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

This matter concerned an application by Ms Wadeson for a Disability Support Pension (DSP) following the cancellation of her existing pension. The dispute centred on whether Ms Wadeson's medical conditions, at the time of cancellation, met the criteria for DSP under section 94 of the *Social Security Act 1991* (Cth). The case was heard by Dr I Alexander, Senior Member.

The legal issues before the Tribunal were whether Ms Wadeson's impairments were fully diagnosed, treated, and stabilised, whether her impairments totalled 20 points or more under the Impairment Tables, and whether she had a continuing inability to work. These questions were crucial to determining if she qualified for the DSP.

The Tribunal found that the medical evidence provided was largely incomplete and lacked the necessary detail to support Ms Wadeson's claimed diagnoses and the severity of her functional impairments. While conditions such as chronic pain from osteoarthritis and obesity were identified as having a significant impact, the evidence did not convincingly demonstrate generalised osteoarthritis or provide a satisfactory assessment of functional impairment related to obesity. Furthermore, there was insufficient evidence to support claims of RSI, COPD, peripheral neuritis, or significant renal impairment at the time of cancellation. Consequently, the Tribunal was not satisfied that a rating of 20 points or more under the Impairment Tables could be assigned.

The Tribunal concluded that Ms Wadeson did not satisfy the requirements of section 94(1)(b) of the *Social Security Act 1991* at the date of cancellation. Therefore, the decision to cancel her DSP was affirmed.