Application for dental benefits dismissed as applicant failed to prove TMJ impairment was accident-related.
The applicant sought statutory accident benefits for dental treatment plans totaling $4,310.00 following a motor vehicle accident.
The insurer denied the plans, arguing the applicant's temporomandibular joint (TMJ) issues were not caused by the accident.
The Licence Appeal Tribunal reviewed the medical evidence and found that the applicant had a pre-existing history of nocturnal teeth clenching and TMJ symptoms that were substantially similar to her post-accident complaints.
Applying the 'but for' test for causation, the Tribunal concluded the applicant failed to establish that her TMJ impairments were sustained as a result of the accident.
The application for medical benefits was dismissed.
OLATOntario Licence Appeal TribunalMay 23, 2018