The applicant sought medical benefits for a massage therapy chair and extended warranty. Adjudicator Ferguson held that the applicant was entitled to the benefit claimed as it was reasonable and necessary. The applicant was also entitled to interest on overdue payment of benefits due. The adjudicator preferred the applicant’s treatment plan from an occupational therapist and a physiatry report over Aviva’s evidence. Aviva relied on a letter from an occupational therapist who did not recommend the chair but provided no reason for his opinion. Additionally, Aviva’s submissions did not address pre- and post-levels of well-being or functionality, except for pain, whereas the applicant’s evidence found that a chair would increase the applicant’s physical activity and improve family interaction. Aviva further argued that the cost of the chair was unreasonable, but the adjudicator found that Aviva did not make a case that cheaper models were as effective and the applicant did not claim the most expensive model available.
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