Guide to the Assessment
of Rates of Veterans' Pensions
Department of Veterans' Affairs
Canberra
Guide to the Assessment
of Rates of Veterans' Pensions
Department of Veterans' Affairs
Canberra
Contents
Introduction ............................................................................................................ 1
How to Use this Guide ............................................................................................ 5
Medical Impairment ........................................................................................... 13
Part A: System Specific Assessment ….................................................................... 15
Chapter 1: Cardiorespiratory Impairment ............................................................ 17
Cardiorespiratory Worksheet ...................................................................... 42
Chapter 2: Hypertension and Non-Cardiac Vascular Conditions ......................... 43
Part 2.1: Hypertension ................................................................................. 43
Part 2.2: Vascular Conditions of the Lower Limb ....................................... 47
Part 2.3: Other Non-Cardiac Vascular Conditions ...................................... 52
Chapter 3: Impairment of Spine and Limbs ......................................................... 53
Part 3.1: Upper Limbs ................................................................................. 53
Part 3.2: Lower Limbs ................................................................................. 65
Part 3.3: Spine ............................................................................................. 77
Part 3.4: Resting Joint Pain ......................................................................... 83
Part 3.5: Ranges of Joint Movement ........................................................... 84
Part 3.6: Spine and Limbs Age Adjustment ................................................ 85
Spine and Limbs Worksheet ........................................................................ 87
Chapter 4: Emotional and Behavioural ................................................................ 89
Emotional and Behavioural Worksheet ..................................................... 100
Chapter 5: Neurological Impairment .................................................................. 103
Chapter 6: Gastrointestinal Impairment ..............................................................115
Part 6.1: Diseases of the Digestive System ................................................115
Part 6.2: Abdominal Wall Hernias and Obesity ........................................ 126
Chapter 7: Ear, Nose, and Throat Impairment .................................................... 127
Part 7.1: Hearing Loss and Tinnitus .......................................................... 127
Part 7.2: Ear, Nose, and Throat ................................................................. 150
Hearing Impairment Worksheets
Index .......................................................................................................... 152
Worksheets ................................................................................................ 153
Chapter 8: Visual Impairment ............................................................................ 159
Part 8.1: Impairment of Visual Function ................................................... 159
Part 8.2: Other Ocular Impairment ........................................................... 167
Visual Impairment Worksheet ................................................................... 168
Chapter 9: Renal and Urinary Tract Function .................................................... 169
Part 9.1: Renal Function ............................................................................ 169
Part 9.2: Lower Urinary Tract Function .................................................... 173
Chapter 10: Sexual Function, Reproduction, and Breasts .................................... 177
Part 10.1: Sexual Function ........................................................................ 178
Part 10.2: Reproduction ............................................................................ 182
Part 10.3: Breasts ....................................................................................... 187
Chapter 11: Skin Impairment .............................................................................. 189
Chapter 12: Endocrine and Haemopoietic Impairment ...................................... 193
Part 12.1: The Endocrine System .............................................................. 193
Part 12.2: The Haemopoietic System ........................................................ 197
Part B: Non-System Specific Assessment ........................................................... 199
Chapter 13: Negligible Impairment .................................................................... 201
Chapter 14: Malignant Conditions ..................................................................... 203
Chapter 15: Intermittent Impairment .................................................................. 209
Intermittent Impairment Worksheets ........................................................ 217
Chapter 16: Activities of Daily Living ............................................................... 219
Chapter 17: Disfigurement and Social Impairment ............................................ 225
Part C: Impairment Ratings: Combining, Apportioning, Partially
Contributing ....................................................................................................... 229
Chapter 18: Combined Values Chart .................................................................. 231
Chapter 19: Partially Contributing Impairment .................................................. 237
Chapter 20: Apportionment ................................................................................ 241
Chapter 21: Paired Organs Policy ....................................................................... 259
Lifestyle Effects ................................................................................................. 261
Chapter 22: Lifestyle Effects .............................................................................. 263
Degree of Incapacity ......................................................................................... 275
Chapter 23: Conversion to Degree of Incapacity ............................................... 277
Chapter 24: Degree of Incapacity for Specific Disabilities ................................ 279
Index ................................................................................................................... 281
Introduction
Purpose
This Guide is to be applied to assess the extent of incapacity from war-caused or defence-caused injury or disease. Its provisions are binding on the Repatriation Commission, the Veterans' Review Board, and the Administrative Appeals Tribunal.
Legal background
The Veterans' Entitlements Act 1986 (the Act) provides for pensions to veterans for incapacity resulting from war or defence-caused injuries and diseases (sections 13 and 70).
The terms "injury" and "disease" are defined in subsection 5D(1) of the Act. A veteran's incapacity is defined by subsection 5D(2) as the effects of that injury or disease.
The Act provides three fundamental rates of pension: a general rate, an intermediate rate, and a special rate.
Section 22 of the Act provides that the percentage of general rate of pension payable is to be determined by reference to the extent of the veteran's incapacity as assessed in accordance with this Guide. Section 29 of the Act provides that the Repatriation Commission prepare the Guide, setting out:
"(a) criteria by reference to which the extent of the incapacity of a veteran resulting
from war-caused injury or war-caused disease, or both, shall be assessed; and
(b) methods by which the extent of that incapacity, as assessed in accordance with those criteria, shall be expressed as a percentage of incapacity from that injury or disease, or both, being a percentage not exceeding one hundred per centum."
Subsection 22(4) of the Act sets out the criteria in accordance with this Guide that must be met in order to qualify for the extreme disablement adjustment.
Definitions
For the purposes of this Guide, and unless a contrary intention appears:
"Act" means the Veterans' Entitlements Act 1986 as amended from time to time;
"accepted condition" means an injury or disease that has been determined under the Act to be war-caused or defence-caused;
"add" means find the arithmetic sum of two or more numbers; "clinical features" includes signs and symptoms;
"combine" means produce a result by combining two or more numbers by applying Table 18.1 (Combined Values Chart) in Chapter 18 in accordance with that chapter;
"condition" means an injury or a disease;
"defence-caused injury" and "defence-caused disease" have the meaning given in section 70 of the Act;
"disease" has the meaning given by section 5D of the Act;
"Guide" means this Guide to the Assessment of Rates of Veterans' Pensions;
"impairment rating" means a measure of the degree of medical impairment due to accepted conditions, on a scale of 0 to 100;
"incapacity" has the meaning given in subsection 5D(2) of the Act; "injury" has the meaning given by section 5D of the Act;
"non-accepted condition" means an injury or disease that:
+ has not been determined under the Act to be war-caused or defence-caused;
or
+ has been determined under the Act not to be war-caused or defence-caused;
"Statement of Principles" means:
+ a Statement of Principles determined by the Repatriation Medical Authority under section 196B of the Act; or
+ a determination made by the Repatriation Commission under section 180A
of the Act; or
+ a statement of principles concerning a particular kind of injury or disease made available to the Veterans' Review Board by the Repatriation Commission under paragraph 138(2)(a) of the Act;
"veteran" means a person (including a deceased person) in respect of whom an injury or disease has been determined under the Act to be war-caused or defence-caused;
"war-caused injury" and "war-caused disease" have the meaning given in section 9 of the Act;
"worksheet" means a page or pages of this Guide, identified as a "worksheet",
Introduction
that gives a structure by which certain calculations may be set out to assist in determining an impairment rating.
Definitions of words and phrases that are used in only one chapter are to be found in that chapter.
Acknowledgment of sources
The following published works were found to be useful in the preparation of this edition of the Guide:
Guides to the Evaluation of Permanent Impairment, 4th edition, American Medical
Association, 1993;
International Classification of Impairments, Conditions, and Handicaps, World
Health Organisation, Geneva, 1980; and
Publication No 118 of the National Acoustic Laboratories, Improved Procedure for Determining Percentage Loss of Hearing, by J. Macrae, Australian Government Publishing Service, Canberra, 1988.
How to Use this Guide
The subject of assessment
This Guide is to be applied to assess the degree of incapacity from injuries or diseases or both that have been determined to be war-caused or defence-caused.
In making an assessment the clinical features of war-caused or defence-caused injuries or diseases are to be taken into account. Clinical features of sequelae of accepted conditions can only be assessed after the sequelae have been determined to be war- caused or defence-caused.
The elements of assessment
The two elements of the assessment of degree of incapacity are medical impairment and lifestyle effects. Lifestyle effects are dealt with in Chapter 22. Other chapters address medical impairment.
Medical impairment
Medical impairment has two components:
+ physical loss of, or disturbance to, any body part or system; and
+ the resultant functional loss.
Chapters 1 to 16 of the Guide contain two principal types of tables. Physical loss is to be rated against criteria in "Other Impairment" tables. Functional loss is to be rated against criteria in "Functional Loss" tables.
Greater emphasis has been given throughout this Guide to functional loss as a basis for assessment. It is measured by reference to an individual's performance efficiency compared with that of an average, healthy person of the same age and sex, in a set of defined vital functions. This is a means of compensating for the loss of ability to perform everyday functions.
Each table contains benchmark values, generally at intervals of five points. In some cases the range between nil and five includes a rating of two points. In some other cases intervals are greater than five points because lesser increments of impairment cannot be distinguished.
Each benchmark is a threshold value, that is, the rating applies only if the threshold is achieved or exceeded. Ratings are not to be rounded up to the next benchmark. Similarly, ratings between benchmark values contained in the tables are not to be interpolated.
In some tables more than one criterion is stated opposite a benchmark value. The different criteria are marked by dot points. Where more than one criterion is stated for a particular value, the condition being assessed only has to satisfy one of the criteria in order to attract the impairment rating of that value.
Each chapter contains step-by-step instructions to be followed in the use and application of the tables.
Whole person impairment
Medical impairment is expressed in impairment points, out of a maximum rating of
100. On this scale, zero points corresponds to no or negligible impairment from accepted conditions, and 100 points corresponds to death. Effectively, impairment points are percentages of the impairment of the whole person.
Functional loss
Medical impairment is measured chiefly by loss of vital functions, addressed in twelve system specific chapters, as follows:
+ Cardiorespiratory Impairment
+ Hypertension and Non-Cardiac Vascular Conditions
+ Impairment of Spine and Limbs
+ Emotional and Behavioural
+ Neurological Impairment
+ Gastrointestinal Impairment
+ Ear, Nose, and Throat Impairment
+ Visual Impairment
+ Renal and Urinary Tract Function
+ Sexual Function, Reproduction, and Breasts
+ Skin Impairment
+ Endocrine and Haemopoietic Impairment
Functional loss is to be rated against criteria in Functional Loss tables. Each functional loss associated with an accepted condition is to be identified and rated individually. In most cases a single condition gives rise to a single functional loss.
If there is a multisystem condition in which a single condition gives rise to multiple functional losses, then such a single condition is to be rated using several Functional Loss tables. The separate ratings are only to be combined with each other in the final combining of all ratings from all accepted conditions. If two or more conditions contribute to the same functional loss, a single rating only is to be given for that functional loss.
Other Impairment
Other Impairment is the physical loss of, or disturbance to, any body part or system. This concept is extended in some chapters to include discomfort, pain, poor prognosis and other, less tangible, effects of accepted conditions. It is to be rated against criteria in Other Impairment tables.
As a general rule, ratings from Other Impairment and Functional Loss tables are not to be combined for the same condition. Exceptions to this rule are expressly indicated in particular chapters. When ratings from both types of table can be applied, the higher rating is to be chosen.
Lifestyle effects
Lifestyle effects are to be assessed by applying Tables 22.1 to 22.5 in Chapter 22 in accordance with that chapter.
The tables
Types of Tables. There are five types of tables in the Guide. They are "Functional Loss", "Other Impairment", "Scale", "Procedural", and "Lifestyle". Each table carries its type identification and number in the top left hand corner.
Some chapters are divided into parts. The tables in these chapters carry a number in three segments (separated by full stops):
Table
7.1.1
Chapter Table
Number
Part
Number
Number
Tables in chapters not divided into parts carry a number in two segments:
Table
1.1
Chapter Table
Number Number
Gender Use. Some tables are for men only, some for women only, and others (the majority) are not gender specific. Each table is clearly marked in the top right hand corner:
+ the symbol means that the table is only to be used for the assessment of female veterans;
+ the symbol means that the table is only to be used for the assessment of male veterans;
+ the symbol means that the table may be used for either male or female
veterans.
Age Adjustment. Some tables incorporate age dependent criteria. Some other tables have no such criteria and require subsequent age adjustment by applying tables provided for that purpose.
Each table is clearly marked in the bottom left hand corner with instructions on age adjustment for ratings derived from that table.
Non-system specific assessments
There are five chapters describing alternate methods of assessing certain conditions. They are:
+ Chapter 13 Negligible Impairment
+ Chapter 14 Malignant Conditions
+ Chapter 15 Intermittent Impairment
+ Chapter 16 Activities of Daily Living
+ Chapter 17 Disfigurement and Social Impairment
A condition may be assessable under both system specific chapter(s) and non-system specific chapter(s), for example, carcinoma of the lung or epilepsy.
As a general rule, ratings from Chapters 14, 15, and 16 are not to be combined with any impairment ratings for the same condition derived from one or more system specific chapters. The impairment ratings from the system-specific chapters and the non-system specific chapters are to be compared and the higher impairment rating is to be selected.
Ratings from Chapters 13 and 17 are to be dealt with differently. Any applicable ratings from Chapters 13 and 17 are to be combined with any applicable ratings from other chapters in the final combining of all ratings.
Conditions and their sequelae
Only the clinical features of an accepted condition may be taken into account in making an assessment. If the accepted condition causes some other distinct and diagnosable condition (sequela), the symptoms of the sequela cannot be taken into
account when assessing the original accepted condition. Sequelae can only be assessed when they have themselves been separately determined to be war-caused or defence- caused.
As a general guide, a condition that is the subject of a Statement of Principles in force on 18 April 1998 should be taken as a separate disease entity. For the purposes of the preceding sentence, "Statement of Principles" has the meaning given to it on page 2 of this Guide.
Applying the instructions
To the extent of any inconsistency between an instruction in "How to Use this Guide" and a specific instruction concerning a particular matter in another chapter of this Guide, the specific instruction in that other chapter is to apply to that particular matter.
If assessment of impairment is not possible
If it is impossible to assess the impairment of an accepted condition that has previously been assessed under this or an earlier edition of the Guide, the impairment rating that was last given for that accepted condition (under this or the earlier edition of the Guide, as the case may be) is to be taken to be the impairment rating for that condition.
For example, if the veteran has an accepted visual loss, which at the last assessment had been given a rating of 15 impairment points, and is now afflicted with dementia, which prevents the assessment of that visual loss, the impairment rating for that visual loss would be taken to be 15 impairment points for the purposes of the current assessment.
If the impairment from a particular accepted condition has not previously been assessed (under this or an earlier edition of the Guide) and it is otherwise impossible to assess the impairment of that condition in accordance with this Guide, a best estimate must be made based on what medical and other evidence is available concerning the extent of impairment from that condition. Such assessment of impairment must take into account the contribution to impairment from other conditions and the expected course of the condition, including the effect of aging by reference to age adjustment tables, as appropriate. The impairment rating given by this method must be as consistent as possible with the relevant steps and tables in this Guide.
Pain and suffering
Pain and suffering have been taken into account in this Guide in the following manner:
+ if pain and suffering restrict everyday activities, the functional loss caused is rated in the appropriate table;
+ if pain and suffering occur without restriction to any activity the appropriate
Other Impairment table is used; and
+ allowance for pain and suffering is included in the lifestyle assessment.
Medication or treatment
In some cases, type of medication or treatment has been used as an indicator of the severity of disablement. Such tables contain appropriate criteria about medication. No additional rating is therefore required.
Persistent side effects of long term treatment are to be assessed as part of the condition being treated, using the appropriate system specific tables. Persistent side effects are those side effects of the treatment that persist during therapy but which resolve on (or shortly after) cessation of therapy.
Permanent side effects of long term treatment cannot be assessed as part of the condition being treated. Permanent side effects are those side effects of the treatment that persist during therapy and which do not resolve on (or shortly after) cessation of therapy. Such permanent side effects would generally be covered by a Statement of Principles. The permanent side effects must first be determined to be war-caused or defence-caused, before they can be assessed.
Time reference
The severity of many conditions fluctuates over time and may be better assessed by an averaging process. Therefore, because some criteria refer to the occurrence of symptoms during a period, it will be necessary to assess an averaged severity during that period. Twelve months is usually a suitable period, as it allows any seasonal fluctuation to be observed, but the period may be varied according to circumstances.
For tests done on a particular date, specifically spirometry, audiometry and creatinine clearance calculated from the formula, the veteran's age for the purpose of obtaining an impairment rating shall generally be his or her age on the date of the test.
Duration of assessment period
While the Act requires the assessment of a rate or rates of pension over an "assessment period" (see section 19 of the Act), that assessment can in practice only be made by reference to the available medical and other material that, of necessity, relates to a particular point or period in time. Therefore, the assessment of the impairment and lifestyle ratings during the "assessment period" must be based on the assessor's reasonable satisfaction as to those ratings throughout the assessment period, based on the available material. If there is a significant change in impairment or lifestyle during an assessment period, the assessment period must be divided into appropriate periods to reflect those changes, and separate assessments made of the degree of incapacity.
Apportionment of impairment ratings
It is sometimes necessary, for an accepted condition, to compare an impairment rating derived from one table with an impairment rating derived from another table. When two or more conditions contribute to the impairment ratings from either or
both tables, and comparison is necessary, the method called "apportionment" is to be applied before making the comparison.
Details of the application of apportionment are given in Chapter 20.
Paired organs policy
The paired organs policy is described in Chapter 21.
Combining impairment ratings
If all accepted conditions have been given impairment ratings, the ratings are to be combined by applying Table 18.1 (Combined Values Chart).
Details on how to apply Table 18.1 are given in Chapter 18.
The combined impairment rating obtained by applying Table 18.1 (Combined Values Chart) is to be rounded to the nearest five points. If Table 18.1 is not required to be applied because only one impairment rating has been obtained and that rating is not a multiple of five, that rating is to be rounded to the nearest five points (or to zero) to produce the impairment rating for the purposes of applying Table 23.1 in Chapter 23 (Conversion to Degree of Incapacity), and for the purposes of the extreme disablement adjustment.
Degree of incapacity
The combined impairment rating which is obtained by applying Chapter 18 (Combined Values Chart) is to be combined with the lifestyle rating to determine the degree of incapacity, by applying Table 23.1 (Conversion to Degree of Incapacity) in accordance with Chapter 23.
Degree of incapacity for specific disabilities
If a veteran has one or more accepted conditions that are listed in Column 1 of Table 24.1, then the degree of incapacity of the veteran must be determined in accordance with Chapter 24. The veteran’s degree of incapacity from accepted conditions determined by applying Chapters 1-23 of the Guide, is to be compared with the degree of incapacity determined by applying Chapter 24, and the higher degree of incapacity is to be taken. This is the veteran's final degree of incapacity from all accepted conditions.
NOTES
Medical Impairment
Part A:
System Specific
Assessment
Chapter 1
Cardiorespiratory Impairment
INTRODUCTION
Cardiorespiratory impairment results from conditions that affect the function of the heart or lungs. The procedures described in this chapter are to be applied in assessing most conditions of the heart and lungs, and will usually also be appropriate for conditions affecting the function of the thorax or diaphragm, lesions of the nerves that supply the muscles of respiration, and conditions such as anaemia. The principal exception is any condition which is predominantly intermittent in nature and which would be better assessed by applying Chapter 15 (Intermittent Impairment).
Different procedures (described in Chapter 2) are to be applied to assess hypertension and non-cardiac vascular conditions (such as aortic aneurysm and varicose veins).
In general, cardiorespiratory impairment is to be measured by reference to exercise tolerance. Exercise tolerance is quantified in terms of METs (see pages 26-27). However, if a respiratory component is present, measurements of lung function, such as forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1), forced vital capacity (FVC), and maximal expiratory flow (MEF25-75) are to be used in addition to exercise tolerance. FEV1 and FVC are to be measured by spirometry. For the purposes of assessment in accordance with this Guide, the terms "MEF25-75" and "FEF25-75" (forced expiratory flow between 25% and 75% of the vital capacity) are to be taken as equivalent.
The conversion of loss of exercise tolerance and measurements of lung function into an impairment rating is set out in Table 1.2 and Table 1.3.
Certain cardiorespiratory conditions cannot be rated by applying exercise tolerance. These include:
+ conditions that do not decrease exercise tolerance;
+ conditions that do not produce symptoms; and
+ intermittent conditions.
"Exercise tolerance" refers to a person's ability to exercise from a cardiorespiratory point of view rather than to a person's total ability to exercise. For example, a veteran who has osteoarthritis of both knees may be greatly limited in walking but may still be able to swim a considerable distance. Such a veteran would still have good exercise tolerance from a cardiorespiratory point of view, though total ability to exercise would be reduced.
A veteran whose ability to exercise has been significantly reduced by other conditions (such as musculoskeletal conditions or being grossly overweight), or who no longer has cardiac or respiratory symptoms on exercise, cannot always be given an appropriate impairment rating for reduced exercise tolerance. However, the need to apply Chapter 19 (Partially Contributing Impairment) should always be considered before disregarding exercise tolerance figures.
Calculation of the impairment rating for accepted cardiorespiratory conditions
Follow the steps below to determine the impairment rating for cardiorespiratory conditions:
(Each step is elaborated in the following pages.)
STEP Establish what cardiorespiratory conditions are Page
1 present. 19
STEP Assess the information that is available and decide Page
2 whether it is reliable and sufficient. 19
STEP Determine the impairment rating based on effort Page
3 tolerance. 21
STEP (Omit this step if no respiratory disease is present.) Page
4 Determine the impairment rating based on measure- 25
ments of lung function.
STEP Determine the total accepted cardiorespiratory Page
5 functional impairment rating. 32
STEP Consider the effects of cardiac failure (if any). Page
6 36
STEP Moderate the total cardiorespiratory functional Page
7 impairment rating to allow for effects of any non- 37
accepted conditions.
STEP Determine whether any ratings from the relevant Other Page
8 Impairment tables apply (Tables 1.7, 1.8, 1.9, 1.10). 37
Step 1: Establish what cardiorespiratory conditions are present.
For the purpose of assessing cardiorespiratory impairment, both the accepted and the non-accepted conditions are be taken into account. Both will affect the way in which cardiorespiratory functional impairment is calculated. (Their combined effect is taken into account in the application of Table 1.5 in Step 5.)
Any non-accepted conditions are to be subsequently allowed for by applying
Chapter 19 (Partially Contributing Impairment) see Step 7.
