In 2000, when the claimant was seven years old, he injured his knee while on a TTC bus. The claimant’s mother applied for NEBs on his behalf. The OCF-3 submitted by the claimant’s family physician did not support entitlement to NEBs. In 2001, the TTC sent correspondence to the claimant stating that NEBs were not payable until the claimant turned 16 years old, and that he did not meet the NEB test regardless. In 2010, when the claimant was 17 years old, the claimant’s mother requested that the matter be re-opened and that NEBs be paid. The TTC responded reiterating its earlier denial. In 2017, the claimant submitted an Election in support of NEBs. The TTC responded with copies of the earlier correspondence denying NEBs. In 2018, the claimant submitted a new OCF-3 supporting NEBs. The TTC assessed the claimant pursuant to section 36, and denied NEBs again based on the IEs. In 2020, the claimant applied to the LAT disputing NEBs. The TTC argued that the limitation period barred the claim. Vice Chair Boyce agreed with the insurer and held that the LAT dispute was barred. The TTC issued valid denials in 2001, 2010, and 2017. Without deciding which date specifically started the limitation period, the claimant initiated his LAT dispute more than two years of even the 2017 denial. Vice Chair Boyce declined to extend the limitation period using section 7 of the LAT Act. The accident was over 20 years prior; there were three valid denials over two decades; and the claimant took no steps to dispute entitlement in 2010 when he turned 16. Additionally, the TTC would be prejudiced in obtaining medical evidence and determining causation now 20 years after the accident.
