Kruljac and Australian Postal Corporation (Compensation)

This matter concerned claims made by Mr Robert Kruljac against the Australian Postal Corporation for various injuries sustained during his employment. The dispute involved multiple applications before the Tribunal, primarily concerning Mr Kruljac's entitlement to compensation for aggravation of cervical spondylosis, a left shoulder injury, secondary stress and anxiety, and the payment of medication and certain periods of incapacity. The Tribunal was required to determine the validity of these claims and the extent of Australia Post's liability.

The legal issues before the Tribunal included whether Mr Kruljac's incapacity to work more than a limited number of hours per day constituted a reasonable excuse for not undertaking a rehabilitation program, thereby preventing the suspension of his compensation rights. The Tribunal also had to consider Australia Post's liability for medication, specifically Lyrica, and for stress and anxiety as a secondary condition to his physical injuries. Furthermore, the Tribunal was tasked with assessing the validity of claims for periods of absence from work due to the effects of pain medication and the accuracy of medical certificates provided in support of these claims.

The Tribunal's reasoning involved a careful consideration of the evidence presented by Mr Kruljac and various medical experts, including treating doctors and specialists. While acknowledging concerns about the medical basis for some opinions, the Tribunal ultimately accepted that Mr Kruljac's limited work capacity provided a reasonable excuse for not engaging in a rehabilitation program, referencing the Federal Court decision in *Nunez*. The Tribunal set aside the decision suspending Mr Kruljac's compensation rights and the decision regarding liability for stress/anxiety, remitting these matters for reconsideration. However, the Tribunal affirmed the decisions concerning the cessation of liability for the left shoulder injury, the denial of payment for Lyrica, and the claim for 14 days of absence due to pain medication effects, noting issues with the supporting documentation.