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

This matter concerned an appeal by the Applicant against a decision of the Secretary, Department of Social Services, regarding the Applicant's eligibility for a Disability Support Pension (DSP). The appeal was heard by P E Nolan SM.

The central legal issues before the Tribunal were whether the Applicant's medical conditions were fully diagnosed, treated, and stabilised during the relevant period, and whether these conditions, if properly assessed, would result in an impairment rating of at least 20 points. Specifically, the Tribunal considered the Applicant's spinal condition, hypertension, and hearing impairment.

The Tribunal noted that the Applicant's conditions, as presented, could not be assigned impairment points because they were not listed on the application in a manner that allowed for such assessment. Consequently, the Applicant did not meet the threshold of 20 impairment points required for a DSP. The Applicant acknowledged that her current condition is worse than at the time of her application, leading the Tribunal to suggest that a new application with updated medical evidence might be beneficial. The decision under review was affirmed.