Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease – Discontinuation of Smoking Offset for Non-Economic Loss Benefits

[EXTERNAL] The WSIB will no longer reduce non-economic loss and permanent disability benefits for most people with claims for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), who also have a smoking history. In some cases, we may still consider a pre-existing condition caused by smoking when determining non-economic loss or permanent disability benefits. We will also reconsider all decisions made on or after April 20, 2016, where we reduced non-economic loss or permanent disability benefits for people with COPD claims due to smoking.