When considering the question: 'What cardiorespiratory conditions are present in this veteran?', it is not appropriate to rely simply on a list of accepted conditions. Both previously claimed but rejected cardiorespiratory conditions and unclaimed cardiorespiratory conditions may also be present.
Step 2: Assess the information that is available and decide whether it is reliable and sufficient.
To make a reliable cardiorespiratory assessment, there should be an adequate medical history of the veteran's cardiorespiratory conditions. In addition, there should be information relating to the veteran's effort tolerance and, if any respiratory disease is present, there should also be one or more sets of spirometry or other physiological measurements of respiratory function. The criteria by which the evaluation of the information is to be made are set out below.
Medical history
An adequate history of the veteran's illness and a description of the current symptoms and details of the current treatment should be available.
The history should be reviewed at the start of the cardiorespiratory assessment procedure to establish whether any major cardiorespiratory event (for example a myocardial infarction or bypass surgery) has occurred within the period of assessment.
An examination of the history will indicate whether any Other Impairment ratings (from Tables 1.7, 1.8, 1.9, 1.10) are applicable. For example, in the case of ischaemic heart disease, the history will reveal whether the veteran has had any myocardial infarctions, whether coronary bypass surgery has been performed and the outcome of any such surgery. In other cases, for example when respiratory disease is present, the current treatment will reveal whether any Other Impairment rating for cardiorespiratory conditions is applicable.
In long-standing respiratory conditions, there will often be a disease complex present that is more extensive than that implied by the original diagnostic label. For example, asthma may lead to chronic obstructive respiratory disease and chronic bronchitis may lead to small airways disease. Such extensions of the disease process are to be
assessed as part and parcel of the original condition unless there is clear reason why they should not be for example, they have been determined to be non-accepted conditions.
Effort tolerance
Effort tolerance information should always be obtained except if the veteran has a condition that renders the collection of reliable effort tolerance information impracticable.
Examples of conditions that may render the collection of reliable effort tolerance information impracticable include:
+ hemiparesis following a stroke;
+ quadriplegia or hemiplegia;
+ severe arthritis of the lower limbs; and
+ certain mental conditions such as dementia (in which the veteran's ability to co- operate or provide useful information may be restricted).
The date of the effort tolerance information used must be appropriate to the period of assessment: the effort tolerance information should be not more than six months older than the relevant time in the assessment period to which the information is to be applied.
Measurements of lung function
Spirometry should always be obtained if any condition affecting the function of the lungs is present unless it is not practicable or appropriate to perform spirometry because:
+ the veteran is very old or frail and cannot reasonably attend a clinic where
spirometry can be performed; or
+ the veteran lives in a remote locality and cannot reasonably attend a clinic where spirometry can be performed; or
+ the veteran's impairment from other accepted conditions is of such a degree that it would result in a combined impairment rating of at least 68 points.
The date of the spirometry used must be appropriate to the period of assessment: the spirometry should be not more than six months older than the relevant time in the assessment period to which the information is to be applied.
The nature of the spirometry should be appropriate: the nature of the spirometric readings should be consistent with the known conditions affecting the veteran and should also be consistent with such other information (eg, old spirometry) as is available or can reasonably be obtained. There should be no unexplained inconsistencies between the various reports.
If the nature of the spirometry cannot be reconciled with other relevant information, the spirometry may need to be repeated or the veteran referred to a respiratory physician for clarification of the situation.
If a veteran has emphysema, as evidenced by diminished carbon monoxide diffusing capacity, and diagnosed by a specialist respiratory physician, assessment can be made on the basis of effort tolerance alone.
Step 3: Determine the impairment rating based on effort tolerance.
To determine the impairment rating based on effort tolerance follow the substeps below.
(Each step is elaborated in the following pages.)
Substep
3A
Determine the symptomatic activity level by applying Table1.1 Activity Levels (with energy expenditure in METs).
Page
21
Substep
3B
Convert that symptomatic activity level into an impairment rating. This step involves consulting either Table 1.2 - Loss of Cardiorespiratory Function: Exercise Tolerance (Males); or Table 1.3 - Loss of Cardiorespiratory Function: Exercise
Tolerance (Females).
Page
25
After both substeps have been completed, a single rating will have been obtained. This rating is known as the impairment rating for effort tolerance.
If symptoms do not occur, a rating for the condition may be found in Table 1.6 (Cardiac Failure) if applicable, or in the relevant Other Impairment table.
Substep 3A: Determine the symptomatic activity level.
The symptomatic activity level is the exercise level (measured in METs) at which symptoms occur. One MET represents the energy expenditure associated with the consumption of 3.5 mL oxygen per kilogram of body weight per minute. Table 1.1 lists various activities grouped according to their energy expenditure in METs.
The symptomatic activity level is the level at which the activities from within any one METs category consistently give rise to symptoms of the accepted cardiorespiratory condition, such as angina, dyspnoea, palpitations, or fatigue. The symptomatic activity level may be determined by reference to a report specifically provided for the purpose as well as by reference to clinical notes and by comparison of the information with the activities listed in Table 1.1. (The symptomatic activity level may be determined by reference to activities other than those contained in Table 1.1 if the energy expenditure (in METs) of those activities is available in the medical or scientific literature.)
In determining the symptomatic activity level, greater reliance is to be placed on activities that involve steady, as opposed to sporadic, expenditure of energy. Such activities are more reliable as indicators of exercise tolerance. Less reliance is to be placed on activities that can be completed in less than a few minutes, as symptoms may take longer than this to occur.
Responses of the type ‘I cannot do such and such' or 'I do not do so and so' are not useful in assessing the symptomatic activity level. What must be established is that level of exercise that the veteran is able to do but which results in angina, breathlessness, or some other cardiorespiratory symptom.
Symptoms that occur while an activity is performed are not necessarily a result of the energy expenditure occasioned by the activity. Many specific activities can be performed in a way which would mean that they were no longer examples of the METs level in which they are placed in Table 1.1. For example, while driving a car sedately is an example of 2-3 METs, driving a car in a Grand Prix is not.
Estimations of exercise tolerance above the 6-7 METs level should only be made using exercise tests. The following activities are listed for information only.
7-8 METs + Chopping hardwood.
+ Very heavy exercise + Callisthenics.
+ Jogging (8 km/h). + Squash (non
+ Horseback riding (galloping). - competitive).
+ Carrying heavy objects
(30 kg) on level ground. 10+ METs
+ Sawing hardwood with + Running quickly hand tools. (10 km/h).
+ Cycling quickly (25 km/h).
8-9 METs Carrying loads (10 kg)
+ Running (9 km/h). up a gradient.
+ Skiing (cross-country). + Football (any code).
Alternate procedures for establishing the symptomatic activity level
1. The symptomatic activity level may be determined by exercise tests. These tests include:
+ use of treadmills; or
+ cycles; or
+ rowing machines.
Because of their greater objectivity, the results of exercise tests (when available) are to be used in preference to the method of calculating exercise tolerance as described above. Moreover, exercise tests must always be used to make an estimate of exercise tolerance above 6-7 METs.
2. If certain levels of activity have been prohibited by the treating doctor, because of the adverse effect the prohibited activity is likely to have on the veteran's health as a result of the accepted condition, then the level of exercise that has been prohibited may be regarded as the symptomatic activity level.
SCALE
1.1
CARDIORESPIRATORY IMPAIRMENT: ACTIVITY LEVELS (with energy expenditure in METs)
1-2 METs Energy expended at rest or minimal activity
2-3 METs Energy expended in dressing, washing and performing light house- hold duties
3-4 METs Energy expended in walking at an average pace
Ratings derived from METs are age adjusted
(continued next page)
SCALE
1.1 (cont'd)
CARDIORESPIRATORY IMPAIRMENT: ACTIVITY LEVELS (with energy expenditure in METs) continued
4-5 METs Moderate activity: encompasses more strenuous daily activities with the exclusion of manual labour and vigorous exercise
5-6 METs Heavy exercise: manual labour or vigorous sports
same time).
6-7 METs
The activities listed under each heading are examples. There will be other activities that have the same METs expenditure and hence can be used for reference if their METs level is known.
Ratings derived from METs are age adjusted
Substep 3B: Convert the symptomatic activity level into an impairment rating.
The symptomatic activity level is used, in conjunction with the veteran's age, height, and sex, to obtain an impairment rating.
In the case of a male, Table 1.2 is to be applied.
In the case of a female, Table 1.3 is to be applied.
For the purposes of Tables 1.2 and 1.3, a veteran's age is taken to be his or her age in whole years at the date of the report relating to the exercise tolerance (unless the report is of a retrospective type and clearly refers to some earlier period, in which case the veteran's age is taken to be his or her age in whole years at the relevant time).
Step 4: (Omit this step if no respiratory disease is present.) Determine the impairment rating based on measurements of lung function.
FEVl, FVC, and MEF25-75 are the usual physiological measurements of lung function. Determinations of FEVl, FVC, and MEF25-75 should be conducted by an experienced operator without specific administration of a bronchodilator. The best set of results should be selected, that is, the set of results which indicates the greatest degree of health and, consequently, the lowest degree of impairment.
If both pre-bronchodilator and post-bronchodilator results are available the pre- bronchodilator results are to be applied in determining the impairment rating based on measurements of lung function.
To determine the impairment rating based on measurements of lung function, follow the substeps below.
Substep Obtain the measured FEVl, FVC, and MEF25-75 from the data.
4A
Substep
4B
Work out the predicted FEVl, FVC, and MEF25-75 for a person of the
same age, height, and gender. This can be done either by applying the
nomograms Figure 1a (for males) or Figure 1b (for females) or by applying the formula relating to each nomogram.
Substep Express the measured FEV1 as a percentage of the predicted FEV1, and
4C Express the measured FVC as a percentage of the predicted FVC, and Express the measured MEF25-75 (if appropriate) as a percentage of the predicted MEF25-75.
These conversions are performed by applying the formula:
Measured value as % of predicted value =
Actual value x 100
Predicted value
Substep Determine an impairment rating from a physiological measurement by
4D using the percentage obtained in substep 4C in conjunction with Table
1.4. Separate impairment ratings can be obtained from each physiological
measurement (that is, from the FEV1, FVC, and MEF25-75).
Substep The final impairment rating is the highest (or equal highest) of the ratings
4E obtained in substep 4D.
Functional Loss
Table 1.2
LOSS OF CARDIORESPIRATORY FUNCTION: EXERCISE TOLERANCE
(Males)
Age Symptomatic Activity Level Age Symptomatic Activity Level
(METs*) (METs*)
less
than 1-2 2-3 3-4 4-5 5-6 6-7 7-8 8-9 10+ 1-2 2-3 3-4 4-5 5-6 6-7 7-8 8-9 10+
25 | 90 | 80 | 70 | 60 | 50 | 40 | 30 | 20 | 10 | 55 | 80 | 70 | 55 | 40 | 25 | 15 | 10 |
25 | 90 | 80 | 70 | 60 | 50 | 40 | 30 | 20 | 10 | 56 | 80 | 70 | 54 | 39 | 24 | 15 | 9 |
26 | 90 | 80 | 70 | 60 | 50 | 40 | 30 | 20 | 10 | 57 | 80 | 69 | 53 | 38 | 23 | 14 | 8 |
27 | 89 | 80 | 70 | 59 | 48 | 38 | 28 | 19 | 10 | 58 | 80 | 69 | 52 | 37 | 22 | 14 | 7 |
28 | 89 | 80 | 70 | 59 | 47 | 37 | 27 | 19 | 10 | 59 | 80 | 68 | 51 | 36 | 21 | 13 | 6 |
29 | 88 | 80 | 70 | 58 | 46 | 36 | 26 | 18 | 10 | 60 | 80 | 68 | 50 | 35 | 20 | 13 | 5 |
30 | 88 | 80 | 70 | 58 | 45 | 35 | 25 | 18 | 10 | 61 | 80 | 67 | 49 | 34 | 19 | 12 | 4 |
31 | 87 | 80 | 70 | 57 | 44 | 34 | 24 | 17 | 10 | 62 | 80 | 67 | 48 | 33 | 18 | 12 | 3 |
32 | 87 | 80 | 70 | 57 | 43 | 33 | 23 | 17 | 10 | 63 | 80 | 66 | 47 | 32 | 17 | 11 | 2 |
33 | 86 | 80 | 70 | 56 | 42 | 32 | 22 | 16 | 10 | 64 | 80 | 66 | 46 | 31 | 16 | 11 |
|
34 | 86 | 80 | 70 | 56 | 41 | 31 | 21 | 16 | 10 | 65 | 80 | 65 | 45 | 30 | 15 | 10 |
|
35 | 85 | 80 | 70 | 55 | 40 | 30 | 20 | 15 | 10 | 66 | 80 | 64 | 44 | 29 | 15 | 9 |
|
36 | 85 | 80 | 70 | 55 | 39 | 29 | 20 | 15 | 9 | 67 | 79 | 63 | 43 | 28 | 14 | 8 |
|
37 | 85 | 79 | 69 | 54 | 38 | 28 | 19 | 14 | 8 | 68 | 79 | 62 | 42 | 27 | 14 | 7 |
|
38 | 85 | 79 | 69 | 54 | 37 | 27 | 19 | 14 | 7 | 69 | 78 | 61 | 41 | 26 | 13 | 6 |
|
39 | 85 | 78 | 68 | 53 | 36 | 26 | 18 | 13 | 6 | 70 | 78 | 60 | 40 | 25 | 13 | 5 |
|
40 | 85 | 78 | 68 | 53 | 35 | 25 | 18 | 13 | 5 | 71 | 77 | 59 | 39 | 24 | 12 | 4 |
|
41 | 85 | 77 | 67 | 52 | 34 | 24 | 17 | 12 | 4 | 72 | 77 | 58 | 38 | 23 | 12 | 3 |
|
42 | 85 | 77 | 67 | 52 | 33 | 23 | 17 | 12 | 3 | 73 | 76 | 57 | 37 | 22 | 11 | 2 |
|
43 | 85 | 76 | 66 | 51 | 32 | 22 | 16 | 11 | 2 | 74 | 76 | 56 | 36 | 21 | 11 | 1 |
|
44 | 85 | 76 | 66 | 51 | 31 | 21 | 16 | 11 |
| 75 | 75 | 55 | 35 | 20 | 10 |
|
|
45 | 85 | 75 | 65 | 50 | 30 | 20 | 15 | 10 |
| 76 | 75 | 55 | 35 | 19 | 9 |
|
|
46 | 85 | 75 | 64 | 49 | 30 | 20 | 15 | 9 |
| 77 | 75 | 54 | 34 | 18 | 8 |
|
|
47 | 84 | 74 | 63 | 48 | 29 | 19 | 14 | 8 |
| 78 | 75 | 54 | 34 | 17 | 7 |
|
|
48 | 84 | 74 | 62 | 47 | 29 | 19 | 14 | 7 |
| 79 | 75 | 53 | 33 | 16 | 6 |
|
|
49 | 83 | 73 | 61 | 46 | 28 | 18 | 13 | 6 |
| 80 | 75 | 53 | 33 | 15 | 5 |
|
|
50 | 83 | 73 | 60 | 45 | 28 | 18 | 13 | 5 |
| 81 | 75 | 52 | 32 | 14 | 4 |
|
|
51 | 82 | 72 | 59 | 44 | 27 | 17 | 12 | 4 |
| 82 | 75 | 52 | 32 | 13 | 3 |
|
|
52 | 82 | 72 | 58 | 43 | 27 | 17 | 12 | 3 |
| 83 | 75 | 51 | 31 | 12 | 2 |
|
|
53 | 81 | 71 | 57 | 42 | 26 | 16 | 11 | 2 |
| 84 | 75 | 51 | 31 | 11 | 1 |
|
|
54 | 81 | 71 | 56 | 41 | 26 | 16 | 11 |
|
| 85 | 75 | 50 | 30 | 10 |
|
|
|
above 85 75 50 30 10
*One MET represents the energy expenditure associated with the consumption of 3.5 mL oxygen/kg body weight/min.
Ratings derived from METs are age adjusted
Functional Loss
Table 1.3
LOSS OF CARDIORESPIRATORY FUNCTION: EXERCISE TOLERANCE
(Females)
Age Symptomatic Activity Level Age Symptomatic Activity Level
(METs*) (METs*)
less
than 1-2 2-3 3-4 4-5 5-6 6-7 7-8 8-9 10+ 1-2 2-3 3-4 4-5 5-6 6-7 7-8 8-9 10+
25 | 90 | 80 | 70 | 55 | 40 | 30 | 20 | 15 | 10 | 55 | 80 | 65 | 50 | 30 | 20 | 15 | 10 |
25 | 90 | 80 | 70 | 55 | 40 | 30 | 20 | 15 | 10 | 56 | 80 | 65 | 49 | 29 | 20 | 15 | 9 |
26 | 90 | 80 | 69 | 54 | 40 | 30 | 20 | 15 | 10 | 57 | 80 | 64 | 48 | 28 | 19 | 14 | 8 |
27 | 89 | 79 | 68 | 53 | 39 | 29 | 20 | 15 | 10 | 58 | 80 | 64 | 47 | 27 | 19 | 14 | 7 |
28 | 89 | 79 | 67 | 52 | 39 | 29 | 20 | 15 | 10 | 59 | 80 | 63 | 46 | 26 | 18 | 13 | 6 |
29 | 88 | 78 | 66 | 51 | 38 | 28 | 20 | 15 | 10 | 60 | 80 | 63 | 45 | 25 | 18 | 13 | 5 |
30 | 88 | 78 | 65 | 50 | 38 | 28 | 20 | 15 | 10 | 61 | 80 | 62 | 44 | 24 | 17 | 12 | 4 |
31 | 87 | 77 | 64 | 49 | 37 | 27 | 20 | 15 | 10 | 62 | 80 | 62 | 43 | 23 | 17 | 12 | 3 |
32 | 87 | 77 | 63 | 48 | 37 | 27 | 20 | 15 | 10 | 63 | 80 | 61 | 42 | 22 | 16 | 11 | 2 |
33 | 86 | 76 | 62 | 47 | 36 | 26 | 20 | 15 | 10 | 64 | 80 | 61 | 41 | 21 | 16 | 11 |
|
34 | 86 | 76 | 61 | 46 | 36 | 26 | 20 | 15 | 10 | 65 | 80 | 60 | 40 | 20 | 15 | 10 |
|
35 | 85 | 75 | 60 | 45 | 35 | 25 | 20 | 15 | 10 | 66 | 80 | 59 | 39 | 20 | 15 | 9 |
|
36 | 85 | 75 | 60 | 45 | 34 | 25 | 20 | 15 | 9 | 67 | 79 | 58 | 38 | 19 | 14 | 8 |
|
37 | 85 | 75 | 60 | 44 | 33 | 24 | 19 | 14 | 8 | 68 | 79 | 57 | 37 | 19 | 14 | 7 |
|
38 | 85 | 75 | 60 | 44 | 32 | 24 | 19 | 14 | 7 | 69 | 78 | 56 | 36 | 18 | 13 | 6 |
|
39 | 85 | 75 | 60 | 43 | 31 | 23 | 18 | 13 | 6 | 70 | 78 | 55 | 35 | 18 | 13 | 5 |
|
40 | 85 | 75 | 60 | 43 | 30 | 23 | 18 | 13 | 5 | 71 | 77 | 54 | 34 | 17 | 12 | 4 |
|
41 | 85 | 75 | 60 | 42 | 29 | 22 | 17 | 12 | 4 | 72 | 77 | 53 | 33 | 17 | 12 | 3 |
|
42 | 85 | 75 | 60 | 42 | 28 | 22 | 17 | 12 | 3 | 73 | 76 | 52 | 32 | 16 | 11 | 2 |
|
43 | 85 | 75 | 60 | 41 | 27 | 21 | 16 | 11 | 2 | 74 | 76 | 51 | 31 | 16 | 11 | 1 |
|
44 | 85 | 75 | 60 | 41 | 26 | 21 | 16 | 11 |
| 75 | 75 | 50 | 30 | 15 | 10 |
|
|
45 | 85 | 75 | 60 | 40 | 25 | 20 | 15 | 10 |
| 76 | 75 | 49 | 29 | 15 | 9 |
|
|
46 | 85 | 74 | 59 | 39 | 25 | 20 | 15 | 9 |
| 77 | 75 | 48 | 28 | 14 | 8 |
|
|
47 | 84 | 73 | 58 | 38 | 24 | 19 | 14 | 8 |
| 78 | 75 | 47 | 27 | 14 | 7 |
|
|
48 | 84 | 72 | 57 | 37 | 24 | 19 | 14 | 7 |
| 79 | 75 | 46 | 26 | 13 | 6 |
|
|
49 | 83 | 71 | 56 | 36 | 23 | 18 | 13 | 6 |
| 80 | 75 | 45 | 25 | 13 | 5 |
|
|
50 | 83 | 70 | 55 | 35 | 23 | 18 | 13 | 5 |
| 81 | 75 | 44 | 24 | 12 | 4 |
|
|
51 | 82 | 69 | 54 | 34 | 22 | 17 | 12 | 4 |
| 82 | 75 | 43 | 23 | 12 | 3 |
|
|
52 | 82 | 68 | 53 | 33 | 22 | 17 | 12 | 3 |
| 83 | 75 | 42 | 22 | 11 | 2 |
|
|
53 | 81 | 67 | 52 | 32 | 21 | 16 | 11 | 2 |
| 84 | 75 | 41 | 21 | 11 | 1 |
|
|
54 | 81 | 66 | 51 | 31 | 21 | 16 | 11 |
|
| 85 | 75 | 40 | 20 | 10 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| above | 85 | 75 | 40 | 20 | 10 |
|
|
|
*One MET represents the energy expenditure associated with the consumption of
3.5mL oxygen/kg body weight/min.
Ratings derived from METs are age adjusted
FIGURE 1a - PREDICTION NOMOGRAM: MALE (BTPS)
Height FVC FEV
Age
(cm) (litre) (litre)
MEF25-75
(years)
190 20
6
5
5
180 30
5
4
170 40
4
4
3
160 50
150
3
2 3 60
2
140 70
For veterans older than 80 years the various scales are to be extended linearly.
80
This nomogram corresponds to the formulas:
FEV1 = 0.0553 x Height - 0.036 x Age - 4.182
FVC = 0.0713 x Height - 0.0265 x Age - 6.463
MEF25-75 = 2.683 + 0.0195 x Height - 0.043 x Age
FIGURE 1b - PREDICTION NOMOGRAM: FEMALE (BTPS)
Height FVC FEV
Age
(cm) (litre) (litre)
MEF25-75
(years)
180 20
4
170 30
4
3
160 40
3
150
2 50
3
2
140 60
70
For veterans older than 80 years the various scales are to be extended linearly.
