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

The Administrative Appeals Tribunal considered an application by Ms. Coutts for a Disability Support Pension, which had been refused by the Secretary of the Department of Social Services. The dispute centred on whether Ms. Coutts met the eligibility criteria for the pension, specifically concerning the severity and impact of her diagnosed medical conditions.

The Tribunal was required to determine whether Ms. Coutts' conditions were fully diagnosed, treated, and stabilised during the relevant period, and whether these conditions resulted in a minimum of 20 impairment points as assessed under the relevant social security legislation. Ms. Coutts contended that she suffered from diabetes, obesity, lower back pain, peripheral neuropathy, osteochondritis dissecans in both ankles, and other ailments.

The Tribunal found that the available medical evidence contemporaneous with or probative of Ms. Coutts' conditions during the relevant period was insufficient to establish the required level of impairment. While acknowledging that her conditions may have worsened or new ailments may have manifested since that period, the Tribunal concluded that her impairments attracted only 15 impairment points. Consequently, the Tribunal affirmed the decision under review, finding that Ms. Coutts did not qualify for the Disability Support Pension. The Tribunal noted that a fresh application, supported by updated and comprehensive medical evidence, might yield a more favourable outcome.