Bell and Secretary, Department of Social Services (Social services second review)

This matter concerned an appeal by Mr Bell against a decision by the Secretary of the Department of Social Services to reject his application for a disability support pension. The Administrative Appeals Tribunal was required to determine whether Mr Bell's impairments were fully diagnosed, treated, and stabilised, and whether he had a continuing inability to work.

The Tribunal considered Mr Bell's left shoulder condition, cervical spine condition, and osteoarthritis in his knees. While the shoulder and cervical spine conditions were found to be fully diagnosed during the claim period, the Tribunal found they were not fully treated or stabilised, given ongoing investigations and treatment, including physiotherapy and cortisone injections, both during and after the claim period. Similarly, Mr Bell's osteoarthritis, which was awaiting knee replacement operations, was not considered fully treated or stabilised.

Furthermore, the Tribunal was not satisfied that Mr Bell had a continuing inability to work for at least 15 hours per week for the next two years. Consequently, Mr Bell did not meet the requirements for a disability support pension. The decision under review was affirmed.