80
This nomogram corresponds to the formulas:
FEV1 = 0.0347 x Height - 0.0252 x Age - 1.929
FVC = 0.04315 x Height - 0.02185 x Age - 2.83
MEF25-75 = 2.918 + 0.0125 x Height - 0.034 x Age
Functional Loss
Table 1.4
LOSS OF CARDIORESPIRATORY FUNCTION: PHYSIOLOGICAL MEASUREMENTS
FEV1 FVC MEF25-75
as a as a as a
Impairment percentage percentage percentage
Rating of predicted of predicted of predicted
NIL 85 85 85
TWO 84
SIX 84 84
SEVEN 83
EIGHT 83 83
TEN 82 82
ELEVEN 81 82 81
TWELVE
THIRTEEN 80 80
FOURTEEN 79 81 79
FIFTEEN
SIXTEEN 78 80 78
SEVENTEEN 77 77
EIGHTEEN 76 79 76
NINETEEN
TWENTY 75 78 75
TWENTY-ONE 74 74
TWENTY-TWO 73 77 73
TWENTY-THREE 72 72
TWENTY-FOUR 71 76 71
TWENTY-FIVE
TWENTY-SIX 70 75 70
TWENTY-SEVEN 69 74 69
TWENTY-EIGHT 68 68
TWENTY-NINE 67 73 67
THIRTY 66 72 66
THIRTY-ONE 65 71 65
THIRTY-TWO 64 64
THIRTY-THREE 63 70 63
THIRTY-FOUR 62 69 62
THIRTY-FIVE 61 68 61
THIRTY-SIX 60 67 60
THIRTY-SEVEN 59 59
Ratings derived from this table are age adjusted
(continued next page)
Functional Loss Table 1.4 (cont'd)
LOSS OF CARDIORESPIRATORY FUNCTION: PHYSIOLOGICAL MEASUREMENTS (continued)
FEV1 FVC MEF25-75
as a as a as a
Impairment percentage percentage percentage
Rating of predicted of predicted of predicted
THIRTY-EIGHT 58 66 58
THIRTY-NINE 57 65 57
FORTY 64
FORTY-ONE 56 63 56
FORTY-TWO 55 62 55
FORTY-THREE 54 61 54
FORTY-FOUR 53 60 53
FORTY-FIVE 52 52
FORTY-SIX 51 59 51
FORTY-SEVEN 50 58 50
FORTY-EIGHT 49 57 49
FORTY-NINE 48 56 48
FIFTY 47 55 47
FIFTY-ONE 46 54 46
FIFTY-TWO 45 53 45
FIFTY-THREE 44 52 44
FIFTY-FOUR 43 51 43
FIFTY-FIVE 42 50 42
FIFTY-SIX 41 49 41
FIFTY-SEVEN 40 40
FIFTY-EIGHT 39 48 39
FIFTY-NINE 38 47 38
SIXTY 37 46 37
SIXTY-ONE 36 45 36
SIXTY-TWO 35 44 35
SIXTY-THREE 34 43 34
SIXTY-FOUR 33 42 33
SIXTY-FIVE 32 41 32
SIXTY-SEVEN 30 39 30
SIXTY-EIGHT 29 38 29
SIXTY-NINE 28 37 28
SEVENTY 27 36 27
Ratings derived from this table are age adjusted
Whenever the measured parameter is less than 85% of the predicted, Table 1.4 corresponds to the following formulas:
Impairment rating based on FEV1 = 98-% FEV1 + Impairment rating based on FVC = 108-% FVC +
Impairment rating based on MEF25-75 = 98-% MEF +
50
(% FEV1-90)
100
(%FVC-88.5)
50
(% MEF-90)
When the measured parameter is 85% or more of the predicted, then the impairment rating is defined as NIL
"%FEV1" means measured FEV1 expressed as a percentage of predicted FEV1. "%FVC" means measured FVC expressed as a percentage of predicted FVC.
"%MEF" means measured MEF25-75 expressed as a percentage of predicted
MEF25-75 .
In each case the percentage is to be rounded to the nearest integer before the formula is applied.
If these formulas are applied the resulting impairment rating is always to be rounded to the nearest integer.
Step 5: Calculate the total accepted cardiorespiratory functional impairment rating.
At this stage there will usually be an impairment rating derived from effort tolerance information and there may also be an impairment rating derived from measurements of lung function. These must be combined into a single cardiorespiratory functional impairment rating. The method by which that is to be done is set out in Table 1.5.
For the purposes of Table 1.5, the following abbreviations have been used:
Abbreviation
"FI" |
means | Meaning
cardiorespiratory functional impairment rating. |
"No FI" |
means |
a cardiorespiratory functional impairment rating cannot be calculated from either effort tolerance information or measurements of lung function. |
"METs" |
means |
the cardiorespiratory functional impairment rating is to be taken as the impairment rating derived from METs alone. |
"Spirometry" | means | the cardiorespiratory functional impairment rating is to | |
be taken as the impairment rating derived from | |||
measurements of respiratory function. | |||
"average of |
means |
the average of the cardiorespiratory functional impairment | |
METs and |
| rating derived from METs alone and the cardiorespiratory | |
Spirometry" |
| functional impairment rating derived from measurements | |
|
| of respiratory function alone | using the ordinary formula |
for averaging two quantities or by use of the nomogram | |||
in Figure 1c. In either case, the result is to be rounded to | |||
the nearest integer. | |||
Procedural
Table 1.5
CARDIORESPIRATORY FUNCTIONAL IMPAIRMENT
|
Respiratory disease present | No respiratory disease | ||
Spirometry obtainable | Spirometry not obtainable |
| ||
Cardiac disease present | METs data obtainable | FI = higher of METs and Spirometry | FI = METs | FI = METs |
METs data not obtainable | FI = Spirometry | No FI | No FI | |
No cardiac disease | METs data obtainable | FI = average of METs and Spirometry | FI = METs |
|
METs data not obtainable | FI = Spirometry | No FI |
| |
In applying this table, both accepted and nonaccepted conditions are to be taken into account.
No age adjustment permitted for this table
From Table 1.5 it will be seen that:
+ if cardiac conditions exist in the absence of respiratory disease, cardiorespiratory functional impairment should be measured by effort tolerance alone;
+ if respiratory conditions exist in the absence of cardiac disease, the cardiorespiratory functional impairment rating is the rounded average of (i) impairment as measured by effort tolerance, and (ii) impairment as measured by spirometry;
+ if both cardiac and respiratory conditions co-exist, the cardiorespiratory functional impairment rating is the greater of (i) the impairment rating as measured by effort tolerance, and (ii) the impairment rating as measured by spirometry.
In applying these rules, both accepted and non-accepted cardiac and respiratory conditions are to be taken into account.
Only one rating for effort tolerance is to be given irrespective of the number of conditions that contribute to the relevant impairment.
Only one rating is to be given for physiological measurements of lung function irrespective of the number of conditions that contribute to the relevant impairment.
This single "total cardiorespiratory functional impairment" is due to the combined effect of all cardiorespiratory conditions whether accepted or not.
FIGURE 1c - LOSS OF RESPIRATORY FUNCTION RESPIRATORY NOMOGRAM
METs |
| Impairment Rating |
Impairment | Impairment | of Physiological |
Rating | Rating | Measurements |
100 100 100
90 90 90
80 80 80
70 70 70
60 60 60
50 50 50
40 40 40
30 30 30
20 20 20
10 10 10
0 0 0
This nomogram is to be used in accordance with the instructions in Step 5 and the procedural Table 1.5.
Results from this nomogram are to be rounded to the nearest five points. 2.5 is to be rounded up to 5 and 7.5 is to be rounded up to 10.
This nomogram corresponds to the formula:
Impairment
Rating =
METs Impairment Rating + Impairment Rating of Physiological Measurement
2
Step 6: Consider the effects of cardiac failure (if any).
For the purposes of assessment under this Guide, cardiac failure is considered to be a surrogate measure of cardiorespiratory impairment. When cardiac failure is present, the impairment rating calculated using effort tolerance will usually exceed any possible impairment rating from Table 1.6. Table 1.6 is of particular importance in assessing a veteran who is unable to be rated using effort tolerance because of significant conditions such as hemiplegia.
Functional Loss
Table 1.6
Impairment
CARDIAC FAILURE
Ratings Criteria
NIL No cardiac failure; that is, neither symptoms nor
X-ray evidence of cardiac failure.
No symptoms, but X-ray evidence of early cardiac failure.
FIFTEEN Left or biventricular cardiac failure demonstrated by ejection fraction of between 40% and 60% and persisting despite therapy.
TWENTY Left or biventricular cardiac failure demonstrated on X-ray or by ejection fraction of less than or equal to 40% and persisting despite therapy.
Only one rating is to be selected from this table for any condition or combination of conditions. If more than one criterion applies, that which gives the higher or highest rating is to be chosen.
No age adjustment permitted for this table
A rating from Table 1.6 is to be compared with the total cardiorespiratory functional impairment rating (obtained in Step 5) and the higher of the two is to be chosen.
Step 7: Moderate the total cardiorespiratory functional impairment rating to allow for effects of any non-accepted conditions.
Partially contributing impairment
If non-accepted conditions contribute to the impairment, Chapter 19 (Partially Contributing Impairment) is to be applied to determine impairment from the accepted conditions.
If cardiac conditions exist in the absence of respiratory disease: if there is more than one cardiac condition present (for example ischaemic heart disease and a valvular heart disease) and some are accepted and some are not accepted, then the total cardiorespiratory functional impairment rating must be moderated by applying Chapter 19 to determine the impairment due to the accepted condition.
If a respiratory condition exists in the absence of cardiac disease, the symptomatic activity level will generally be the exercise level (in METs) at which dyspnoea occurs. If there is more than one respiratory condition present and at least one is accepted and at least one is not accepted, then the total cardiorespiratory functional impairment rating must be moderated by applying Chapter 19 to determine the impairment due to the accepted condition or conditions.
If cardiac and respiratory conditions co-exist, and at least one is accepted and at least one is not accepted, it is necessary to determine the total cardiorespiratory functional impairment rating (as set out in the previous steps), and then to moderate that rating by applying Chapter 19 to determine the impairment due to the accepted condition.
The result that is then derived is the "total accepted cardiorespiratory functional impairment rating".
Step 8: Determine whether any ratings from the cardiorespiratory Other
Impairment tables apply.
Cardiorespiratory Other Impairment tables
Once the total accepted cardiorespiratory functional impairment rating has been determined, it must be compared with the relevant cardiorespiratory Other Impairment tables. For assessment purposes, four categories of cardiorespiratory condition are recognised. These categories are:
+ ischaemic heart disease;
+ valvular heart disease;
+ miscellaneous heart disease; and
+ lower respiratory tract conditions.
There are four cardiorespiratory Other Impairment tables - corresponding to each of the above categories. These tables are:
Table 1.7 - | Cardiorespiratory Impairment: Ischaemic; |
Table 1.8 - | Cardiorespiratory Impairment: Valvular; |
Table 1.9 - | Cardiorespiratory Impairment: Miscellaneous; and |
Table 1.10 - | Cardiorespiratory Impairment: Respiratory. |
Only one rating is to be selected from each of these cardiorespiratory Other Impairment tables (Tables 1.7, 1.8, 1.9, and 1.10) for any condition or combination of conditions.
If accepted conditions belonging to more than one of the four categories of cardiorespiratory disease above are present, then the relative contribution of their effect on the total accepted cardiorespiratory functional impairment must be estimated by applying Chapter 20 (Apportionment). The rating for each condition will be the higher of the cardiorespiratory functional impairment rating attributed to it and its cardiorespiratory Other Impairment rating.
The cardiorespiratory worksheet (at page 42) should also be consulted.
Other Impairment Table 1.7
CARDIORESPIRATORY IMPAIRMENT: ISCHAEMIC HEART DISEASE
Impairment
Ratings Criteria
NIL No history of symptoms but evidence of transient ischaemia on exercise ECG testing.
FIFTEEN Coronary artery disease with multi-vessel disease (not successfully corrected) demonstrated on angiogram.
Only one rating is to be selected from this table for any condi tion or combination of conditions. If more than one criterion applies, that which gives the higher or highest rating is to be chosen.
No age adjustment permitted for this table
Other Impairment Table 1.8
CARDIORESPIRATORY IMPAIRMENT: VALVULAR HEART DISEASE
Impairment
Ratings Criteria
FIVE Diagnosed valvular heart disease (other than mitral valve prolapse or aortic sclerosis) with no symptoms and no X-ray evidence of cardiac failure.
TEN Valvular heart disease with successful valve replace- ment, not requiring anticoagulant medication, with no subsequent symptoms or evidence of cardiac failure.
FIFTEEN Valvular heart disease with successful valve replace- ment, requiring anticoagulant medication, with no subsequent symptoms or evidence of cardiac failure.
No age adjustment permitted for this table
Only one rating is to be selected from this table for any condi tion or combination of conditions. If more than one criterion applies, that which gives the higher or highest rating is to be chosen.
Other Impairment Table 1.9
CARDIORESPIRATORY IMPAIRMENT: MISCELLANEOUS
Impairment
Ratings Criteria
NIL Flow murmurs.
TWO Chronic asymptomatic arrhythmia, eg atrial fibril- lation, atrial or ventricular ectopic beats.
FIVE Need for a permanent pacemaker.
No age adjustment permitted for this table
Only one rating is to be selected from this table for any condition or combination of conditions. If more than one criterion applies, that which gives the higher or highest rating is to be chosen.
Arrhythmias are usually to be rated by applying Chapter 15 (Intermittent Impairment) unless they cause a permanent restriction of exercise tolerance, in which case they are to be assessed by their effect on effort tolerance.
Other Impairment Table 1.10
Impairment Ratings
NIL TWO
FIVE
TEN
TWENTY
|
CARDIORESPIRATORY IMPAIRMENT: LOWER RESPIRATORY TRACT
Criteria
Asymptomatic pleural plaques.
Repeated courses (at least several courses per year) or permanent use of oral steroids required.
No age adjustment permitted for this table
Only one rating is to be selected from this table for any condi tion or combination of conditions. If more than one criterion applies, that which gives the higher or highest rating is to be chosen.
Peripheral Vascular Conditions
Tables 1.2 and 1.3 are to be applied to assess those conditions that affect exercise tolerance from a cardiorespiratory point of view. Peripheral vascular conditions typically cause loss of function of the lower limbs only and therefore are to be assessed under lower limb impairment (using Chapter 3).
Atherosclerosis frequently causes both a cardiorespiratory condition and a peripheral vascular condition. In such cases, if both types of conditions are accepted conditions, then both conditions are to be rated using the appropriate assessment procedure.
The rating of asthma depends on the clinical circumstances. If asthma has caused chronic airways obstruction the method of assessment described in this chapter is to be applied. If there is little fixed obstruction and a large reversible component, the rating is to be based on the occurrence of attacks using the method of intermittent impairment (Chapter 15). Asthma can also be rated, if there is minimal loss of function, from Table 1.10.
Guide to the Assessment of
Rates of Veterans' Pensions
5th edition
Veteran's given names:
Condition(s) accepted for assessment
METs Assessment
Date of report: Age:
Limiting symptoms =
METs level =
METs impairment A
rating:
Cardiorespiratory Worksheet
File No:
Veteran's surname:
Veteran's height: Veterans D.o.B: Gender:
Lung Function Assessment
Date of test: Age:
Actual
Predicted
(Act/Pred) x 100
Impairment (Table 1.4)
Physiological impairment rating (use highest B
assessment value):
Find the accepted functional impairment from values A and B by using Table 1.5
Please note that Partially Contributing Impairment (Chapter 19) may need to be used in calculating the accepted functional impairment.
Was Chapter 19 used? Yes Accepted functional C
No impairment
| D | E | F | G |
Category | Relative contribution to functional impairment (as ratio) | Functional impairment for each category (by apportionment) | Applicable Other Impairment rating | Final rating for category (greater of E and F) |
Ischaemic |
|
|
|
|
Valvular |
|
|
|
|
Other cardiac |
|
|
|
|
Respiratory |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The ratings in column G are not to be rounded or combined at this stage They are all to be carried forward to be combined in the final combining of all ratings
Signature Name (Please print) Date
/ /
Chapter 2
Hypertension and Non-Cardiac
Vascular Conditions
This chapter contains three parts:
Part 2.1 - | Hypertension |
Part 2.2 - | Vascular Conditions of the Lower Limbs |
Part 2.3 - | Other Non-Cardiac Vascular Conditions |
INTRODUCTION
This chapter is to be applied in determining impairment ratings for hypertension and non-cardiac vascular conditions. For conditions affecting the heart itself refer to Chapter 1 (Cardiorespiratory Impairment).
PART 2.1: HYPERTENSION
Hypertension, of itself, does not affect effort tolerance. Therefore, uncomplicated hypertension is not to be assessed under Chapter 1 (Cardiorespiratory Impairment) but in the manner set out below.
Calculation of the impairment rating for hypertension
Follow the steps below to calculate the impairment rating for hypertension.
STEP Establish whether any target organ damage is present. Page
1 44
STEP
2
(Omit this step if there is no target organ damage.)
Calculate the total functional impairment for any accepted target organ damage.
Page
44
STEP Calculate the Other Impairment rating for the accepted Page
3 hypertension by applying Table 2.1.1. 45
STEP (Omit this step if there is no target organ damage.) Page
4 Compare the rating obtained in Step 2 with the rating 46 obtained in Step 3. Take the higher of these two ratings.
Step 1: Establish whether any target organ damage is present.
For the purposes of this chapter, "target organ damage" means any of the following:
+ hypertensive retinopathy, grade III or IV;
+ hypertensive cardiac disease, with ECG or X-ray evidence of left ventricular hypertrophy;
+ hypertensive nephropathy demonstrated at biopsy, or by presence of proteinuria or elevated serum creatinine level; or
+ hypertensive cerebral haemorrhage.
Certain other conditions have hypertension as a contributing factor in their aetiology (for example: ischaemic heart disease and peripheral vascular disease). Such conditions are not to be regarded as being target organ damage when applying Part 2.1.
Step 2: Calculate the total functional impairment due to any accepted target organ damage.
Accepted hypertensive retinopathy is to be assessed by applying Chapter 8.
If other ophthalmic conditions are present, they must be allowed for by applying Chapter 20 (Apportionment) or Chapter 19 (Partially Contributing Impairment) as appropriate.
Accepted hypertensive cardiac disease is to be assessed by applying Chapter 1.
If other cardiorespiratory conditions are present, they must be allowed for by applying Chapter 20 (Apportionment) or Chapter 19 (Partially Contributing Impairment) as appropriate.
Accepted hypertensive nephropathy is to be assessed by applying Chapter 9.
If other renal conditions are present, they must be allowed for by applying Chapter 20 (Apportionment) or Chapter 19 (Partially Contributing Impairment) as appropriate.
Accepted hypertensive cerebral haemorrhage is to be assessed according to the specific effects of the haemorrhage.
The impairment ratings attributable to the accepted target organ damage are to be combined by applying Chapter 18 (Combined Values Chart) to obtain the total impairment rating for accepted target organ damage.
Target organ damage which is not an accepted condition cannot be assessed under this Guide. Target organ damage can be assessed under this Guide only after it has been claimed and has become an accepted condition.
The criterion in Table 2.1.1 which refers to "hypertension of such a degree that target organ damage is present" is not an assessment of the target organ damage itself but is a measure of the severity of the hypertension.
Step 3: Determine an impairment rating for hypertension from Table 2.1.1.
Other Impairment Table 2.1.1
Impairment
HYPERTENSION
Ratings Criteria
NIL Hypertension adequately controlled by diet and weight loss without long-term medication.
TWO Hypertension requiring long-term medication but without side-effects of the medication and with no evidence of target organ damage.
Only one rating is to be selected from this table.
No age adjustment permitted for this table
For the purpose of determining a rating of 10 impairment points from Table 2.1.1 (dot point 2) target organ damage has to be present either as an accepted condition or as a non-accepted condition.
Step 4: (Omit this step if there is no target organ damage.) Compare the rating obtained in Step 2 with the rating obtained in Step 3. Take the higher rating.
The total impairment rating for accepted target organ damage is to be compared with any applicable rating from Table 2.1.1, and the higher of the two is to be taken as the impairment rating for the accepted hypertension.
Substep
4A
If the impairment rating from Table 2.1.1 is higher than the total rating for accepted target organ damage, the latter rating is to be discarded and its components are not to be used in any further calculations.
Substep
4B
If the impairment rating for accepted target organ damage is higher than the rating from Table 2.1.1, the rating from Table 2.1.1 is to be discarded and each of the components of the rating for accepted target organ damage is to be included in the final combining of all impairment ratings.
Impairment ratings from Table 2.1.1 are not routinely compared with ratings from the functional loss tables in Chapter 1 (Cardiorespiratory Impairment) except if hypertensive cardiomyopathy is present. Instead, they are to be compared with the impairment rating for the total loss of function due to target organ damage.
The total impairment rating for target organ damage is not to be combined with the impairment rating obtained from Table 2.1.1.
PART 2.2: VASCULAR CONDITIONS OF THE LOWER LIMBS
Each vascular condition of the lower limbs is characterised as belonging to one or more of three categories. These categories are:
+ (arterial) peripheral vascular disease;
+ varicose veins and vascular leg ulcers; and
+ oedema.
Each category is to be assessed by applying a specific table from this part of the Guide. Depending on their effects, vascular conditions of the lower limbs may be rated under one or more of these tables.
Determination of the impairment rating for vascular conditions of the lower limbs
Follow the steps below to determine the impairment rating for each type of accepted vascular condition of the lower limbs.
(Each step is elaborated in the following pages.)
STEP Establish whether any effect on lower limb function Page
1 is present. 48
STEP Establish whether any effect on the skin is present. Page
2 48
STEP
3
(Omit this step if there is no effect on lower limb function.)
Determine the impairment rating for the effects on
lower limb function.
Page
48
STEP (Omit this step if there is no effect on skin.) Page
4 Determine the impairment rating for the effects on 49 the skin.
STEP
5
STEP
6
Determine the Other Impairment rating for the vascular conditions of the lower limbs by applying Tables 2.2.1, 2.2.2, and 2.2.3.
Combine the impairment ratings obtained in Steps 3 and 4.
Page
49
Page
51
STEP Combine the impairment ratings obtained in Step 5. Page
7 51
STEP
8
Compare the impairment ratings obtained in Steps 6 and 7.
Page
51
STEP If the comparison made in Step 8 shows that the Page
9 impairment rating obtained in Step 6 is greater than 51 the impairment rating obtained in Step 7, then the
ratings obtained in Steps 3 and 4 are the final impairment ratings for the vascular condition.
