File Review

An appeal can be decided by a file review if all the issues are easy to understand from the file documents. The panel reaches a decision after it conducts a full review of the file documentation and any written evidence submitted by the parties with a direct interest. If an appeal is decided by a file review, parties do not have to appear in person before the appeal panel. Some examples of appeals commonly decided by file review include:

• most assessment appeals
• factual matters such as the level of average earnings
• applications for an increase in permanent partial impairment where no wage loss is involved
• payment of medical aid/travel expenses
• appeals where the facts of the case are not in dispute