed a decision denying initial entitlement for mesothelioma.

The worker, a teacher from 1969 to 2000, was diagnosed with mesothelioma in 2007 and passed away in 2010.

The estate argued the disease was caused by asbestos exposure in the school, specifically in a map storage room where damaged asbestos pipe insulation was present.

The Appeals Resolution Officer found that the worker was exposed to friable asbestos fibres in the map room, which he accessed daily.

Relying on the medical opinion of the worker's treating oncologist and the latency period consistent with asbestos exposure, the Officer concluded that the occupational exposure significantly contributed to the development of mesothelioma.

The appeal was allowed.

The worker appealed a decision regarding his Non-Economic Loss (NEL) award for a psychotraumatic disability resulting from a workplace right shoulder injury.

The worker sought an increase from the 10% rating and objected to a 25% reduction applied for a pre-existing psychological impairment.

The Appeals Resolution Officer found that the worker's impairment level was compatible with a Class 3 Moderate Impairment, increasing the NEL award to 20%.

Furthermore, the Officer determined that the worker's pre-existing depression was well-controlled prior to the accident and of minor medical significance, meaning no reduction should be applied to the NEL award.

The worker's objection was allowed.

The worker appealed a decision denying entitlement for irritable larynx syndrome allegedly caused by workplace exposure to dust and fumes.

The Appeals Resolution Officer reviewed the medical evidence, placing significant weight on the opinion of an Ear Nose and Throat specialist who questioned the diagnosis.

Finding no confirmed diagnosis of irritable larynx syndrome, the appeal was denied.