STEP
10
If the comparison made in Step 8 shows that the impairment rating obtained in Step 7 is greater than the impairment rating obtained in Step 6, then the separate ratings that have been combined in Step 5 are the final impairment rating(s) for the vascular condition.
Page
51
Step 1: Establish whether any effect on lower limb function is present.
Lower limb function may be affected by peripheral vascular disease. If peripheral vascular disease is present, the veteran's walking distance is likely to be reduced as a result of intermittent claudication (cramp-like pain in the calves of the legs).
Step 2: Establish whether any effect on the skin is present.
Varicose veins can affect the skin of the lower limbs. They may cause discolouration or pruritus (itching). Excoriations (scratch marks) may be present.
Step 3: (Omit this step if there is no effect on lower limb function.) Determine the impairment rating for the effects on lower limb function.
Lower Limb Function is to be assessed by applying Chapter 3 (Impairment of Spine And Limbs) - Part 3.2. If other conditions affecting lower limb function are present, they must be allowed for by applying Chapter 20 (Apportionment) or Chapter 19 (Partially Contributing Impairment) as appropriate.
The effects of vascular conditions of the lower limbs on lower limb function are taken to be symptoms or manifestations of the condition. Hence, they are to be assessed as part of the vascular condition of the lower limbs.
Step 4: (Omit this step if there is no effect on the skin.) Determine the impairment rating for the effects on the skin.
Skin conditions are to be assessed by applying Chapter 11 (Skin Impairment). If other conditions affecting the skin are present, they must be allowed for by applying Chapter 20 (Apportionment) or Chapter 19 (Partially Contributing Impairment) as appropriate.
The effects of vascular conditions of the lower limbs on the skin of the lower limbs are taken to be symptoms or manifestations of the condition. Hence, they are to be assessed as part of the vascular condition of the lower limb.
Step 5: Determine the Other Impairment rating for the vascular conditions of the lower limbs by applying Tables 2.2.1, 2.2.2, and 2.2.3.
There are three Other Impairment tables relating to the effects of vascular conditions of the lower limbs. A condition may be rated under more than one table if appropriate. However, only one rating may be taken from each table irrespective of how many conditions contribute to the type of impairment to which that table relates.
The three Other Impairment tables are:
Table 2.2.1 - | (Arterial) Peripheral Vascular Disease |
Table 2.2.2 - | Varicose Veins |
Table 2.2.3 - | Oedema. |
Amputations arising from peripheral vascular disease cannot be assessed unless they have been separately accepted. They can then be assessed under Chapter 3 (Impairment of Spine and Limbs).
Other Impairment Table 2.2.1
(ARTERIAL) PERIPHERAL VASCULAR DISEASE Impairment
Ratings Criteria
NIL No peripheral vascular disease is present.
TWO Minor peripheral vascular disease or peripheral vascular disease that has been successfully treated.
FIVE Moderate peripheral vascular disease is present but causes little restriction of activities.
TEN Severe peripheral vascular disease, the expected effects of which are masked by a non-accepted condition (eg masked by restriction on walking due to a musculo- skeletal disorder).
No age adjustment permitted for this table
Irrespective of whether one or two legs are affected, only one rating may be selected from this table.
Other Impairment Table 2.2.2
Impairment
VARICOSE VEINS
Ratings Criteria
NIL
TWO Varicose veins which are unsightly or even gross but which impose no significant restriction on activities.
FIVE Varicose veins, varicose ulcers causing constant or almost constant symptoms which are not easily tolerated and require medication or therapy.
TEN Very severe varicose veins or ulceration difficult to control and requiring periodic confinement or hospital admissions.
No age adjustment Permitted for this table
Irrespective of whether one or two legs are affected, only one rating may be selected from this table.
Other Impairment Table 2.2.3
Impairment
OEDEMA
Ratings Criteria
NIL Mild or transient oedema.
FIVE Moderate and persistent oedema.
TEN Marked oedema, that is only partly controlled by treatment or therapy.
No age adjustment permitted for this table
Irrespective of whether one or two legs are affected, only one rating may be selected from this table.
An impairment rating from this table may be given in addition to an impairment rating from Chapter 1 even when both arise from the same condition (eg, heart failure).
Step 6: Combine the impairment ratings obtained in Steps 3 and 4.
If ratings were obtained both in Step 3 and in Step 4, then the ratings are to be combined. This combining is for the purpose of the comparison to be made in Step
8. If only one rating has been given in Steps 3 and 4, then the result to be obtained in
Step 6 is to be the same as the one rating given in either Step 3 or Step 4.
Step 7: Combine the impairment ratings obtained in Step 5.
If more than one rating has been given in Step 5 then the ratings are to be combined. This combining is for the purpose of the comparison to be made in Step 8. If only one rating has been given in Step 5, then the result to be obtained in Step 7 is to be the same as the result obtained in Step 5.
Step 8: Compare the impairment ratings obtained in Steps 6 and 7.
Step 9: If the comparison made in Step 8 shows that the impairment rating obtained in Step 6 is higher than the impairment rating obtained in Step 7, then the ratings obtained in Steps 3 and 4 are the final impairment ratings for the vascular condition.
If more than one rating was obtained in Steps 3 and 4 those ratings are not to be combined at this stage, but each is to be included in the final combining of all ratings.
Step 10: If the comparison made in Step 8 shows that the impairment rating obtained in Step 7 is higher than the impairment rating obtained in Step 6, then the rating(s) obtained in Step 5 are the final impairment rating(s) for the vascular condition.
If more than one rating was obtained in Step 5 those ratings are not to be combined at this stage, but each is to be included in the final combining of all ratings.
PART 2.3: OTHER NON-CARDIAC VASCULAR CONDITIONS
This Part is to be applied for a variety of vascular conditions not covered elsewhere in the Guide.
Other Impairment Table 2.3.1
Impairment
ANEURYSMS AND
INTRA-VASCULAR CONDITIONS
Ratings Criteria
NIL No aneurysms or intra-vascular conditions present. TWO
FIVE
TEN Other vascular conditions (eg severe deep venous thrombosis) that are difficult to control.
No age adjustment permitted for this table
The impairment from any single condition can only receive one rating from this table. If the impairment from a given condition (eg an aortic aneurysm) satisfies more than one criterion, it is to be given only the highest applicable rating.
Aneurysms, atherosclerosis, and cerebrovascular disease
Impairment from atherosclerosis is to be rated by applying the appropriate tables in Chapter 1, Part 2.2 of Chapter 2, and Chapter 5 (Neurological Impairment) according to the losses of function or other impairments which it causes.
Impairment from cerebral aneurysms and cerebrovascular disease is to be rated by applying Chapter 5 (Neurological Impairment) and any other applicable chapter, according to the other effects of the cerebrovascular disease.
Chapter 3
Impairment of Spine and Limbs
This chapter contains six parts:
Part 3.1 | Upper Limbs |
Part 3.2 | Lower Limbs |
Part 3.3 | Spine |
Part 3.4 | Resting Joint Pain |
Part 3.5 | Ranges of Joint Movement |
Part 3.6 | Spine and Limbs Age Adjustment |
INTRODUCTION
This chapter is used to assess the motor function of the spine and limbs. Sensory loss is to be assessed under Chapter 5 (Neurological Impairment).
Loss of limbs is also mentioned in Chapter 24 (Degree of Incapacity for Specific
Disabilities) of this Guide, and in Section 27 of the Act.
Impairment of limbs
When a previously-accepted condition is later removed by an amputation that is also an accepted condition, the rating is to be based on the amputation or the resulting functional deficit, whichever results in the higher impairment rating. The previously accepted condition is not to be given an impairment rating.
PART 3.1: UPPER LIMBS
Functional impairment is to be calculated separately for each upper limb. Thus one functional impairment rating may be calculated for the right upper limb and another for the left upper limb.
Calculation of the impairment rating for conditions of each upper limb
Follow the steps below to calculate the impairment rating for accepted conditions of each upper limb:
(Steps 2-8 are elaborated in the following pages.)
STEP If accepted condition(s) affect only the right upper limb, follow steps
1 2-8.
If accepted condition(s) affect only the left upper limb, follow steps
2-8 substituting "left" for "right" in the instructions.
If accepted condition(s) affect both upper limbs, follow steps 2-8 to assess the right upper limb, and then, to assess the left upper limb, repeat steps 2-8 substituting "left" for "right" in the instructions.
STEP Establish which joints in the right upper limb, if any, Page
2 have some restriction of movement as a result of 55 accepted conditions affecting the right upper limb.
STEP
3
(Omit this step if there is no restriction of joint movement in the right upper limb.)
Calculate the functional impairment due to restriction of range of movement of joints in the right upper limb as a result of accepted conditions of the right upper limb.
Page
55
STEP Calculate the functional impairment rating for the right Page
4 upper limb as a whole using Table 3.1.2. 58
STEP Compare the functional impairment rating for the right Page
5 upper limb as a whole with the functional impairment 58
rating from any restricted range of movement. Take the
higher of these two as the final functional impairment rating for the right upper limb.
STEP Make any applicable age adjustment to the final Page
6 functional impairment rating for the right upper limb 58
by applying Table 3.6.1 in Part 3.6 of this chapter.
STEP
7
STEP
8
Determine if any Other Impairment rating applies to the right upper limb.
(Omit this step if no Other Impairment rating applies to the right upper limb.)
Compare the final functional impairment rating for the right upper limb with any Other Impairment rating applicable to the right upper limb. Take the higher of these ratings.
Page
60
Page
60
Step 2: Establish which joints in the right upper limb have some restriction of movement as a result of accepted conditions of the right upper limb.
For the purposes of assessment under the Guide, the major joints of the upper limb are the shoulder, the elbow and the wrist.
In addition, the joints of the thumb and fingers are also to be considered. However, only one rating is to be given for the total effect of restrictions in all joints of the thumb and fingers considered together.
Conditions such as painful arc syndrome and fractured neck of humerus may affect the range of movement (ROM) of the shoulder. A condition such as fractured scaphoid will be likely to affect the ROM of the wrist. In cases of fractures, the ranges of movements of the joints proximal to and distal to the fracture site should generally be considered as joints the ROM of which may be affected.
Hence, it must be determined which, if any, of
+ shoulder;
+ elbow;
+ wrist; and
+ thumb and fingers,
potentially have loss of range of movement due to accepted conditions.
Certain vascular conditions or neurological conditions of the upper limb, such as muscle weakness, tremor, apraxia, and loss of co-ordination, may have an effect on the function of the upper limb without restricting the range of movement of any joint of the limb. The assessment of such conditions is to be made in Step 4 of this Part.
Step 3: Calculate the functional impairment due to restriction of range of movement of joints in the right upper limb as a result of accepted conditions of the right upper limb.
Single functional impairment ratings may be obtained for each of the following four joints or sets of joints based on restriction of range of movement due to accepted conditions:
+ shoulder;
+ elbow;
+ wrist; and
+ thumb and fingers.
These impairment ratings are to be obtained by applying Table 3.1.1. Such functional impairment ratings are referred to as the functional impairment rating of the upper limb based on restriction of range of movement of the shoulder, elbow, wrist, or thumb and fingers respectively.
The loss of range of movement is to be estimated to the nearest quarter of the normal range of movement.
The range of movement relevant to assessment under this Guide is the active range of movement of the joint, that is the range through which the veteran can move the joint by virtue only of those muscles whose normal function it is to do so. The ability of a veteran to flex a joint by use of other, non-affected body parts does not reduce the rating which the impaired joint attracts. (For example, if a veteran cannot flex the right elbow in the normal fashion, by use of the right biceps, but can use the left hand to bend the right elbow, the right elbow should be assessed as having "loss of almost all movement".)
The loss of range of movement will usually be provided as a fractional loss of range of movement and such data can be related directly to items within Table 3.1.1. However, sometimes, the measured movements of an affected joint will be available in degrees. In such a case the measured movement must be compared with the average range of movement of a normal joint to obtain the fractional loss of range of movement.
The average ranges of movement of various normal joints of the upper limb may be obtained from Table 3.5.1 in Part 3.5. These values are to be used in arriving at the fractional loss of range of movement when the actual movements of a joint are known in degrees.
If non-accepted conditions contribute to the loss of range of movement, Chapter 19 (Partially Contributing Impairment) is to be applied in conjunction with Table 3.1.1.
If various impairment ratings have been obtained for the right upper limb joints, and Chapter 19 has been applied to them, take the highest resultant rating. This is the final functional impairment rating for the right upper limb based on loss of range of movement. If Chapter 19 did not have to be applied, then take the highest of the various impairment ratings that have been obtained for each right upper limb joint. In that case, this is the final functional impairment rating for the right upper limb based on loss of range of movement.
For the purposes of this chapter:
"position of function" means the position that interferes least with the total function of the limb or the spine; and
"unfavourable position" means a position that is significantly different from the position of function; and
"flail joint" means a joint that is completely unstable in all directions.
Functional Loss
Table 3.1.1 LOSS OF MUSCULOSKELETAL FUNCTION: UPPER LIMB JOINTS
Impairment
Ratings
NIL
FIVE
TEN
FIFTEEN TWENTY
THIRTY FORTY
FIFTY
Shoulder
Loss of about one-quarter normal range of movement.
Loss of about one-half normal range of movement.
Loss of about three-quarters normal range of movement. Loss of almost all movement, or complete ankylosis in position of function.
Ankylosis in an unfavourable position, or a flail joint.
Elbow
Loss of about one-quarter normal range of movement.
Loss of about one-half normal range of movement.
Loss of about three-quarters normal range of movement. Loss of almost all movement, or complete ankylosis in position of function.
Ankylosis in an unfavourable position, or a flail joint.
Wrist
Loss of about one-quarter normal range of movement.
Loss of about one-half normal range of movement.
Loss of about three-quarters normal range of movement. Loss of almost all movement, or complete ankylosis in position of function.
Ankylosis in an unfavourable position, or a flail joint.
Thumb and Fingers
Thumb:ankylosis of any or all joints in an unfavourable position.
Ratings from this table are age adjusted
(see Table 3.6.1)
Only one rating is to be selected from this table for each shoulder, elbow, or wrist; and only one rating is to be selected from this table for the thumb and fingers together. Of these ratings only the highest is to be taken for each side.
Step 4: Calculate the functional impairment rating for the right upper limb as a whole using Table 3.1.2.
Table 3.1.2 measures the loss of function relating to the upper limb as a whole. Only one rating is to be given from this table, for the right upper limb, for any condition or combination of conditions. To attract a particular rating, the degree of impairment must be greater than that described at all lower levels.
Table 3.1.2 is the only relevant table if the use of an upper limb is restricted by vascular conditions or neurological conditions, such as muscle weakness, tremor, apraxia, loss of co-ordination, fatigue or pain, and when no condition affecting the range of movement of a joint is present.
If non-accepted conditions contribute to the loss of function, Chapter 19 (Partially
Contributing Impairment) is to be applied in conjunction with Table 3.1.2.
Step 5: Compare the impairment rating for loss of function of the right upper limb with the impairment rating from any restricted range of movement. Take the higher of these two as the final functional impairment rating for the right upper limb.
After the application of Chapter 19 (Partially Contributing Impairment) in Step 3, the functional impairment rating from loss of range of movement is to be compared with the functional impairment for the use of the limb as whole.
The higher of these two ratings is then taken as the final functional impairment rating for the right upper limb.
Step 6: Make any applicable age adjustment to the final functional impairment rating for the right upper limb by applying Table 3.6.1 in Part 3.6 of this chapter.
The functional impairment rating obtained in Step 4 is to be age adjusted by applying
Table 3.6.1.
Total loss of function of each upper limb is considered to be 60 per cent impairment of the whole person. Amputation of an arm at the shoulder joint, or total loss of use of an arm is equivalent to 60 impairment points.
With the exception of a forequarter amputation, no condition or combination of conditions affecting an arm shall receive an impairment rating exceeding 60 points.
In the case of a veteran aged 45 years or less, if the application of age adjustment to the functional impairment rating of an accepted condition affecting the right upper limb results in an impairment rating higher than 60 impairment points, the functional impairment rating for the right upper limb is to be taken as 60 impairment points and not at the higher rating obtained by applying Table 3.6.1.
Functional Loss
Table 3.1.2
LOSS OF MUSCULOSKELETAL FUNCTION: (BASED ON USE OF LIMB AS A WHOLE)
Impairment
Ratings Criteria
NIL Can use limb efficiently for normal tasks and without undue fatigue.
TWO Can use limb efficiently for normal tasks but with excessive fatigue towards the end of the day.
FIVE Can use limb efficiently for normal tasks without excessive fatigue for no more than half an hour.
Can use limb reasonably well in most circumstances, but frequent difficulties are manifested by:- minor loss of digital dexterity causing handwriting changes, or difficulty in manipulation of small or fine objects, or
- minor loss of grip strength causing difficulty in gripping moderately heavy to heavy objects.
FIFTEEN Can use limb reasonably well in most circumstances, but frequent difficulties are manifested by:
- minor loss of digital dexterity causing handwriting changes, or difficulty in manipulation of small or fine objects, and
- minor loss of grip strength causing difficulty in gripping moderately heavy to heavy objects.
TWENTY Can use limb reasonably well in some circumstances, but with more noticeable difficulty manifested by either or both of:
- minor loss of digital dexterity and reduced grip strength causing difficulty in manipulation of larger objects, or
- major loss of digital dexterity causing marked difficulty in handwriting or manipulation of everyday domestic objects.
THIRTY Can use limb reasonably well in a few circumstances only. Use of limb is otherwise inefficient, with increasing difficulty for self-care activities. Poor digital co-ordination and markedly reduced grip strength in, eg lifting light objects. Problems with dressing, feeding or writing.
FORTY Uses limb inefficiently in all circumstances. Use of limb subject to major limitations, capable of light grip only. Aids, eg splints, required for everyday activities such as writing and eating.
FIFTY Has only some movement against gravity at elbow, shoulder or wrist.
SIXTY Unable to use upper limb at all.
Only one rating is to be selected from this table for each upper limb, for any condition or combination of conditions.
Ratings from this table are age adjusted (see Table 3.6.1)
Step 7: Determine if any Other Impairment rating applies to the right upper limb.
There are three Other Impairment tables relating to the upper limb. These are: Table 3.1.3 - Amputations of Fingers and Thumb; and
Table 3.1.4 - Amputations of Upper Limb; and
Table 3.1.5 - Dislocation of Shoulder.
Not more than one rating may be selected from either Table 3.1.3 or Table 3.1.4, if the veteran has an amputation affecting the right upper limb.
An additional rating may be selected from Table 3.1.5 if it is applicable to the right shoulder.
If no ratings from Tables 3.1.3 or 3.1.4 or 3.1.5 apply to the right upper limb, then the functional impairment rating obtained in Step 6 is the final functional impairment rating for the right upper limb.
Step 8: Compare the final functional impairment rating for the right upper limb with any Other Impairment rating applicable to the right upper limb. Take the higher of these ratings.
The final functional impairment rating obtained in Step 6 is to be compared with the impairment rating for that limb obtained in Step 7 (if any).
The higher of the two ratings is then to be taken as the total final impairment rating for the right upper limb.
If multiple accepted conditions are responsible for the impairment of an upper limb, the situation will be more complicated and may require applying Chapter 20 (Apportionment).
If the veteran has received a rating from either Table 3.1.3 or Table 3.1.4 and also a rating from Table 3.1.5 the substeps below are to be followed.
Substep
8A
The functional impairment rating for the right upper limb, obtained in Step 6, is to be apportioned into two or three parts, as appropriate, by applying Chapter 20 (Apportionment). The parts are:
+ one part corresponding to the impairment due to amputations
affecting the right upper limb;
+ one part corresponding to the impairment due to dislocation of the right shoulder;
+ one part corresponding to the impairment (if any) of the right upper limb due to all causes other than dislocation of shoulder and amputations.
Other Impairment Table 3.1.3
AMPUTATIONS OF FINGERS AND THUMB
Impairment
Ratings Criteria
NIL No amputation of fingers or thumb. TWO Amputation of little finger of one hand. FIVE Amputation of ring finger of one hand.
TEN
FIFTEEN
TWENTY
TWENTY-
FIVE
THIRTY
THIRTY-
FIVE
FORTY
FORTY-
FIVE
One rating may be given from this table for each side, as applicable.
No age adjustment permitted for this table
Other Impairment Table 3.1.4
Impairment
AMPUTATIONS OF UPPER LIMB
Ratings Criteria
NIL No amputations involving the upper limb.
Mid-carpal amputation of one hand.insertion.
SEVENTY Forequarter amputation.
No age adjustment permitted for this table
One rating may be given from this table for each upper limb, as applicable.
Other Impairment Table 3.1.5
Impairment
DISLOCATION OF SHOULDER
Ratings Criteria
No recurrent dislocation of shoulder.TWO Recurrent dislocation of shoulder surgically corrected.
FIVE Recurrent dislocation of shoulder not surgically corrected.
TEN Dislocation of shoulder resulting in prophylactic restriction of movement.
Only one rating is to be selected from this table for each shoulder.
No age adjustment permitted for this table
Substep Compare the apportioned functional impairment rating corresponding
8B to the impairment due to amputations affecting the right upper limb
(obtained in substep 8A) with the Other Impairment rating from either
Table 3.1.3 or Table 3.1.4 (obtained in Step 7). The higher of these two ratings is to be selected.
Substep Compare the apportioned functional impairment rating corresponding
8C to the impairment due to dislocations of the right shoulder (obtained in
substep 8A) with the Other Impairment rating from Table 3.1.5 (obtained
in Step 7). The higher of these two ratings is to be selected.
Substep
8D
The veteran's accepted right upper limb condition(s) will receive (up to) three impairment ratings:
+ The functional impairment rating corresponding to the impairment of the right upper limb due to all causes other than amputations and dislocation of shoulder (if such a rating is obtained in substep 8A);
+ The impairment rating obtained in substep 8B; and
+ The impairment rating obtained in substep 8C.
These ratings are not to be combined at this stage but are to be included in the final combining of all ratings.
Examples
Example 1
A veteran has an amputation of the right thumb as the only accepted disability of the right upper limb.
By following steps 1 to 7 inclusive, a rating will have been selected from Table 3.1.2:
probably 20 to 40 impairment points (depending on the severity of the effect on the hand)
from Table 3.1.3:
20 impairment points.
These two ratings are compared and the veteran receives the higher as the final impairment rating for the right upper limb.
Example 2
A veteran has an amputation of his right thumb and dislocation of the right shoulder as the only accepted conditions of the right upper limb.
By following steps 1 to 7 inclusive, a rating will have been selected from Table 3.1.2:
say, 40 impairment points (the veteran can use the right upper limb reasonably well in a few circumstances only)
from Table 3.1.3:
20 impairment points; and
from Table 3.1.5:
10 impairment points.
