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

This matter concerned an application for a disability support pension (DSP) by the applicant, Meeldijk, against a decision by the Secretary, Department of Social Services. The core dispute revolved around whether the applicant's physical, intellectual, or psychiatric impairments met the threshold required for a DSP. The decision was made by Senior Member A Poljak.

The legal issues before the Tribunal were whether the applicant had physical, intellectual, or psychiatric impairments, whether these conditions were fully diagnosed, treated, and stabilised during the relevant period, and crucially, whether these impairments attracted 20 points or more under the Impairment Tables.

The Tribunal's reasoning focused on the lack of sufficient evidence to support the applicant's claims for impairment ratings. For neurological conditions, a report indicated a normal neurological examination and a lack of capacity to assess mental health or intellectual disability, with a recommendation for further assessment by a psychologist or social worker. While the applicant had attended consultations, there was no evidence of a mental health condition during the relevant period, thus no impairment rating was granted. Regarding high blood pressure and high cholesterol, the Tribunal found insufficient evidence of functional impact, verification, or that these conditions were fully diagnosed, treated, and stabilised. Consequently, the applicant's conditions warranted a total impairment rating of zero points, failing to meet the 20-point threshold under section 94(1)(b) of the relevant Act.

As the applicant's total impairment rating did not reach 20 points, the Tribunal affirmed the decision under review, meaning the claim for DSP could not succeed. The applicant was advised that he could apply for DSP again at any time.