Howes and Comcare [2015] AATA 921
Key Points
- The Tribunal considered whether breast reduction surgery
constituted reasonable medical treatment obtained in relation to
the compensable injuries.
- The Tribunal found that in the circumstances, breast reduction
surgery was not obtained in relation to the compensable
injuries.
Background
Ms Howes commenced work at the Australian Taxation Office in
August 2003. As a result of her consistent use of the computer, in
April 2005, Ms Howes began suffering from intermittent neck pain.
In July 2005, she had constant neck and shoulder pain. Ms Howe
submitted a workers' compensation claim in September 2005.
Comcare accepted liability for "intervertebral disc
disorder – cervical region, sprain of the shoulder and right
arm, subacromial bursitis (right arm) and erosion of her teeth
(caused by grinding her teeth at night in response to the
pain)."