Medical evidence shows that the incapacity of the veteran's right upper limb is due
80% to the shoulder condition and 20% to the amputated thumb. Apportioning the
40 impairment points in the ratio of 4:1, 34 points are obtained for the shoulder, and
9 points for the thumb (Table 20.1).
After comparing the apportioned functional impairment rating of 34 for the right shoulder with the Other Impairment rating of 10 from Table 3.1.5, the veteran gets
34 points for the shoulder. After comparing the apportioned functional impairment rating of 9 for the amputated right thumb with the Other Impairment rating of 20 from Table 3.1.3, the veteran gets 20 points for the amputation of the right thumb.
In this case the final impairment ratings for the right upper limb are 34 points and
20 points. These are to be included in the final combining of all ratings.
An Upper Limb Worksheet is provided on page 88.
A separate Upper Limb Worksheet is to be used for each upper limb. If, for either upper limb, two Other Impairment ratings are applicable the Functional Impairment rating (E) is to be compared with the Other Impairment ratings in accordance with Step 8.
PART 3.2: LOWER LIMBS
Because the two lower limbs constitute a functional unit, a single functional impairment rating is calculated for both lower limbs together.
Calculation of the impairment rating for conditions of the lower limbs
Follow the steps below to calculate the impairment rating due to accepted conditions of the lower limbs:
(Each step is elaborated in the following pages.)
STEP
1
Establish which joints in the lower limbs, if any, have some restriction of movement as a result of accepted conditions affecting the lower limbs.
Page
66
STEP
2
(Omit this step if there is no restriction of joint movement in the limbs.)
Calculate the functional impairment due to restriction
of the range of movement of joints in the lower limbs as a result of accepted conditions of the lower limbs.
Page
66
STEP
3
Make any applicable age adjustment to the final functional impairment rating for the limbs by applying Table 3.6.1 in Part 3.6 of this chapter.
Page
70
STEP
4
STEP
5
Calculate the functional impairment rating for the lower limbs as a whole by applying Table 3.2.2.
Compare the functional impairment rating for the lower limbs as a whole with the functional impairment rating due to any restricted range of movement. Take the higher of these two ratings as the final functional impairment rating for the limb.
Page
70
Page
73
STEP
6
STEP
7
Determine if any Other Impairment rating applies to the lower limbs.
(Omit this step if no Other Impairment rating applies to the limbs.)
Compare the final functional impairment rating for the limbs with any Other Impairment rating applicable to the limbs. Take the higher of these ratings.
Page
73
Page
73
Step 1: Establish which joints in the lower limbs, if any, have some restriction of movement as a result of accepted conditions affecting the lower limbs.
For the purposes of assessment under this Guide the major joints of the lower limbs are the hip, the knee and the ankle.
In addition, the joints of the toes are also to be considered. However, only one rating is to be given for the total effect of restrictions in all joints of the toes of one foot considered together.
Conditions such as chondromalacia patellae and torn medial meniscus may affect the range of movement of the knee. A condition such as fractured neck of femur will be likely to affect the range of movement of the hip. In cases of a fracture, the ranges of movements of the joints both proximal to and distal to the fracture site should generally be considered as joints the range of movement of which may be affected. The closer a fracture site is to a joint, the more likely it is that it will have some effect on the range of movement of that joint.
Hence, it must be determined which, if any, of both right and left:
+ hip;
+ knee;
+ ankle; and
+ toes;
potentially have loss of range of movement due to accepted conditions.
Certain vascular conditions or neurological conditions of the lower limb, such as muscle weakness, tremor, apraxia, or loss of co-ordination may have an effect on the function of the lower limb without restricting the range of movement of any joint of the limbs. The assessment of such conditions is made in Step 4 of this Part.
Step 2: Calculate the functional impairment due to restriction of the range of movement of joints in the lower limbs as a result of accepted conditions of the lower limbs.
Single functional impairment ratings may be obtained for each of the following eight joints or sets of joints based on restriction of range of movement due to accepted conditions:
+ Right hip; + Left hip;
+ Right knee; + Left knee;
+ Right ankle; + Left ankle; and
+ Right toes; + Left toes.
These impairment ratings are obtained by applying Table 3.2.1. Such functional impairment ratings are referred to as the functional impairment rating of the relevant lower limbs based on restriction or range of movement of the right or left hip, knee, ankle, or toes respectively.
The loss of range of movement is to be estimated to the nearest quarter of the normal range of movement.
The range of movement relevant to assessment under this Guide is the active range of movement of the joint, that is the range through which the veteran can move the joint by virtue only of those muscles whose normal function it is to do so. The ability of a veteran to flex a joint by use of other, non-affected body parts does not reduce the rating which the impaired joint attracts. (For example, if a veteran cannot flex the right knee in the normal fashion, by use of the hamstring muscles, but can use a hand to bend the right knee, the right knee should be assessed as having "loss of almost all movement".)
"Unfavourable position" and "position of function" and "flail joint" are defined at page 56.
The loss of range of movement will usually be provided as a fractional loss of range of movement and such data can be related directly to items within Table 3.2.1. However, sometimes, the measured movements of an affected joint will be available in degrees. In such a case the measured movement is to be compared with the average range of movement of a normal joint to obtain the fractional loss of range of movement.
The average ranges of movement of various normal joints of the lower limbs may be obtained from Table 3.5.1 in Part 3.5 of this Chapter. These values are to be used in arriving at the fractional loss of range of movement when the movements of a joint are known in degrees.
If non-accepted conditions contribute to the loss of range of movement, Chapter 19 (Partially Contributing Impairment) is to be used in conjunction with Table 3.2.1.
If various impairment ratings have been obtained for lower limb joints, and Chapter 19 has been applied to them, take the highest resultant rating. This is the final functional impairment rating for the lower limbs based on loss of range of movement. If Chapter 19 did not have to be applied, then take the highest of the various impairment ratings that have been obtained for each lower limb joint. In that case, this is the final functional impairment rating for the lower limbs.
Functional Loss
Table 3.2.1
Impairment
LOSS OF MUSCULOSKELETAL FUNCTION: LOWER LIMB JOINTS
Ratings
NIL TWO FIVE
TEN
FIFTEEN
Ratings from this table are age adjusted
(see Table 3.6.1)
Hip
X-ray changes only with normal range of movement.
Loss of about one-quarter normal range of movement.
Knee
X-ray changes only with normal range of movement.
Loss of about one-quarter normal range of movement.
Ankle
X-ray changes only with normal range of movement.
Loss of about one-quarter normal range of movement.
Loss of about one-half normal range of movement.
Loss of about three-quarters normal range of movement.
Toes
Incomplete loss of range of movement of any toe.
Ankylosis of any toe other than hallux.
Hallux: ankylosis in favourable position of either interphalangeal joint; or metatarsophalangeal joint.
Hallux: ankylosis in an unfavourable position of either interphalangeal joint and/or metatarso- phalangeal joint.
(continued next page)
Functional Loss Table 3.2.1 (cont'd)
LOSS OF MUSCULOSKELETAL FUNCTION: LOWER LIMB JOINTS (continued)
Impairment Ratings TWENTY
THIRTY
FORTY
FIFTY
Hip
Loss of about one-half normal range of movement.
Loss of about three- quarters normal range of movement.
Loss of almost all movement, or complete ankylosis in position of function.
Ankylosis in an unfavourable position, or a flail joint.
Knee
Loss of about one-half normal range of movement.
Loss of about three- quarters normal range of movement.
Loss of almost all movement, or complete ankylosis in position of function.
Ankylosis in an unfavourable position, or a flail joint.
Ankle
Loss of almost all movement, or complete ankylosis in position of function.
Ankylosis in an unfavourable position, or a flail joint.
Toes
Ratings from this table are age adjusted
(see Table 3.6.1)
Only one rating is to be selected from this table for each hip, knee, or ankle; and only one rating is to be selected from this table for the toes of each foot. Of these ratings only the highest is to be taken.
Step 3: Make any applicable age adjustment to the functional impairment rating for the lower limbs based on loss of range of movement by applying Table 3.6.1 in Part 3.6 of this chapter.
The functional impairment rating based on loss of range of movement obtained in
Step 2 is to be age adjusted using Table 3.6.1.
For veterans aged 46 to 55 years at the relevant time, age adjustment will not result in any change of the impairment rating. For veterans aged 56 years and older at the relevant time, the impairment rating will be reduced by an amount dependent upon their age. For veterans aged 45 years or less at the relevant time, the impairment rating will be increased by an amount dependent upon their age.
Total loss of function of each lower limb is considered to be 50 per cent impairment of the whole person. Amputation of a lower limb at the hip joint, or total loss of the use of a lower limb is equivalent to 50 impairment points.
With the exception of a hindquarter amputation, no condition or combination of conditions causing impairment in a lower limb shall receive an impairment rating exceeding 50 points.
In the case of a veteran aged 45 years or less, if the application of age adjustment to the functional impairment rating results in an impairment rating higher than 50 impairment points, the functional impairment rating for that lower limb is to be taken as 50 impairment points and not as the higher rating obtained by applying Table 3.6.1.
Step 4: Calculate the functional impairment rating for the lower limbs as a whole by applying Table 3.2.2.
Table 3.2.2 measures the loss of function relating to the two lower limbs together. Only one rating is to be given from this table for any condition or combination of conditions. To attract a particular rating, the degree of impairment must be greater than that described at all lower levels.
Impairment ratings derived from Table 3.2.2 are not to be age adjusted by applying Table 3.6.1. The reason is that many of the criteria within the table are age-dependent: they compare veterans with others of the same age.
Table 3.2.2 is the only relevant table if the use of lower limbs is restricted by vascular conditions or neurological conditions, such as muscle weakness, tremor, apraxia, loss of co-ordination, fatigue or pain, and when no condition affecting the range of movement of a joint is present.
If non-accepted conditions contribute to the loss of function, Chapter 19 (Partially
Contributing Impairment) is to be applied in conjunction with Table 3.2.2.
Functional Loss
Table 3.2.2
LOSS OF MUSCULOSKELETAL FUNCTION: LOWER LIMBS (BASED ON USE OF BOTH LOWER LIMBS TOGETHER)
Impairment
Ratings Criteria
Walks in a manner normal for age on a variety of different terrains and at varying speeds.
Walks with intermittent difficulty, such as locking or giving way, without falling. Caution needed on steps and uneven ground, or when running.
Walks at normal pace on level ground, but has constant difficulty up and down steps and over uneven ground. Need for a walking stick may be manifested:- Pain and/or slowness; or
- constant pain from weight-bearing.
Walks at moderately reduced pace in comparison with peers on flat ground; and is unable to- manage stairs or ramps without rails; or
- rise from the sitting position without the assistance of one hand.
No age adjustment permitted for this table
(continued next page)
Functional Loss Table 3.2.2 (cont'd)
LOSS OF MUSCULOSKELETAL FUNCTION: LOWER LIMBS (BASED ON USE OF
BOTH LOWER LIMBS TOGETHER) continued
Impairment
Ratings Criteria
- legs give way frequently, resulting in falls. Can walk more efficiently with a brace or an artificial limb; or
- is unable to negotiate stairs without personal assistance; or
- is unable to rise to standing position without the assistance of both hands.
- is restricted to walking in home and around block. Probably needs a walking aid; or
- finds transfer difficult without personal assistance.
FIFTY Restricted to walking in and around home; and
- requires quad stick, crutches or similar walking aid;
- is unable to transfer without personal assistance.
SIXTY Restricted to walking in and around home. Can walk only with personal assistance, or with a walking aid such as a pickup frame.
SEVENTY Unable to walk or stand. Mobile only in a wheelchair.
Only one rating is to be selected from this table for any condition or combination of conditions.
No age adjustment permitted for this table
For the purposes of Table 3.2.2 "transfer" means:
+ a move from one seat to another;
+ a move from sitting to standing;
+ a move on and off the toilet; or
+ a move in and out of bed.
Step 5: Compare the functional impairment rating for the lower limbs as a whole with the functional impairment rating due to any restricted range of movement. Take the higher of these two ratings as the final functional impairment rating for the limbs.
After applying Chapter 19 (Partially Contributing Impairment) in Step 4, the functional impairment rating from loss of range of movement is to be compared with the functional impairment for the use of the limbs as whole.
The higher of these two ratings is the final functional impairment rating for the limbs.
Step 6: Determine if any Other Impairment rating applies to the lower limbs.
There are two Other Impairment tables relating to the lower limbs: Table 3.2.3 ─ Amputations of Lower Limbs; and
Table 3.2.4 ─ Lower Limbs ─ Joint Replacements.
Step 7: Compare the final functional impairment rating for the lower limbs with any Other Impairment rating applicable to the lower limbs. Take the higher of these.
Substep
7A
When the only Other Impairment rating relates to amputations.
The final functional impairment rating of the lower limbs (obtained in Step 5) is to be compared with the Other Impairment rating or ratings from Table 3.2.3.
The higher of the two ratings is then taken as the total final impairment rating for the lower limbs.
Other Impairment Table 3.2.3
Impairment
AMPUTATIONS OF LOWER LIMBS
Ratings Criteria
NIL No amputation of any toes.
TWO Amputation of single toe other than great toe.
FIVE Amputation of 2 to 4 toes on foot excluding great toe.
foot.
on one foot.
TWENTY Mid-tarsal amputation.
Amputation below knee with functional stump. 
7.5 cm or less below intercondylar notch).
7.5 cm or less below tuber ischii). SIXTY Hemipelvectomy.
No age adjustment permitted for this table
If applicable, ratings may be given from this table for each of the lower limbs.
Other Impairment Table 3.2.4
LOWER LIMBS:
Impairment Criteria
Ratings
NIL No joint replacement or realignment in lower limbs. FIVE Tibial osteotomy.
Total knee replacement.
No age adjustment permitted for this table
Where applicable, up to four ratings may be made from this table - one rating for each knee and one for each hip.
Example:
A veteran has an amputation of his right foot as the only accepted condition of his lower limbs which upon investigation is found to fit the description of "amputation below knee with functional stump".
By following steps 1 to 6 inclusive, a rating will have been selected:
from Table 3.2.2:
probably 10 to 30 impairment points (depending on the severity of the effect of the amputation on the particular veteran);
from Table 3.2.3:
30 impairment points.
These two ratings are to be compared and the veteran receives the higher as the total final impairment rating for his amputation of right foot.
If multiple accepted conditions are responsible for the impairment of the lower limbs, the situation will be more complicated and may require applying Chapter 20 (Apportionment).
In some cases, two other impairment ratings are to be given. In such cases, the functional impairment for the limbs should be apportioned into three parts:
+ one part corresponding to the impairment due to any amputation of the right leg;
+ one part corresponding to the impairment due to any amputation of the left leg; and
+ one part corresponding to all other causes.
Substep When the only Other Impairment rating relates to joint
7B replacements and realignments.
Ratings from Table 3.2.4 are to be given only if both the following conditions apply:
+ the predominant cause of loss of lower limb function is a vascular condition (such as peripheral vascular disease); and
+ the rating obtained from Table 3.2.2 is higher than the highest rating
obtained from Table 3.2.1.
Other Impairment rating or ratings from Table 3.2.4 are to be included in the final combining of all impairment ratings. Unlike Other Impairment ratings from most other tables, ratings from Table 3.2.4 are not to be compared with a functional impairment rating.
Example:
A veteran has osteoarthritis of both knees as an accepted condition and has had bilateral knee replacements resulting in reasonably good function. The veteran also has peripheral vascular disease as an accepted condition which limits walking distance to about 200 metres.
By following steps 1 to 6 inclusive, a rating will have been selected:
from Table 3.2.2:
20 impairment points; and
two ratings will have been selected from Table 3.2.4:
10 impairment points for the right knee replacement; and
10 impairment points for the left knee replacement.
The veteran receives all three impairment ratings. The three ratings are to be included in the final combining of all impairment ratings.
The following conditions, whether alone or in combination, are to be assessed by applying Table 3.2.5 if they have no effect on lower limb function. If these conditions have an effect on lower limb function they are to be assessed by applying Table 3.2.2.
Other Impairment Table 3.2.5
MINOR DISORDERS OF THE LOWER LIMBS
Impairment
Ratings Criteria
Pes planus with no symptoms.
Genu valgum with no symptoms.
No age adjustment permitted for this table
Where applicable a rating is to be selected from this table for each condition.
A Lower Limbs Worksheet is provided on page 87.
A single Lower Limbs Worksheet is to be used for both lower limbs together. The Lower Limbs Worksheet is designed to facilitate calculation of the functional impairment of the lower limbs. That functional impairment is to be compared with any Other Impairment ratings in accordance with this Guide.
PART 3.3: SPINE
Part 3.3 of Chapter 3 is to be applied in assessing impairment of the spinal column, not of the spinal cord. Impairments of the spinal cord are to be assessed by applying Chapter 5 of this Guide.
For the purposes of assessment under Part 3.3 the spine consists of two parts the cervical spine and the thoraco-lumbar spine - each of which is to be given a separate impairment rating if appropriate.
Determination of the impairment rating for conditions of the spine.
Follow the steps below to determine the impairment rating from accepted conditions affecting the function of the spine. Because the cervical spine and the thoraco-lumbar spine are each to be separately assessed, this set of steps is to be followed twice (if applicable): once for the cervical spine and once for the thoraco-lumbar spine.
(Each step is elaborated in the following pages.)
STEP
1
Calculate the functional impairment due to restriction of range of movement of the spine as a result of accepted conditions.
Page
78
STEP
2
(Omit this step if you are not assessing an impairment of the thoraco-lumbar spine.)
Determine the impairment rating applicable to the
thoraco-lumbar spine by applying Table 3.3.2.
Page
78
STEP
3
(Omit this step if you are not assessing an impairment of the thoraco-lumbar spine.)
Compare the rating obtained in Step 1 in respect of impairment of the thoraco-lumbar spine with the rating obtained in Step 2. Take the higher rating.
Page
80
STEP
4
STEP
5
Make any applicable age adjustment to the functional impairment rating for the spine by applying Table 3.6.1.
Determine if any Other Impairment rating applies to the spine.
Page
80
Page
81
STEP
6
Compare the impairment rating obtained in Step 4 with the impairment rating obtained in Step 5. Take the higher rating.
Page
81
Step 1: Calculate the functional impairment due to restriction of range of movement of the spine as a result of accepted conditions.
Table 3.3.1 is to be applied to rate spinal function. It is based on range of movement of the spine. Two ratings may be given from this table -- one for the cervical spine and one for the thoraco-lumbar spine. Only one rating is to be given for the cervical spine for any condition or combination of conditions which contribute to the loss of range of movement of the cervical spine. Only one rating is to be given for the thoraco-lumbar spine for any condition or combination of conditions which contribute to the loss of range of movement of the thoraco-lumbar spine.
It is not practicable to measure range of movement of the thoracic spine independently of that of the lumbar spine. If only the thoracic spine is to be rated, all movements are to be measured, but emphasis is given to rotation. If only the lumbar spine is to be rated, all movements are to be measured, but emphasis is given to forward flexion. However, even if conditions of both the thoracic and lumbar spine are to be assessed, only one rating is to be made from the thoraco-lumbar spine column of Table 3.3.1.
The loss of range of movement should be estimated to the nearest quarter of the normal range of movement.
The loss of range of movement will usually be provided as a fractional loss of range of movement and such data can be used directly in Table 3.3.1. However, sometimes, the measured movements of the affected part of the spine will be available in degrees. In such a case the measured movement is to be compared with the average range of movement of the normal spine to obtain the fractional loss of range of movement.
The average ranges of movement of the normal spine may be obtained from Table 3.5.1 in Part 3.5. These values are to be used in arriving at the fractional loss of range of movement when the actual movements of the spine are known in degrees.
If a functional impairment rating obtained from Table 3.3.1 has been contributed to by any non-accepted conditions, then that rating is to be moderated by applying Chapter 19 (Partially Contributing Impairment).
Step 2: (Omit this step if you are not assessing an impairment of the thoraco lumbar spine.) Determine the impairment rating applicable to the thoraco- lumbar spine by applying Table 3.3.2.
Table 3.3.2 is to be applied to assess functional loss of the thoraco-lumbar spine that is not adequately measured by loss of range of movement. Ratings obtained from Table 3.3.2 are not to be combined with any ratings obtained from Table 3.3.1 in respect of the thoraco-lumbar spine. Ratings obtained from Table 3.3.2 are compared with ratings obtained from Table 3.3.1 in respect of the thoraco-lumbar spine in Step 3.
Functional Loss
Table 3.3.1
LOSS OF MUSCULOSKELETAL FUNCTION: SPINAL MOVEMENT
Impairment
Ratings Criteria
Cervical spine Thoraco-lumbar spine
NIL X-ray changes only. X-ray changes only.
Normal or nearly Normal or nearly normal range of normal range of movement. movement.
FIVE Loss of about one- quarter of normal range of movement.
TEN Loss of about half of Loss of about one-quarter normal range of normal range of movement. movement.
FIFTEEN Loss of about three- quarters of normal range of movement.
TWENTY Loss of almost all Loss of about half of movement, or complete normal range of ankylosis in position movement.
of function.
THIRTY Ankylosis in an Loss of about three- unfavourable position. quarters of normal range of
movement.
FORTY Loss of almost all movement, or complete ankylosis in position of function.
FIFTY Ankylosis in an unfavour- able position, or unstable joint.
Ratings from this table are age adjusted (see Table 3.6.1)
Where applicable, two ratings are to be selected from this table
- one for the cervical spine and one for the thoracolumbar spine.
If a functional impairment rating obtained from Table 3.3.2 has been contributed to by any non-accepted conditions, then that rating is to be moderated by applying Chapter 19 (Partially Contributing Impairment).
Functional Loss
Table 3.3.2
LOSS OF MUSCULOSKELETAL FUNCTION: THORACO-LUMBAR SPINE (BASED ON USE OF SPINE)
Impairment
Ratings Criteria
NIL Thoraco-lumbar spine condition causes no difficulty in sitting or standing or other normal activities.
TWO Thoraco-lumbar spine condition causes occasional difficulties in prolonged sitting or standing.
FIVE Thoraco-lumbar spine condition causes difficulties in sitting or standing that generally result in pain or undue fatigue by the end of the day.
TEN Thoraco-lumbar spine condition generally causes pain or undue fatigue within half an hour, and so requires frequent changes of posture.
FIFTEEN Thoraco-lumbar spine condition generally causes pain or undue fatigue within five minutes, and so requires very frequent changes of posture.
Ratings from this table are age adjusted (see Table 3.6.1)
One rating may be selected from this table in respect of the thoracolumbar spine. No rating is to be selected from this ta ble in respect of the cervical spine.
