Kitty Shum

The applicant was injured in a snowmobile accident and sought a determination that he sustained a catastrophic impairment due to a mental or behavioural disorder.

The respondent disputed the catastrophic impairment designation and denied several treatment plans and assessments.

The adjudicator found that the applicant sustained a catastrophic impairment, concluding he had marked impairments in activities of daily living, social functioning, and adaptation, despite the respondent's reliance on social media posts showing the applicant travelling.

The adjudicator awarded the disputed treatment plans at the catastrophic impairment rates and awarded HST on the assessments, but capped the assessment fees at the $2,000 statutory maximum.

Claims for a special award and costs were dismissed.

The applicant sought a determination that she was catastrophically impaired under Criterions 7 and 8 of the Statutory Accident Benefits Schedule following a 2017 motor vehicle accident, along with payment for disputed treatment and assessment plans.

The Tribunal found that the applicant's expert on visual impairment failed to follow the AMA Guides' testing methods, resulting in the rejection of the 24% WPI rating for diplopia.

The Tribunal also adjusted the applicant's psychological impairment ratings, finding them inconsistent with her demonstrated functional abilities.

Consequently, the applicant did not meet the threshold for catastrophic impairment under either criterion.

The claims for psychological services and catastrophic impairment assessments were dismissed for lack of evidence demonstrating they were reasonable and necessary.

The respondent's request for costs due to the applicant's late withdrawal of Criterion 4 was also dismissed.

The applicant sought a determination that he sustained a catastrophic impairment following a motor vehicle accident, claiming a whole person impairment of 55% or more.

The Tribunal reviewed extensive medical evidence and expert testimony regarding the applicant's physical and psychological impairments, including gait derangement, spine impairment, traumatic brain injury, and mental/behavioural disorders.

The Tribunal concluded the applicant's combined whole person impairment was 41%, falling short of the 55% threshold.

Consequently, claims for attendant care beyond the 104-week limit were dismissed.

The Tribunal partially approved treatment plans for a chronic pain program, chiropractic spinal manipulation, and psychotherapy, subject to remaining policy limits.

Claims for a special award and costs were dismissed.