MIG Update – August 30, 2021

No CNRs Submitted, No Problem

Last week we reported on a chronic pain escape case where the gap in family doctor records was found not determinative. This week we report on another MIG escape involving a psychological impairment where the absence of CNRs did not preclude the Applicant from meeting their burden of proof.

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Factor: Absence of CNRs Not Determinative

In Janaratharajan v Aviva (20-007920), a September 2018 loss, Janaratharajan relied upon a December 2019 report where his physician (whose practice focuses on pain management) diagnosed her with depression, anxiety and moderate post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

‘The Respondent took issue with the diagnoses as they fell outside of the physician’s expertise. The Respondent argued that no clinical notes and records (CNRs) had been submitted as part of the evidence for the hearing. It relied on a January 2021 psychological IE which concluded that while Janaratharajan currently presented with mild to possible low-moderate “distress,” she did not meet the criteria for any mental health diagnosis.

‘MIG escape’ – The Tribunal’s findings:

• “It is well settled that chronic pain syndrome includes a psychological component.”
• No evidence that Janaratharajan’s s.25 assessor, as a physician, cannot make psychological diagnoses
• The IE also supports a finding that Janaratharajan suffered a psychological impairment
• Both s.25 and s.44 assessments administered testing which both revealed mild depression and anxiety; however, the IE disregarded the valid test results without providing any analysis as to why Janaratharajan did not meet any diagnostic criteria
• The pre-screen report is further supporting evidence of psychological impairment
• The absence of CNRs does not preclude an applicant from being found to have proven on a balance of probabilities that their injuries require treatment beyond the MIG

Related MIG Monday Issue:

Family Doctor Records Not Determinative

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