Step 3: (Omit this step if you are not assessing an impairment of the thoraco lumbar spine.) Compare the rating obtained in Step 1 in respect of impairment of the thoraco-lumbar spine with the rating obtained in Step 2. Take the higher rating.
Step 4: Make any applicable age adjustment to the functional impairment rating for the spine by applying Table 3.6.1.
The functional impairment rating obtained in Step 4 is to be age adjusted by applying Table 3.6.1. Unlike the situation which applies to the upper and lower limbs there is no maximum value of the impairment rating of the spine. Hence whatever the rating obtained by application of Table 3.6.1 is the rating to be given. (The reason is that the maximum rating for limbs is determined by reference to the rating given for amputation of the limb, but there is no such thing as amputation of the spine.)
Step 5: Determine if any Other Impairment rating applies to the spine.
The Other Impairment ratings of the spine are those due to crush fractures of the vertebrae.
Other Impairment Table 3.3.3
CRUSH FRACTURES OF THE VERTEBRAE
Impairment
Ratings Criteria
NIL No fracture of the vertebrae.
TWO Crush fracture with minor compression (less than 25%)
only.
FIVE Crush fracture of one vertebra (compression of 25%-
50%).
50% compression.
No age adjustment permitted for this table
Where applicable, two ratings are to be selected from this table
- one for the cervical spine and one for the thoracolumbar spine.
Step 6: Compare the impairment rating obtained in Step 4 with the impairment rating obtained in Step 5. Take the higher rating.
After applying Chapter 19 (Partially Contributing Impairment), the functional impairment rating due to loss of range of movement of the spine is to be compared with the functional impairment due to any crush fractures.
The higher of these two ratings is the final functional impairment rating for the cervical or thoraco-lumbar spine, as the case may be.
The assessment of other effects of spinal conditions.
If a spinal condition causes an effect on limb function, then that effect on limb function is also to be assessed under Parts 3.1 or 3.2 (together with the effect of any other accepted conditions contributing to loss of function of the same limb); and if a spinal condition causes a sensory loss, then that sensory loss is also to be assessed under Table 5.4 (together with the effect of any other accepted conditions contributing to that sensory loss).
For example, if a spinal condition which causes a reduced range of spinal movement also interferes with the proper function of the limbs, then a rating from Table 3.3.1 may be combined with a rating from Table 3.1.2 or 3.2.2.
PART 3.4: RESTING JOINT PAIN
An additional rating is to be given from Table 3.4.1 for certain joint pain. This table is to be applied only for frequent joint pain that continues to affect a joint when the joint is no longer in use: for example, pain in the knees continuing for a significant period after ceasing walking and standing, or pain in the shoulders persisting for a significant period after ceasing some task such as hanging out the washing. Pain that limits range of movement or distance that can be walked is already assessed elsewhere (Tables 3.2.1 and 3.2.2).
Table 3.4.1 may be applied for pain in both the upper limbs and lower limbs and intervertebral joints. Only one selection may be made from this table for pain in any joint or combination of joints. However, the table is not to be applied to rate sciatic pain. Sciatic pain is to be rated by applying Table 3.2.2.
Other Impairment Table 3.4.1
Impairment
RESTING JOINT PAIN
Ratings Criteria
NIL Pain in any joint, or combination of joints, that is not usually present at rest.
Pain in any joint, or combination of joints, that is often present at rest but which is mild.
TEN Severe pain in any joint, or combination of joints, that is often present at rest but which does not respond adequately to medication or to therapeutic measures.
FIFTEEN Severe pain in any joint, or combination of joints, that is always present at rest but which does not respond adequately to medication or to therapeutic measures and which regularly interferes with sleep.
No age adjustment permitted for this table
Only one selection is to be made from this table for pain in any joint or combination of joints.
PART 3.5: RANGES OF JOINT MOVEMENT
Table 3.5.1 is a table of "average" or "normal" values. It is to be used to assist in the estimation of loss of range of joint movement. Range of movement is usually measured by simple visual assessment, and is based on active joint movement. Because estimates of range of movement are required only to the nearest quarter of normal full range of movement, the use of a goniometer is not essential.
A global assessment is based on the measurement and averaging of movements in all planes. Functionally more important planes of movement (Table 3.5.1) are given more emphasis in this assessment. The total loss of range of movement should be estimated to the nearest quarter of the normal range of movement.
Estimates of range of movement may be made using the joint on the opposite side for comparison, provided that the opposite side is not affected by injury or disease. If both sides are affected the accepted normal range of movement given in Table
3.5.1 can be used as a reference.
The angles in brackets represent the position of function. This information is required when considering whether an ankylosis is in a favourable position or not.
Procedural
Table 3.5.1
AVERAGE RANGES OF JOINT MOVEMENTS
Joint Average Range of Joint Movement (degrees)
Shoulder Abduction (45°) * 150° Adduction 30° Forward elevation (30°) * 150° Backward 40° External Rotation (20°) * 90° Internal 40°
Elbow | Flexion (100°) * | 150° | Extension | 0° |
| Supination (0°) | 80° | Pronation | 80° |
Wrist | Dorsiflexion (30°) * | 60° | Palmar Flexion * | 70° |
| Ulnar Deviation (0°) | 30° | Radial | 20° |
Hip | Flexion (25°) | 100° | Extension | 30° |
| Abduction (0°) * | 40° | Adduction | 20° |
| Internal Rotation (0°) * | 40° | External | 50° |
Knee | Flexion (10°) * | 150° | Extension | 0° |
Ankle | Dorsiflexion (0°) * | 20° | Plantar Flexion * | 40° |
| Inversion (0°) | 30° | Eversion | 20° |
Cervical | Flexion (0°) * | 45° | Extension * | 45° |
Spine | Right Lateral Flexion (0°) | 45° | Left Lateral Flexion | 45° |
| Right Rotation (0°) * | 80° | Left Rotation * | 80° |
Thoraco- | Flexion (0°) * | 90° | Extension | 30° |
Lumbar | Right Lateral Flexion (0°) | 30° | Left Lateral Flexion | 30° |
Spine | Right Rotation (0°) | 30° | Left Rotation | 30° |
No age adjustment permitted for this table
*Functionally most important movements
Table 3.6.1 converts the impairment rating for the measured loss of musculoskeletal function to an age adjusted impairment rating.
SCALE
3.6.1
SPINE AND LIMBS AGE ADJUSTMENT
Rating | Less than 36 |
36-45 |
46-55 | Age
56-65 |
66-75 |
76-85 | Greater than 85 |
0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 1 | 1 |
3 | 4 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
4 | 5 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 3 | 3 | 2 |
5 | 6 | 6 | 5 | 5 | 4 | 4 | 3 |
6 | 7 | 7 | 6 | 5 | 5 | 4 | 4 |
7 | 8 | 8 | 7 | 6 | 6 | 5 | 4 |
8 | 10 | 9 | 8 | 7 | 6 | 6 | 5 |
9 | 11 | 10 | 9 | 8 | 7 | 6 | 5 |
10 | 12 | 11 | 10 | 9 | 8 | 7 | 6 |
11 | 13 | 12 | 11 | 10 | 9 | 8 | 7 |
12 | 14 | 13 | 12 | 11 | 10 | 8 | 7 |
13 | 16 | 14 | 13 | 12 | 10 | 9 | 8 |
14 | 17 | 15 | 14 | 13 | 11 | 10 | 8 |
15 | 18 | 17 | 15 | 14 | 12 | 11 | 9 |
16 | 19 | 18 | 16 | 14 | 13 | 11 | 10 |
17 | 20 | 19 | 17 | 15 | 14 | 12 | 10 |
18 | 22 | 20 | 18 | 16 | 14 | 13 | 11 |
19 | 23 | 21 | 19 | 17 | 15 | 13 | 11 |
20 | 24 | 22 | 20 | 18 | 16 | 14 | 12 |
21 | 25 | 23 | 21 | 19 | 17 | 15 | 13 |
22 | 26 | 24 | 22 | 20 | 18 | 15 | 13 |
23 | 28 | 25 | 23 | 21 | 18 | 16 | 14 |
24 | 29 | 26 | 24 | 22 | 19 | 17 | 14 |
25 | 30 | 28 | 25 | 23 | 20 | 18 | 15 |
26 | 31 | 29 | 26 | 23 | 21 | 18 | 16 |
27 | 32 | 30 | 27 | 24 | 22 | 19 | 16 |
28 | 34 | 31 | 28 | 25 | 22 | 20 | 17 |
29 | 35 | 32 | 29 | 26 | 23 | 20 | 17 |
30 | 36 | 33 | 30 | 27 | 24 | 21 | 18 |
31 | 37 | 34 | 31 | 28 | 25 | 22 | 19 |
32 | 38 | 35 | 32 | 29 | 26 | 22 | 19 |
33 | 40 | 36 | 33 | 30 | 26 | 23 | 20 |
34 | 41 | 37 | 34 | 31 | 27 | 24 | 20 |
35 | 42 | 39 | 35 | 32 | 28 | 25 | 21 |
This is a table for making age adjustment
(continued next page)
SCALE
3.6.1 (cont'd)
SPINE AND LIMBS AGE ADJUSTMENT continued
Rating | Less than |
|
| Age |
|
| Greater than |
| 36 | 36-45 | 46-55 | 56-65 | 66-75 | 76-85 | 85 |
36 | 43 | 40 | 36 | 32 | 29 | 25 | 22 |
37 | 44 | 41 | 37 | 33 | 30 | 26 | 22 |
38 | 46 | 42 | 38 | 34 | 30 | 27 | 23 |
39 | 47 | 43 | 39 | 35 | 31 | 27 | 23 |
40 | 48 | 44 | 40 | 36 | 32 | 28 | 24 |
41 | 49 | 45 | 41 | 37 | 33 | 29 | 25 |
42 | 50 | 46 | 42 | 38 | 34 | 29 | 25 |
43 | 52 | 47 | 43 | 39 | 34 | 30 | 26 |
44 | 53 | 48 | 44 | 40 | 35 | 31 | 26 |
45 | 54 | 50 | 45 | 41 | 36 | 32 | 27 |
46 | 55 | 51 | 46 | 41 | 37 | 32 | 28 |
47 | 56 | 52 | 47 | 42 | 38 | 33 | 28 |
48 | 58 | 53 | 48 | 43 | 38 | 34 | 29 |
49 | 59 | 54 | 49 | 44 | 39 | 34 | 29 |
50 | 60 | 55 | 50 | 45 | 40 | 35 | 30 |
51 | 61 | 56 | 51 | 46 | 41 | 36 | 31 |
52 | 62 | 57 | 52 | 47 | 42 | 36 | 31 |
53 | 64 | 58 | 53 | 48 | 42 | 37 | 32 |
54 | 65 | 59 | 54 | 49 | 43 | 38 | 32 |
55 | 66 | 61 | 55 | 50 | 44 | 39 | 33 |
56 | 67 | 62 | 56 | 50 | 45 | 39 | 34 |
57 | 68 | 63 | 57 | 51 | 46 | 40 | 34 |
58 | 70 | 64 | 58 | 52 | 46 | 41 | 35 |
59 | 71 | 65 | 59 | 53 | 47 | 41 | 35 |
60 | 72 | 66 | 60 | 54 | 48 | 42 | 36 |
61 | 73 | 67 | 61 | 55 | 49 | 43 | 37 |
62 | 74 | 68 | 62 | 56 | 50 | 43 | 37 |
63 | 76 | 69 | 63 | 57 | 50 | 44 | 38 |
64 | 77 | 70 | 64 | 58 | 51 | 45 | 38 |
65 | 78 | 72 | 65 | 59 | 52 | 46 | 39 |
66 | 79 | 73 | 66 | 59 | 53 | 46 | 40 |
67 | 80 | 74 | 67 | 60 | 54 | 47 | 40 |
68 | 82 | 75 | 68 | 61 | 54 | 48 | 41 |
69 | 83 | 76 | 69 | 62 | 55 | 48 | 41 |
70 | 84 | 77 | 70 | 63 | 56 | 49 | 42 |
This is a table for making age adjustment
Table 3.6.1 is to be applied only to impairment ratings derived from Tables 3.1.1,
3.1.2, 3.2.1, 3.3.1, and 3.3.2.
Table 3.6.1 is not to be applied to impairment ratings derived from Tables 3.1.3,
3.1.4, 3.2.2, 3.2.3, 3.2.4, 3.3.3, or 3.4.1.
Guide to the Assessment of Lower Limbs Worksheet
Rates of Veterans' Pensions
5th edition
File No:
Veteran's given names: Veteran's surname: Conditions of lower limbs for assessment:
The following entries and calculations are based on a report dated: Veteran's date of birth:
The veteran has no amputations involving the lower limbs
Right ROM Rating Left ROM Rating
Hip Knee Ankle Foot
Foot
see below
Hip Knee Ankle Foot
Foot
see below
criterion
ROM rating for right leg =
(highest from column above)
criterion
= A ROM rating for left leg = = B
(highest from column above)
Range of movement rating for both legs together (higher of A and B) = = C Veteran's age = Rating (adjusted for age) = = D
(at date of report)
Lower limbs function: Comments (Criterion selected from Table 3.2.2)
Rating: = E Is the preceding impairment rating (E) wholly due to accepted disabilities?
What proportion of the preceding rating (E) is due to accepted disabilities?
What rating is attributable to accepted disabilities? = F
(Value E modified by use of Scale 19.2)
Final functional impairment rating for legs (higher of D and F) = G
Signature Name (Please print) Date
/ /
Guide to the Assessment of Upper Limb Worksheet
Rates of Veterans' Pensions
5th edition
File No:
Veteran's Christian or given names: Veteran's surname:
Conditions of upper limb for assessment:
The following entries and calculations are based on a report dated:
Veteran's date of birth:
The veteran has no amputations involving the upper limb
Shoulder
Elbow
Wrist
ROM Rating
Hand record comments or criterion below
Hand
Comments/Criterion:
ROM rating for upper limb = = A
(highest from column above)
Upper limbs function: Comments (Criterion selected from Table 3.1.2)
Rating: = B Is the preceding impairment rating (B) wholly due to accepted disabilities?
What proportion of the preceding rating (B) is due to accepted disabilities?
What rating is attributable to accepted disabilities? = C Functional impairment rating for upper limb (higher of A and C) = D Veteran's age = Rating (D) adjusted for age = = E
E is the final functional impairment rating for the upper limb. It is to be compared with any applicable Other Impairment rating in accordance with Step 8 of Part 3.1.
Signature Name (Please print) Date
/ /
Chapter 4
Emotional and Behavioural
INTRODUCTION
This chapter is only to be applied to assess the emotional and behavioural consequences of accepted psychiatric conditions.
Only one final rating is to be determined using this chapter for any psychiatric condition or combination of psychiatric conditions.
The emotional and behavioural effects of other accepted non-psychiatric conditions are incorporated in the impairment ratings throughout the Guide and may also be taken into account when assessing lifestyle. Where the emotional and behavioural effects of other accepted conditions are such that they warrant a separate psychiatric diagnosis, that psychiatric condition may only be assessed under this chapter if the condition has been accepted as war-caused or defence-caused.
When applying the tables in this chapter, only the effects of the psychiatric condition are to be taken into account. For example, inability to work, reduced participation in recreational activities, and increased family conflict may all be present but not necessarily be consequences of the psychiatric condition.
Some conditions that affect emotional and behavioural function may have symptoms that are intermittent in nature. In these circumstances, Chapter 15 (Intermittent Impairment) should be used, and the rating obtained under that chapter compared with the rating obtained from this chapter. The higher rating is to be taken.
Somatic effects
Psychiatric disease may also be associated with somatic effects such as headache, dyspepsia and psychogenic impotence. If somatic effects occur, they are to be given separate ratings using the respective system-specific tables. It must be clearly established that the somatic effects are part of the psychiatric condition and do not constitute or form part of a separate disease or injury. Conditions in which stress may be implicated as an aetiological agent are not rated under this chapter. These are considered to be separate entitlement issues.
Substance abuse
Substance abuse is to be assessed using Chapter 4 of this Guide. (For purposes of this chapter "substance abuse" includes "substance dependence".) Chapter 4 is also to be used if substance abuse has been diagnosed under a different, but still psychiatric, diagnostic label.
If substance abuse is an accepted condition in its own right, it is to be assessed by applying Tables 4.1 to 4.8.
If substance abuse is not an accepted condition in its own right but the veteran has an accepted psychiatric condition and substance abuse is a clinical feature of that condition, then substance abuse is to be assessed as part of the accepted psychiatric condition (by applying Tables 4.1 to 4.8) only if the substance abuse was present and part of the veteran's psychiatric condition when it was originally accepted.
If substance abuse is a clinical feature of the veteran's accepted psychiatric condition during the assessment period but was not present and part of that condition when it was originally accepted, then substance abuse can only be assessed if it is claimed and accepted as war-caused or defence-caused.
See also the Emotional and Behavioural Medical Impairment Worksheet at pages 100-101.
Calculation of the impairment rating for psychiatric conditions
Follow the steps below to calculate the impairment rating of accepted psychiatric conditions:
(Each step is elaborated in the following pages.)
STEP Determine an impairment rating from each of Tables Page
1
STEP
2
STEP
3
4.1 to 4.8.
Find the highest three impairment ratings from Tables
4.3 to 4.8.
Add together:
+ the impairment rating from Table 4.1;
+ the rating from Table 4.2; and
+ the three impairment ratings obtained at Step 2.
91
Page
91
Page
91
Step 1: Determine a rating from each of Tables 4.1 to 4.8.
Each table addresses a different parameter of psychiatric functioning. The various parameters are described in text placed below the tables.
The examples given in the descriptions of the parameters are not exhaustive. Similar factors may be considered.
While there is some overlap between the various categories, the purpose of considering the condition under the eight headings is to ensure that a wide range of the possible effects of the psychiatric condition are taken into account in arriving at a final impairment rating for the psychiatric condition.
Step 2: Find the three highest impairment ratings from Tables 4.3 to 4.8.
If all or some of the highest impairment ratings are the same, then it does not matter which of these ratings is chosen. For example, if a veteran rates 2, 2, 2, 2, 2 and 2 from Tables 4.3 to 4.8, then the three highest are 2, 2 and 2. If a veteran rates 6, 2, 2,
2, 0 and 0 from Tables 4.3 to 4.8, then the three highest are 6, 2 and 2.
Not all of the criteria in the tables will apply equally to all veterans with accepted psychiatric conditions. For example, Table 4.5 will apply to a different extent to different veterans, depending on their domestic arrangements. Criteria in Table 4.8 will also vary in their application, depending on whether the veteran is receiving treatment. In order to ensure equity in assessment across a broad range of veterans, there are six tables but only the three highest ratings are taken into the assessment.
Step 3: Add together the impairment rating from Table 4.1, the impairment rating from Table 4.2, and the three impairment ratings obtained at Step 2.
Determine the arithmetic sum of the impairment rating from Table 4.1, the impairment rating from Table 4.2, and the three impairment ratings obtained in Step 2, by adding together the five ratings. Chapter 18 (Combined Values Chart) is not to be applied in this process. The impairment rating obtained by adding the five ratings is the final impairment rating for accepted psychiatric condition(s).
Functional Loss
Table 4.1
Impairment
SUBJECTIVE DISTRESS
Ratings General description and outcome
NIL Intermittent emotional and behavioural changes that fall within the normal range of human experience.
TWO Occasional symptoms causing minor distress. The veteran can easily distract himself or herself from the distress on most occasions.
THREE Recurring symptoms causing mild distress. The veteran can distract himself or herself from the distress on most occasions.
SIX Frequent symptoms causing moderate distress. The veteran will sometimes be unable to distract himself or herself from the distress.
TEN Very frequent symptoms causing moderate distress.
The veteran will often be unable to distract himself or herself from the distress.
FIFTEEN Persistent symptoms causing considerable distress.
Relief for the veteran from that distress is difficult to achieve even with a high level of support and reassur- ance.
TWENTY Persistent symptoms causing profound distress. The veteran can rarely distract himself or herself from the distress even with a high level of support and reassurance.
TWENTY- Continuous symptoms causing overwhelming distress. FOUR The veteran cannot distract himself or herself from the distress even with a high level of support and
reassurance.
No age adjustment permitted for this table
One rating is to be selected from this table for the subjective distress due to the accepted psychiatric condition being assessed.
Subjective distress is the distress that is experienced by the veteran. It is the equivalent of the symptom complex experienced by a veteran with a physical condition.
Examples include feelings of anxiety, fear or depression, flashbacks, intrusive thoughts, loss of concentration, nightmares and hallucinations.
Functional Loss
Table 4.2
Impairment
MANIFEST DISTRESS
Ratings General description and outcome
NIL Nil, minimal, or rare signs of distress.
TWO Disturbances of behaviour, emotion or thinking are occasionally noticeable.
THREE Distress is sometimes apparent, and/or the veteran's pre-occupation with the symptoms is sometimes noticeable to astute observers or persons familiar with the veteran.
SIX Distress is apparent, and/or the veteran's pre- occupation with the symptoms is noticeable to astute observers or persons familiar with the veteran.
TEN Obvious distress and pre-occupation with the symptoms is evident to casual observers and even persons unfamiliar with the veteran.
FIFTEEN Obvious continual distress.
TWENTY Distress that draws attention to the veteran. TWENTY- All pervasive distress.
FOUR
One rating is to be selected from this table for the manifest distress due to the accepted psychiatric condition being assessed.
No age adjustment permitted for this table
Manifest distress is the manifestation of the distress that others observe in the veteran. It is the equivalent of the signs observed in a physical condition.
Examples include preoccupation, manic behaviour, inappropriate actions, restless pacing, nervous sweating, tremor, bursts of anger, pressured speech, perseveration, inability to follow a conversation, vocalisations during nightmares, compulsive or excessive drinking and compulsive gambling.
Functional Loss
Table 4.3
Impairment
FUNCTIONAL EFFECTS
Ratings General description and outcome
NIL Minimal or no interferences with most aspects of living.
ONE Minor interference with function in some everyday situations.
TWO Moderate interference with function in some every- day situations.
THREE Moderate interference with functions in many every- day situations.
FIVE Marked interference with function in many everyday situations.
SIX The veteran may be able to continue to function in everyday situations, but with gross restrictions.
EIGHT Profound psychiatric impairment. Virtually all recreational, social or otherwise purposeful activities abandoned.
No age adjustment permitted for this table
One rating is to be selected from this table for the functional effects of the accepted psychiatric condition being assessed.
Functional effects are the effects of the condition on the veteran's ability to function in a non-specific environment.
Relevant factors include the veteran's ability to deal with personal hygiene, to prepare and consume food, to use electrical appliances, to find one's way around, to return safely home after going to the shops etc, to avoid common dangers (such as in crossing the road), to remember the location and use of ordinary objects, the method of catching public transport etc.
