He came to us to complain last week that the injury to his eye requires a very expensive surgery, one which he can't afford. He says that as a contributing member of Social Security, he is upset that SSB is refusing to allow his injury benefit claim. He says that without it, he is at a very high risk of developing complications which could kill him.

Well today, Social Security sent out a press release to explain its position on the issue. The release says that on December 22, Tesecum submitted a claim for injury benefit. They investigated his injury, and they concluded that the accident, quote, "did not occur out of and in the course of Mr. Tesecum's employment as is required by the legislation", End quote.

So, they refused to approve his claim for injury benefit, but he qualified for sickness benefit. So, as a result, Social Security paid his weekly remuneration.

Social Security confirmed that Tesecum has appealed the decision on his injury benefit claim, as is his right under the law, and an independent Appeal Tribunal heard the appeal on February 13. SSB notes that a decision is pending, and as soon as the Tribunal has given its formal written decision on his case, it will be provided to Tesecum.