S.M. Elliot

The worker appealed a decision regarding the arrears dates for increases to their permanent disability award, as well as the denial of entitlement to chronic pain disability and psychotraumatic disability benefits.

The Appeals Resolution Officer upheld the arrears dates established by the medical consultants, finding no objective evidence of increased impairment prior to those dates.

The appeals for chronic pain and psychotraumatic disability were also denied, as the worker's pain was explained by organic findings and there were no diagnostic findings compatible with the criteria for psychotraumatic disability.

The worker suffered a work-related right knee injury in 2006 and subsequently underwent a total knee replacement in 2008.

The WSIB initially denied entitlement for the surgery, concluding it was for a pre-existing osteoarthritic condition rather than the compensable injury.

The Appeals Resolution Officer allowed the worker's appeal, finding that the compensable injury permanently aggravated the underlying osteoarthritis, which progressed post-accident, bringing the total knee replacement within the scope of entitlement.