Functional Loss
Table 4.4
Impairment
OCCUPATION
Ratings General description and outcome
NIL Minimal or no interference with work or occupation. ONE Exacerbation of symptoms may cause occasional days
off work.
TWO Short periods (more than one day at a time) of absence from work.
THREE Long periods (weeks or months) of absence from work. FIVE An employed veteran will have major difficulties at
work, which may be manifested by job modification
or restriction of career opportunities. The disorder may contribute to the loss of a job.
SIX The veteran may be unable to work or may still be working, but with marked loss of time and/or loss of productivity at work leading to loss of original vocation.
EIGHT The veteran cannot work.
No age adjustment permitted for this table
One rating is to be selected from this table for the occupational effects of the accepted psychiatric condition being assessed.
Occupation. This table relates to the effect of the psychiatric condition on the veteran's ability to work.
Relevant factors include ability to concentrate on a task, ability to work with others, ability to take instructions from a supervisor and ability to interact appropriately with clients.
The criteria for gaining impairment ratings under Table 4.4 are different from the criteria of eligibility for benefits under sections 23, 24, and 25 of the Act. For purposes of applying Table 4.4, only the impairment from accepted psychiatric condition(s) of the veteran is to be taken into account.
Functional Loss
Table 4.5
Impairment
DOMESTIC SITUATION
Ratings General description and outcome
NIL Minimal or no effect on ordinary family life.
ONE Occasional friction with family members. TWO Frequent discord with family members. THREE Frequent conflict with family members. FIVE Continual conflict with family members.
SIX Family functioning is deteriorating, and estrangement or divorce are a likely consequence.
EIGHT Virtually non-existent family life because of conflict with family members.
One rating is to be selected from this table for the domestic effects of the accepted psychiatric condition being assessed.
No age adjustment permitted for this table
Domestic situation. This tables relates to the effect of the psychiatric condition on the veteran's ability to continue or form domestic interpersonal relationships.
Relevant factors include the ability to maintain usual relationships with other family members and recognition of usual domestic relationships.
Functional Loss
Table 4.6
Impairment
SOCIAL INTERACTION
Ratings General description and outcome
NIL Minimal or no effect on ordinary social contacts.
ONE Occasional friction with colleagues and friends.
TWO Minor reduction in social interaction. THREE Significant reduction in social interaction. FIVE Substantial reduction in social interaction. SIX General social withdrawal.
EIGHT Negligible social contact.
One rating is to be selected from this table for the social effects of the accepted psychiatric condi tion being assessed.
No age adjustment permitted for this table
Social interaction. This table relates to the effect of the psychiatric condition on the veteran's ability to continue or form interpersonal relationships with friends other than close family members and to interact with people in a casual way as required in social circumstances.
Relevant factors include ability to react appropriately to people in different roles; to follow the thread and purpose of a conversation; to restrict conversation to appropriate topics and to respond suitably to remarks.
Functional Loss
Table 4.7
Impairment
LEISURE ACTIVITIES
Ratings General description and outcome
NIL Minimal or no effect on leisure activities.
ONE Some loss of interest in activities previously enjoyed.
TWO Some reduction in recreational activities. THREE Significant reduction in recreational activities. FIVE Loss of interest in most recreational pursuits.
SIX Substantial reduction in most recreational pursuits.
EIGHT Virtually all recreational activities abandoned.
One rating is to be selected from this table for the recreational effects of the accepted psychiatric condition being assessed.
No age adjustment permitted for this table
Leisure activities. This table relates to the effect of the psychiatric condition on the veteran's ability to enjoy previously pleasurable activities.
Relevant factors include decreased ability to concentrate, decreased ability to understand complex activity (for example how to do crossword puzzles, how to play cards and sports, or to follow the plot of a movie or book), loss of interest in games and sports, perhaps even the inability to remember the purpose or rules of a game. (Inability to concentrate or remember may lead to embarrassment with avoidance of the activity.)
Functional Loss
Table 4.8
Impairment
CURRENT THERAPY
Ratings General description and outcome
NIL No regular treatment sought or recommended.
ONE Medical therapy or some supportive treatment from LMO may be required, and if not commenced, may be recognised as being of use.
TWO Psychiatric treatment, at least in the form of medication or psychotherapy, has been tried (or recommended), and/or some occasional supportive therapy given at an outpatient level or by an LMO or specialist and/or a friend or other person (eg a member of the clergy) has acted in a supportive role or as a sounding board.
THREE Psychiatric treatment, at least in the form of medication or psychotherapy, has been used (or deemed necessary), and/or periods of regular supportive therapy at an outpatient level or similar.
FIVE Need for intensive specialist psychiatric treatment on an outpatient basis, including medication and/or in- patient hospital care for short periods.
SIX Longer periods of in-patient hospital care are necessary.
Long term psychotropic drug regimes or ECT is being undertaken.
EIGHT Continuous psychiatric treatment is essential, with a need for long periods in hospital and marked social support.
One rating is to be selected from this table for the treatment effects of the accepted psychiatric condition being assessed.
No age adjustment permitted for this table
Current therapy is the treatment that is being given or has been recommended for the veteran's psychiatric condition.
Such treatment includes but is not limited to medication such as hypnotics and sedatives, counselling, group therapy, hospitalisation, or ECT. The treatment may be administered or overseen by a psychiatrist, a general practitioner, a psychologist or other health workers. The term "therapy" also includes assistance to the veteran given by his or her spouse, or other close relatives, or friends, or clergy.
Guide to the Assessment of Emotional and Behavioural
Rates of Veterans' Pensions Medical Impairment Worksheet
Veteran's Name: File No:
Accepted Conditions:
Table 4.1 - Subjective Distress
Comments Table 4.1
Table 4.2 - Manifest Distress
Comments Table 4.2
Table 4.3 - Functional Effects
Comments Table 4.3
Table 4.4 - Occupation
Comments Table 4.4
Table 4.5 - Domestic Situation
Comments Table 4.5
Guide to the Assessment of Emotional and Behavioural
Rates of Veterans' Pensions Medical Impairment Worksheet
Veteran's Name: File No:
Table 4.6 - Social Interaction
Comments
Table 4.7 - Leisure Activities
Comments
Table 4.8 - Current Therapy
Comments
Calculation of Final Rating:
The ratings for the 3 boxes below are Table 4.1 Table 4.2 the three highest of the ratings from Rating Rating Tables 4.3, 4.4, 4.5, 4.6, 4.7 and 4.8
+ + + + =
Table 4.6
Rating
Table 4.7
Rating
Table 4.8
Rating
Final
Rating
Signature Name (please print) Date
/ /
NOTES
Chapter 5
Neurological Impairment
INTRODUCTION
Loss of function tables (Tables 5.1-5.5)
Neurological impairment is measured by reference to multiple functions, many of which are rated using tables in other chapters. The additional functions considered in this chapter are:
+ cognitive function (Table 5.1);
+ communication (Tables 5.2 and 5.3); and
+ sensory function (Table 5.4).
Ratings from one functional loss table are to be combined with ratings from any other table for a different loss of function from the same condition. Ratings from functional loss tables are not to be combined with ratings from Other Impairment tables for the same condition.
Other Impairment table (Table 5.6)
Table 5.6 lists specific impairment ratings for a variety of neurological conditions which are based on prognosis and, in some cases, pain. When ratings for the same condition can be made from Table 5.6 and a functional loss table, the higher rating is to be chosen.
Calculation of the impairment rating for an accepted neurological condition
Follow the steps below to determine the impairment rating for neurological conditions:
(Each step is elaborated in the following pages.)
STEP Determine an impairment rating for functional loss Page
1 from the accepted neurological condition, by 104
applying Tables 5.1, 5.2, 5.3, 5.4, and 5.5, as
applicable.
STEP Determine an impairment rating for functional loss Page
2 from the accepted neurological condition, by 113
applying other applicable chapters of this Guide.
STEP Determine a rating for Other Impairment from the Page
3 accepted neurological condition, by applying Table 113
5.6 as applicable.
STEP
4
(Omit this step if no rating was given in Step 3.)
Combine the ratings obtained in Step 1 and Step 2, by applying Chapter 18 (Combined Values Chart). Compare the resultant combined rating with the rating obtained in Step 3. Take the higher rating.
Page
114
Step 1: Determine an impairment rating for functional loss from the accepted neurological condition, by applying Tables 5.1, 5.2, 5.3, 5.4, and
5.5, as applicable.
Cognitive function
"Cognition" means "the faculty of knowledge". The cognitive function deals with such aspects of knowledge as acquisition (learning), retention and recall (memory), and use (reasoning and problem-solving).
Table 5.1 is applied only if an organic brain condition has been diagnosed. It is not to be applied to assess general mental capacity in a veteran with a condition of another body system unrelated to the brain condition. The impairment rating must relate only to cognitive deficits that were not present before the onset of the condition. Psychiatric conditions are to be assessed by applying Chapter 4 (Emotional and Behavioural).
Self-reports of deteriorating mental function must be interpreted with caution. Organic brain disease is often associated with a lack of insight or a tendency to deny failing abilities. Self-reported complaints about poor memory may be more closely related to depressive symptoms than to true memory deficits. If there is doubt about the nature or extent of the deficit, formal psychometric testing may be required.
Functional Loss
Table 5.1
LOSS OF NEUROLOGICAL FUNCTION: COGNITION
Impairment
Ratings Criteria
Negligible impairment: reasoning is comparable with that of peers.
Moderate impairment of memory: has frequent difficulty in recalling details of recent experiences; frequently misplaces objects; fails to follow through with intentions or obligations; tends to get lost more easily in unfamiliar areas. Compensation through use of aids, eg lists and diaries, is adequate.
FORTY Symptoms as above, but more frequent and severe. Is partially able to compensate, but unable to function with complete independence, and needs some supervision.
No age adjustment permitted for this table
(continued next page)
Functional Loss Table 5.1 (cont'd)
LOSS OF NEUROLOGICAL FUNCTION: COGNITION (continued)
Impairment
Ratings Criteria
Severe impairment: has difficulty in carrying out basic activities such as sequencing the steps needed for dressing and for preparing meals.
Ratings from one Functional Loss table may be combined with ratings from any other table for a different loss of function. Ratings from Functional Loss tables are not to be combined with ratings from Other Impairment tables for the same condition.
No age adjustment permitted for this table
Table 5.1 addresses memory and new learning ability as well as reasoning and problem-solving abilities. This requires:
+ adequate levels of motivation and attention;
+ restraint of impulsive tendencies;
+ ability to organise, categorise and shift responses;
+ use of feedback to modify behaviour; and
+ capacity to evaluate final performance.
The ratings reflect increasing grades of severity.
Communication
Communication has two elements: comprehension and expression. "Compre- hension" means "understanding". It includes understanding of speech and gestures, recognition of sights and sounds, spatial and temporal orientation. "Expression" is the capacity to convey the content of one's mind to others.
Comprehension and expression are to be rated separately, by applying Tables
5.2 and 5.3 respectively. Impairment ratings from these tables are to be combined when criteria from both are applicable. Impairment ratings from these tables are not to include communication deficits that were present before the onset of the condition.
Tables 5.2 and 5.3 are to be applied to rate neurological or neuromuscular conditions as well as local lesions involving the mechanisms of speech production. Communication may also be restricted by vision loss, hearing loss, or loss of hand function. Ratings are then to be made from Chapter 8, Chapter 7, or Chapter
3 respectively, instead of Tables 5.2 and 5.3.
Comprehension
Table 5.2 is to be applied to rate limitation of auditory or visual comprehension. Only one impairment rating is to be given from this table. If more than one criterion is applicable that which results in the higher rating is to be chosen.
Expression
Table 5.3 is to be applied to rate limitation of speech production, as well as written and unspoken methods of expression. Only one impairment rating is to be made from this table. If more than one criterion is applicable, that which results in the higher rating is to be chosen.
Evaluation of speech production takes into account:
+ audibility: the ability to speak loudly enough to be heard;
+ intelligibility: the ability to articulate and to link phonetic units of speech with sufficient accuracy to be understood;
+ functional efficiency: the ability to speak quickly enough, and to sustain the rate for a period; and
+ retrieval and manipulation of language elements: expression of ideas.
Functional Loss
Table 5.2
LOSS OF NEUROLOGICAL FUNCTION: COMPREHENSION
Impairment
Ratings Criteria
NIL Normal or nearly normal comprehension.
FIVE Can understand movies, radio programs or group discussions, but with some difficulty. Comprehension is good in most situations, but understanding is difficult in large groups, or when tired and upset. Has difficulty coping with rapid changes of topic.
Can understand speech face-to-face, but confusion or fatigue occurs rapidly in any group. Is unable to cope with rapid change in topic, or with complex topics: is able to grasp the meaning of TV serials, but not more complex ideas.
Can understand only single words. Shows some understanding of slowly-spoken simple sentences from context and gesture, although frequent repetition is needed.
Unable to understand simple instructions or yes/no questions, even with gesture.
No age adjustment permitted for this table
Ratings from one Functional Loss table may be combined with ratings from any other table for a different loss of function. Ratings from Functional Loss tables are not to be combined with ratings from Other Impairment tables for the same condition.
Functional Loss
Table 5.3
LOSS OF NEUROLOGICAL FUNCTION: EXPRESSION
Impairment
Ratings Criteria
NIL Normal or nearly normal expression.
FIVE Speech is of sufficient intensity and vocal quality for most everyday needs, eg:
- normal speech, but unable to shout; or
- needs to repeat self at times; or
- is unable to produce some phonetic units; or
- speech is sustained over a 10-minute period, but with difficulty that includes hesitation and word- retrieval problems; or
- is permanently hoarse.
Speech is of sufficient intensity and vocal quality for many of the needs of everyday speech, eg:- is adequate with low background noise, but is heard with some difficulty in vehicles or public places; or
- has many inaccuracies, but is easily understood by strangers; or
- is slow or discontinuous, conveying the distinct
impression of difficulty.
- is adequate under quiet conditions, but is heard with great difficulty against any background noise; voice fades rapidly; or
- is understood by family and friends, but is difficult for strangers; or
- needs frequent repetition; or
- speech is sustained for short period only: fatigues rapidly.
No age adjustment permitted for this table
(continued next page)
Functional Loss Table 5.3 (cont'd)
LOSS OF NEUROLOGICAL FUNCTION: EXPRESSION (continued)
Impairment
Ratings Criteria
Speech is of sufficient intensity and vocal quality for only a few of the needs of everyday speech, eg:- is reduced to a whisper at best: inaudible over the telephone; or
- can produce only a few phonetic units approximating some words, but these are not intelligible if the context is unknown; or
- can produce only short phrases or single words: speech flow is not maintained, or is too slow to be useful.
Has no speech production, but is able to use non- verbal means of expression.
No age adjustment permitted for this table
Ratings from one Functional Loss table may be combined with ratings from any other table for a different loss of function. Ratings from Functional Loss tables are not to be combined with ratings from Other Impairment tables for the same condition.
"Total Loss of Speech" is also mentioned in Table 24.1 (Degree of Incapacity for Specific Disabilities) in Chapter 24.
Sensory function
Table 5.4 is to be applied to rate sensory loss only. Lesions of nerves or nerve roots may also cause motor loss, which is to be rated independently by applying Chapter 3. Ratings may be made for sensory loss in the distribution of either a dermatome or a peripheral nerve, but not both for the same loss.
"Partial loss" refers either to a loss of less than the complete distribution of the nerve, or to altered sensation. Peripheral neuropathies with a "glove and stocking distribution" and "happy feet" are examples of this.
Functional Loss
Table 5.4
LOSS OF NEUROLOGICAL FUNCTION: SENSORY LOSS
Impairment Ratings
Partial Total Unilateral Total Unilateral or Partial Bilateral Loss Bilateral Loss Loss
Dermatome C2&3 (together) |
0 |
5 |
10 |
C6&7 (together) | 5 | 10 | 20 |
C8 | 0 | 5 | 10 |
L5&S1 (together) | 0 | 5 | 10 |
S2&3&4 (together) | 0 | 5 | 10 |
Hemianaesthesia (central) | 15 | 30 | -- |
Peripheral Nerve Greater auricular |
0 |
5 |
10 |
Median | 5 | 10 | 20 |
Ulnar | 0 | 5 | 10 |
Radial | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Posterior femoral cutaneous | 0 | 5 | 10 |
Sciatic | 0 | 5 | 10 |
Tibial (medial popliteal) | 0 | 5 | 10 |
Pudendal | 0 | 5 | 10 |
Ratings from one Functional Loss table may be combined with ratings from any other table for a different loss of function. Ratings from Functional Loss tables are not to be combined with ratings from Other Impairment tables for the same condition.
No age adjustment permitted for this table
Cranial nerves
Although related anatomically, cranial nerves represent diverse functions which are to be rated elsewhere in most cases. Sometimes no alternative tables exist, and a rating relating to loss of motor or sensory function is given.
Ratings from Table 5.5 can be combined with ratings from other tables relating to neurological function, but not with ratings from Table 5.6 for the same condition. The ratings listed are for complete loss of function. If partial losses exist the ratings are to be reduced proportionately.
Functional Loss
Table 5.5
LOSS OF NEUROLOGICAL FUNCTION: CRANIAL NERVES
Assessment to Complete Complete
Cranial be made by Unilateral Bilateral
Nerve Function application of: Loss Loss
I Smell 0 5
II Vision Chapter 8
III, IV, VI Eye movement Chapter 8
V Trigeminal Ophthalmic
(sensory) division 5 10
Maxillary
division 5 10
Mandibular
division 5 10
Chewing Chapter 6
Speech Table 5.3
VII Taste 0 5
Facial expression 10 20
Chewing Chapter 6
Speech Table 5.3
VIII Hearing Chapter 7
Balance Chapters 15 or 16
IX, X, XI, XII Swallowing Chapter 6
Speech Table 5.3
XI Shoulder Elevation 5 10
Ratings from one Functional Loss table may be combined with ratings from any other table for a different loss of function. Ratings from Functional Loss tables are not to be combined with ratings from Other Impairment tables for the same condition.
No age adjustment permitted for this table
Step 2: Determine an impairment rating for functional loss from the accepted neurological condition, by applying other applicable chapters of this Guide.
Assessment of conditions of the central and peripheral nervous system may require the application of tables from Chapter 3 (upper and lower limb function), Chapter 6 (eating and swallowing, faecal continence), Chapter 7 (hearing), Chapter 8 (vision), Chapter 9 (urinary continence), and Chapter 10 (sexual function). A neurological rating may involve the combination of multiple ratings, each relating to the loss of a different function. Cerebrovascular accidents, for example, may require ratings for hemiparesis of the upper limb, hemiparesis of the lower limb, hemianopia and dysphasia.
Step 3: Determine a rating for Other Impairment from the accepted neurological condition, by applying Table 5.6 as applicable.
Neurological Other Impairment
Most neurological conditions are associated with a readily identifiable functional deficit. Table 5.6 is to be applied to rate those conditions where such deficit is minimal, and yet a significant neurological condition exists. Many of the conditions referred to in Table 5.6 may result in significant loss of function. Ratings from Table 5.6 and the functional loss table are to be compared, and the higher rating is to be chosen.
Other Impairment Table 5.6
NEUROLOGICAL OTHER IMPAIRMENT
Impairment
Ratings Criteria
Headaches of any type, infrequent and easily controlled.
medication.
Progressively deteriorating neurological disorders associated with significantly reduced life expectancy, eg multiple sclerosis, Alzheimer's disease.
Rapidly progressive neurological disorders associated with significantly reduced life expectancy, eg motor neurone disease.
Ratings from this table and the Functional Loss table are to be
No age adjustment permitted for this table
compared and the higher rating is to be chosen - see Step 4.
Chapter 15 (Intermittent Impairment) may be applied to rate cases with more frequent or severe episodes.
Step 4: (Omit this step if no rating was given in Step 3.) Combine the ratings obtained in Steps 1 and 2, by applying Chapter 18 (Combined Values Chart). Compare the resultant rating with the rating obtained in Step 3. Take the higher. This is the final impairment rating for the accepted neurological condition.
Chapter 6
Gastrointestinal Impairment
This chapter consists of 2 parts:
Part 6.1 - Diseases of the digestive system
Part 6.2 - Abdominal wall hernias and obesity
PART 6.1: DISEASES OF THE DIGESTIVE SYSTEM
Diseases of the digestive system include conditions of the alimentary tract and of the accessory organs of digestion: liver, pancreas and gall bladder.
Loss of function (Tables 6.1.1, 6.1.2 and 6.1.3)
Gastrointestinal impairment is measured by loss of the abilities to ingest food, to maintain nutrition and to excrete the waste products of digestion. Impairment of these functions will be manifested by:
+ difficulty in chewing and swallowing;
+ nutritional deficiency and loss of weight; and
+ faecal incontinence or constipation.
Impairment of each function is to be rated independently of the others. Separate ratings are to be given for each affected function.
If the gastrointestinal loss of function is due to a malignant condition, the step- by-step instructions in Chapter 14 (Malignant Conditions) are to be followed.
If the gastrointestinal loss of function is intermittent in nature or has a significant intermittent component, Chapter 15 (Intermittent Impairment) is to be applied.
If the gastrointestinal loss of function is very severe or causes marked debility, Chapter 16 (Activities of Daily Living) is to be applied.
In particular, severely impaired liver function is to be rated by reference to
Chapter 16 (Activities of Daily Living).
Other Impairment (Tables 6.1.4 to 6.1.12)
Tables 6.1.4 to 6.1.12 give specific impairment ratings for various gastrointestinal conditions, based largely on the presence of symptoms. Each of the nine tables refers to a different region or aspect of the gastrointestinal tract or to one of the associated organs of digestion. If, for the same gastro-intestinal condition, ratings can be given both from one of the Functional Loss tables and from a gastrointestinal Other Impairment table, the higher rating is to be chosen.
If multiple accepted conditions contribute to any of the ratings obtained from any of Tables 6.1.1, 6.1.2 or 6.1.3, Chapter 20 (Apportionment) is to be applied as required before making any comparison with a rating from one of the gastrointestinal Other Impairment tables.
Calculation of the impairment rating for gastrointestinal conditions
Follow the steps below to calculate the impairment due to accepted gastrointestinal conditions.
(Each step is elaborated in the following pages.)
STEP Determine one or more ratings for loss of gastro- Page
1
STEP
2
STEP
3
intestinal function.
Determine any Other Impairment ratings that are applicable.
Compare the functional impairment rating with the relevant Other Impairment rating. Take the higher rating.
116
Page
119
Page
124
Step 1: Determine one or more ratings for loss of gastrointestinal function.
