Case Name: In the Matter of Linda Dobson, Petitioner, v. Cesar Perales, as Commissioner of the New York State Department of Social Services, et al., Respondents
Court: New York Supreme Court, Appellate Division
Jurisdiction: New York
Decision Date: 1991-07-12
Citations: 175 A.D.2d 628
Docket Number: 
Parties: In the Matter of Linda Dobson, Petitioner, v Cesar Perales, as Commissioner of the New York State Department of Social Services, et al., Respondents.
Judges: 
Reporter: Appellate Division Reports
Volume: 175
Pages: 628–628

Head Matter:
In the Matter of Linda Dobson, Petitioner, v Cesar Perales, as Commissioner of the New York State Department of Social Services, et al., Respondents.

Opinion:
— Determination unanimously annulled on the law without costs and petition granted, in accordance with the following Memorandum: Petitioner's proof established that, in order for her to participate in therapy or training, go to her gynecologist, attend community or social affairs, or visit her family, she needed a lightweight customized wheelchair. The record shows that the powered wheelchair she owned could not be used for those purposes and that using a standard manual wheelchair aggravated her medical condition. Her therapist, caseworker and doctor indicated that the use of a standard manual wheelchair caused petitioner to have pressure sores and back pains, aggravated her hiatal hernia, and predisposed her to the dislocation of joints. Petitioner was also required to use a manual wheelchair during the almost monthly repair or maintenance to her powered wheelchair. Because respondent Perales did not offer any contrary proof, the determination that a customized wheelchair was not "medically necessary" to prevent, correct, or cure petitioner's condition (see, Social Services Law § 365-a) was not supported by substantial evidence (cf, Matter of Coffey v D'Elia, 61 NY2d 645). We therefore annul the respondent's determination and grant the petition. (Article 78 Proceeding Transferred by Order of Supreme Court, Erie County, Fudeman, J.) Present — Boomer, J. P., Pine, Balio, Lawton and Davis, JJ.