There are three tables relating to gastrointestinal functional loss:
+ Table 6.1.1 Loss of gastrointestinal function: ingestion of food
+ Table 6.1.2 Loss of gastrointestinal function: maintenance of nutrition
+ Table 6.1.3 Loss of gastrointestinal function: faecal excretion
A gastrointestinal condition may cause a loss of function under more than one of the above tables. In that case a rating is to be selected from each applicable table.
If more than one condition is present, a rating is to be selected from each of the applicable tables. However, only one rating is to be selected from each table irrespective of the number of conditions that contribute to the functional impairment that is being assessed by applying that table.
If a non-accepted condition or non-accepted conditions contribute to the rating selected from a table, Chapter 19 (Partially Contributing Impairment) is to be applied.
Functional Loss
Table 6.1.1
LOSS OF GASTROINTESTINAL FUNCTION: INGESTION OF FOOD
Impairment
Ratings Criteria
NIL Some difficulty in chewing or swallowing, but only minor or occasional restriction of diet and there is no weight loss.
FIVE Significant difficulty in chewing or swallowing, but diet is not grossly restricted and there is no weight loss.
times a year.
TWENTY Diet limited to liquid or to pureed food because of difficulty in chewing or swallowing.
THIRTY Constant dysphagia necessitating dilation six times or more a year.
No age adjustment permitted for this table
Only one rating is to be selected from this table for any condi
tion or combination of conditions.
To calculate the percentage loss of weight for the purposes of Table 6.1.2 follow the substeps below.
Substep Determine the veteran's weight before the beginning of the gastro-
1A intestinal condition (irrespective of when the condition was first diagnosed or accepted). This is the "premorbid weight".
Substep Determine the veteran's weight at the relevant time in the assessment
1B period.
Substep
1C
If the weight obtained in substep 1B is equal to, or greater than, the premorbid weight, no impairment rating based on involuntary weight loss can be given from Table 6.1.2.
If the weight obtained in substep 1B is less than the premorbid weight, express the difference as a percentage of the premorbid weight. The result is the "percentage loss of weight".
Substep
1D
Determine whether the percentage loss of weight is due to the accepted gastrointestinal condition being assessed. If it is, then the percentage loss of weight may be used in applying Table 6.1.2.
If the percentage loss of weight is not due to the accepted gastro- intestinal condition being assessed, then no impairment rating based on involuntary loss of weight can be given from Table 6.1.2.
Substep If non-accepted conditions contribute to the percentage loss of
1E weight, Chapter 19 (Partially Contributing Impairment) is to be
applied.
Functional Loss
Table 6.1.2
LOSS OF GASTROINTESTINAL FUNCTION: MAINTENANCE OF NUTRITION
Impairment
Ratings Criteria
NIL Minor or no modification to diet, eg high fibre diet or necessity to avoid certain foodstuffs.
TWO Malabsorption well controlled with appropriate replacement therapy.
Prescribed exclusion diet or major dietaryrestrictions, eg gluten-free diet.
TEN Laboratory evidence of malabsorption together with some signs or symptoms.
TWENTY Involuntary weight loss of 10% or more with evidence of active disease and minor symptoms only.
THIRTY Involuntary weight loss of 10% or more with evidence
of active disease and associated with local symptoms or mild systemic symptoms.
evidence of active disease.
SIXTY Involuntary weight loss of 20% or more with evidence of active disease and associated with severe, frequent local symptoms and systemic symptoms, eg fever, malaise, anaemia.
Only one rating is to be selected from this table for any condition or combination of conditions.
No age adjustment
permitted for this table
Functional Loss
Table 6.1.3
LOSS OF GASTROINTESTINAL FUNCTION: FAECAL EXCRETION
Impairment
Ratings Criteria
NIL Intermittent constipation. TWO Persistent constipation.
FIVE Minor faecal incontinence associated with occasional soiling.
TEN Faecal soiling necessitating frequent changes of
underwear, or a precautionary incontinence pad.
TWENTY Faecal incontinence necessitating use of incontin- ence pads on most days.
Faecal incontinence necessitating several changes of incontinence pads on most days.
FIFTY Complete faecal incontinence.
No age adjustment permitted for this table
Only one rating is to be selected from this table.
Step 2: Determine any Other Impairment ratings that are applicable.
Determine which of the Other Impairment tables apply to the accepted gastrointestinal condition and select the appropriate impairment rating from each.
There are nine gastrointestinal Other Impairment tables:
+ Table 6.1.4 Oral cavity and oesophagus
+ Table 6.1.5 Non-ulcer dyspepsia, nausea and vomiting
+ Table 6.1.6 Peptic ulcers: duodenal or gastric ulcers
+ Table 6.1.7 Effects of past gastric surgery
+ Table 6.1.8 Disorders of the large and small bowel
+ Table 6.1.9 Disorders of the anus and rectum
+ Table 6.1.10 Liver
+ Table 6.1.11 Pancreas
+ Table 6.1.12 Gall bladder
A gastrointestinal condition may attract an Other Impairment rating under more than one of the above tables. In that case a rating is to be selected from each applicable table.
Only one impairment rating is to be selected from each of the gastrointestinal Other Impairment tables for each condition or combination of conditions. If more than one rating from any table is applicable, the higher or highest rating is to be selected.
Other Impairment Table 6.1.4
Impairment
ORAL CAVITY AND OESOPHAGUS
Ratings Criteria
Oral disorders causing no problems or minimal difficulties in chewing.TWO Reflux, mild or occasional symptoms with or without prophylactic treatment.
FIVE Reflux, with or without oesophagitis: frequent minor
symptoms necessitating frequent use of antacids or use of H2 receptor antagonist medication.
TEN Oesophagitis: active disease with moderate symptoms
on most days, despite regular use of H2 receptor antagonist medication.
TWENTY Oesophagitis, proven endoscopically: active disease
with complications, eg Barrett's epithelium, blood loss, aspiration or stricture.
Only one rating is to be selected from this table for any condition or combination of conditions. If more than one rating is applicable, the higher rating is to be selected.
No age adjustment
permitted for this table
Other Impairment Table 6.1.5
NON-ULCER DYSPEPSIA, NAUSEA AND VOMITING Impairment
Ratings Criteria
NIL Non-ulcer dyspepsia, nausea or vomiting: infrequent and mild.
FIVE Non-ulcer dyspepsia, nausea or vomiting: mild to moderate, necessitating some medication on most days.
TEN Non-ulcer dyspepsia, nausea or vomiting: moderate
symptoms, necessitating daily full-dose medication. TWENTY Non-ulcer dyspepsia or vomiting: severe, not controlled
despite medication, and causing weight loss of 10%
or more.
Only one rating is to be selected from this table for any condition or combination of conditions. If more than one rating is
No age adjustment permitted for this table
applicable, the higher rating is to be selected.
Other Impairment Table 6.1.6
Impairment
PEPTIC ULCERS: DUODENAL OR GASTRIC ULCERS
Ratings Criteria
NIL Past history of peptic ulcer: currently inactive and asymptomatic, with or without maintenance treatment.
FIVE Peptic ulcer: with intermittent symptoms necessitating ongoing maintenance treatment.
TEN Peptic ulcer: active disease with moderate symptoms on most days, despite regular H2 receptor antagonist or proton pump inhibitor medication.
TWENTY Peptic ulcer: proven endoscopically: active disease with complications and troublesome daily symptoms, eg bleeding or outlet obstruction.
Only one rating is to be selected from this table for any condition or combination of conditions. If more than one rating is
No age adjustment permitted for this table
applicable, the higher rating is to be selected.
For a gastric ulcer that has been surgically removed apply Table 6.1.7.
Other Impairment Table 6.1.7
EFFECTS OF PAST GASTRIC SURGERY
Impairment
Ratings Criteria
NIL Past gastric surgery, currently asymptomatic.
FIVE Past gastric surgery with intermittent dyspepsia and/
or mild dumping syndrome.
TEN Past gastric surgery with frequent dyspepsia and/or dumping syndrome.
TWENTY Past gastric surgery with severe dyspepsia and/or dumping syndrome on most days.
Only one rating is to be selected from this table for any condi tion or combination of conditions. If more than one rating is applicable, the higher rating is to be selected.
No age adjustment
permitted for this table
Severe cases of dumping syndrome may be rated by applying Chapter 15 (Intermittent Impairment).
Other Impairment Table 6.1.8
DISORDERS OF THE LARGE AND SMALL BOWEL
Impairment
Ratings Criteria
NIL Bowel disorder, eg irritable bowel, diverticulosis: infrequent and minor symptoms such as constipation, or intermittent diarrhoea and abdominal cramps which respond to dietary treatment.
FIVE Bowel disorder: frequent moderate symptoms necessitating regular medication.
TEN Bowel disorder: marked symptoms, such as regular diarrhoea and frequent abdominal pain, partially controlled by full-dose medication.
TWENTY Bowel disorder: diarrhoea and abdominal pain on most days, with no response to medication and considerable interference with daily routine.
Only one rating is to be selected from this table for any condition or combination of conditions. If more than one rating is applicable, the higher rating is to be selected.
No age adjustment
permitted for this table
Other Impairment Table 6.1.9
DISORDERS OF THE ANUS AND RECTUM
Impairment
Ratings Criteria
Anal disorder: infrequent and minor symptoms, eg haemorrhoids, anal fissures, controlled by medication.evidence of excoriation.
TEN Anal disorder: marked to severe symptoms despite regular treatment.
Only one rating is to be selected from this table for any condition or combination of conditions. If more than one rating is
No age adjustment permitted for this table
applicable, the higher rating is to be selected.
Other Impairment Table 6.1.10
Impairment
LIVER
Ratings Criteria
Abnormality of liver function tests, but otherwise asymptomatic.TWO Chronic persistent hepatitis.
FIVE Signs of chronic liver disease, but no evidence of portal
hypertension.
Chronic liver disease with evidence of portal hypertension.TWENTY Chronic liver disease with history of variceal bleeding or encephalopathy.
Only one rating is to be selected from this table for any condition or combination of conditions. If more than one rating is applicable, the higher rating is to be selected.
No age adjustment
permitted for this table
Other Impairment Table 6.1.11
Impairment
PANCREAS
Ratings Criteria
NIL Pancreatic disease, with no symptoms.
TWO Pancreatic disease, with mild infrequent symptoms. TEN Chronic pancreatitis with ongoing intermittent attacks of abdominal pain and/or steatorrhoea.
TWENTY Chronic pancreatitis with frequent attacks of
abdominal pain and steatorrhoea, or two or more admissions to hospital within the past year.
Only one rating is to be selected from this table for any condition or combination of conditions. If more than one rating is applicable, the higher rating is to be selected.
No age adjustment
permitted for this table
More frequent exacerbations of pancreatic disease can be rated by applying
Chapter 15 (Intermittent Impairment).
Other Impairment Table 6.1.12
Impairment
GALL-BLADDER
Ratings Criteria
Gall-bladder disease with mild infrequent symptoms.
No age adjustment permitted for this table
Only one rating is to be selected from this table for any condi tion or combination of conditions. If more than one rating is applicable, the higher rating is to be selected.
More frequent exacerbations of gall bladder disease can be rated by applying
Chapter 15 (Intermittent Impairment).
Step 3: Compare the functional impairment rating with the relevant Other
Impairment rating. Take the higher rating.
This step determines the final impairment rating for the gastrointestinal condition. Select one of the following substeps depending on the circumstances:
If, for any condition, only one rating has been obtained in Step 1 and only one rating has been obtained in Step 2, compare the ratings. Take the higher rating. This is the final rating for that gastrointestinal condition.
Substep
3B
If, for any condition, only one rating has been obtained in Step 1 but more than one rating has been obtained in Step 2, combine the ratings for that condition obtained in Step 2 using Chapter 18 (Combined Values Chart). Compare the rating for that condition obtained in Step 1 with the combined value of the ratings for that condition obtained in Step 2. Take the higher rating. This is the final rating for that gastrointestinal condition.
For the purpose of the final combining of all values, if the higher value is made up of a combination of ratings, then the component ratings are to be used.
Substep
3C
Substep
3D
If, for any condition, more than one rating has been obtained in Step 1 but only one rating has been obtained in Step 2, combine the ratings for that condition obtained in Step 1 by applying Chapter 18 (Combined Values Chart). Compare the combined value of the ratings for that condition obtained in Step 1 with the rating obtained in Step 2. Take the higher rating. This is the final rating for that gastrointestinal condition.
For the purpose of the final combining of all values, if the higher value is made up of a combination of ratings, then the component ratings are to be used.
If, for any condition, more than one rating has been obtained in Step 1 and more than one rating has been obtained in Step 2, combine the ratings for that condition obtained in Step 1 by applying Chapter 18 (Combined Values Chart) and separately combine the ratings for that condition obtained in Step 2 by applying Chapter 18 (Combined Values Chart). Compare the combined value of the ratings for that condition obtained in Step 1 with the combined value of the ratings for that condition obtained in Step 2. Take the higher rating. This is the final rating for that gastrointestinal condition.
For the purpose of the final combining of all values, if the higher value is made up of a combination of ratings, then the component ratings are to be applied.
PART 6.2: ABDOMINAL WALL HERNIAS AND OBESITY
Impairment ratings obtained from Tables 6.2.1 and 6.2.2 are not to be compared with any other tables but are to be included in the final combining of all ratings.
Functional Loss
Table 6.2.1
Impairment
ABDOMINAL WALL HERNIAS
Ratings Criteria
NIL Inguinal or ventral hernia surgically repaired. TWO Inguinal or ventral hernia easily reducible.
FIVE Inguinal or ventral hernia not easily reduced and resulting in mild symptoms.
TEN Large inguinal or ventral hernia resulting in frequent
symptoms.
An impairment rating is to be selected from this table for each accepted inguinal and ventral hernia.
No age adjustment permitted for this table
Functional Loss
Table 6.2.2
Impairment
OBESITY
Ratings Criteria
NIL Body mass index equal to or below 30. FIVE Body mass index above 30.
No age adjustment permitted for this table
Body mass index is given by the formula:
(weight in kg) Body mass index = (height in m)2
Table 6.2.2 is to be applied only if obesity is an accepted condition or if obesity is an integral feature of an accepted condition.
Chapter 7
Ear, Nose, and Throat
Impairment
This chapter contains two parts:
Part 7.1- Hearing Loss and Tinnitus
Part 7.2- Ear, Nose, and Throat
PART 7.1: HEARING LOSS AND TINNITUS
Because it causes a single loss of function, accepted hearing loss is to be assessed as if it were a single condition even if the loss is described under several diagnostic terms. For example, a veteran who has accepted conditions of both "right conductive deafness" and "left conductive deafness" will have them rated as if the conditions had been described as "bilateral conductive deafness".
cochlear nerve
pinna external ear canal
timpanic membrane
malleus cochlea
incus
Only a single impairment rating may be made from Part 7.1 for accepted hearing loss irrespective of how many diagnostic terms have been used in describing the hearing loss.
However, a second impairment rating may be made from Part 7.1 (Table 7.1.11) for tinnitus if appropriate.
Definitions
For the purposes of this chapter:
"Air Conduction"
"APHL" or "Accepted Percentage Hearing Loss"
"Bone conduction"
"HTL" or "Hearing
Threshold Level"
"Presbyacusis"
"TBHL" or "Total
Bilateral Hearing Loss"
is the manner in which sound transmitted through the air reaches the inner ear in the normal way.
is the percentage of total hearing that the veteran has lost due to accepted deafness. It is found by summing the losses at each of 6 important frequencies.
is the manner in which sound is heard when the source of sound is placed directly over any bony part of the hearer's cranium. In such a case the sound is conducted to the inner ear through the bones of the skull.
is, for any given frequency, the volume (loudness) of the faintest sound that the veteran can hear. For each frequency, there will be a hearing threshold level for the right ear and a hearing threshold level for the left ear. Hearing threshold levels can be determined using either bone or air conduction information.
is the normal loss of hearing which accompanies ageing.
is the percentage of total hearing which the veteran has lost from all conditions whether accepted or not.
Calculation of the impairment rating for accepted hearing loss
Follow the steps below to calculate the accepted hearing loss. (Each of these steps is elaborated in the following pages.)
STEP Apply Table 7.1.1 to determine the type of accepted Page
1 hearing loss. 130
STEP Determine whether the audiogram is reliable and Page
2 suitable for hearing loss calculations. 131
STEP Calculate the APHL. Page
3 132
STEP Determine what age adjustment (if any) must be sub- Page
4 tracted from the APHL. Subtract it. 145
STEP Determine the functional impairment rating by Page
5 applying Formula 7.1. If the paired organs policy does 147 not apply, this will be the final impairment rating for
loss of hearing.
STEP Determine if the paired organs policy applies by Page
6 applying Table 7.1.10. If the policy applies, calculate 148
the adjusted impairment rating.
Hearing Worksheets
A set of Hearing Worksheets, at the end of this chapter (pages 152 to 157), is designed to facilitate the calculation of impairment due to accepted hearing loss. When performing a hearing loss assessment, the assessor should use the appropriate worksheet.
These worksheets may also be of assistance in gaining an understanding of the procedures set out in this chapter.
Step 1: Use Table 7.1.1 to determine the type of accepted hearing loss.
For the purpose of assessment, every type of accepted hearing loss is considered to consist of one or more of the following four components:
+ right sensorineural deafness;
+ left sensorineural deafness;
+ right conductive deafness; and
+ left conductive deafness.
Fifteen different types of accepted hearing loss are recognised. Each consists of one or more of the above four components. The 15 types of possible accepted hearing loss are listed in Table 7.1.1 below. Every accepted hearing loss or combination of hearing losses will be found to be equivalent to one of the types of hearing loss listed in Table 7.1.1.
Procedural
Table 7.1.1
TYPES OF ACCEPTED HEARING LOSS
Type 1 Bilateral mixed deafness Type 2 Right mixed deafness Type 3 Left mixed deafness
Type 4 Bilateral sensorineural deafness
Type 5 Bilateral sensorineural deafness with right conductive deafness
Type 6 Bilateral sensorineural deafness with left conductive deafness
Type 7 Bilateral conductive deafness
Type 8 Bilateral conductive deafness with right sensorineural deafness
Type 9 Bilateral conductive deafness with left sensorineural
deafness
Type 10 Left conductive deafness with right sensorineural deafness
Type 11 Right conductive deafness with left sensorineural deafness
Type 12 Right conductive deafness
Type 13 Right sensorineural deafness Type 14 Left sensorineural deafness Type 15 Left conductive deafness
No age adjustment permitted for this table
A single selection to cover the veteran's accepted hearing loss is to be made from this table, ignoring the nonaccepted hearing losses at this stage.
Step 2: Determine whether the audiogram is reliable and suitable for hearing
loss calculations.
The audiogram
Assessment of hearing impairment requires a pure tone audiogram. For the purposes of assessment of impairment, hearing loss is to be measured without the benefit of any hearing aid. Measurements of the hearing threshold level (HTL) should be taken at each of the following frequencies:
500 Hz, 1000 Hz, 1500 Hz, 2000 Hz, 3000 Hz, and 4000 Hz
Ideally, the audiogram should include both air conduction HTLs and masked bone conduction HTLs at each of these frequencies.
The four criteria for a reliable audiogram
1. The date of the audiogram must be appropriate to the period of assessment. The audiogram should not be more than six months older than the relevant time in the assessment period to which the information is to be applied. If there is a specific assertion that the veteran's hearing has deteriorated within the last six months, then the audiogram should not be more than six weeks old at the time of assessment.
2. The frequencies tested should be appropriate.
Measurements of HTL should be available for each of the frequencies mentioned above (that is, 500 Hz, 1000 Hz, 1500 Hz, 2000 Hz, 3000 Hz, and 4000 Hz).
If HTL measurements are missing at one or two frequencies, the missing values can be estimated (interpolation) by inspection of the audiogram, by applying knowledge of the type of hearing loss, and by examination of other audiograms. If the nature and extent of missing information in an audiogram are considered to be such that interpolation would not be sufficiently accurate, the audiogram should be repeated. If the deficient audiogram is recent, the new audiogram is to be used in its place. The new audiogram may also be used to assist in interpolation of an older, deficient audiogram.
3. Bone conduction HTLs should be available when necessary.
An audiogram showing both bone conduction and air conduction HTLs should be used for the assessment of all types of accepted hearing loss unless the total accepted hearing loss is equivalent to:
+ Bilateral mixed deafness;
+ Right mixed deafness;
+ Left mixed deafness;
+ Bilateral conductive deafness with right sensorineural deafness; or
+ Bilateral conductive deafness with left sensorineural deafness,
for each of which only air conduction HTLs are required; or unless it is not practicable or appropriate to obtain bone conduction HTL values.
Reasons why it may not be practicable or appropriate to obtain bone conduction
HTL values include the following:
+ the veteran cannot reasonably attend a clinic where bone conduction HTL values can be measured;
+ the veteran's other conditions are of such a degree that it will make no appreciable
difference to the final assessment; or
+ an ENT specialist or an audiologist has reported that:
no air-bone gap is present;
no conductive hearing loss is present; or
Rinne's test is positive.
In such circumstances only air conduction HTLs need to be obtained.
4. The nature of the audiogram should be appropriate.
The nature (that is, general shape) of the audiogram should be consistent with the known hearing loss affecting the veteran and should also be consistent with other information (eg old audiograms) concerning the veteran.
If the nature of the audiogram is not appropriate, the audiogram should be repeated or the veteran referred to an ENT specialist to clarify the situation.
Step 3: Calculate the APHL.
There are six scales labelled 7.1.3 to 7.1.8. Each scale corresponds to a different frequency of sound. Table 7.1.3 relates to 500 Hz, Table 7.1.4 relates to 1000 Hz, Table 7.1.5 relates to 1500 Hz, and so on according to their labels.
Look up HTLs for 500Hz in Table 7.1.3 to give the loss at 500 Hz Look up HTLs for 1000Hz in Table 7.1.4 to give the loss at 1000 Hz Look up HTLs for 1500Hz in Table 7.1.5 to give the loss at 1500 Hz Look up HTLs for 2000Hz in Table 7.1.6 to give the loss at 2000 Hz Look up HTLs for 3000Hz in Table 7.1.7 to give the loss at 3000 Hz
Look up HTLs for 4000Hz in Table 7.1.8 to give the loss at 4000 Hz
This process gives rise to six frequency-specific losses. These six frequency-specific losses are summed to give the APHL for the relevant type of accepted deafness.
The calculations are best set out in a tabular form as below:
Accepted Hearing Loss
FREQ | Hearing Levels (dB) | Loss | |
(Hz) | Right | Left | (%) |
500 |
|
|
|
1000 |
|
|
|
1500 |
|
|
|
2000 |
|
|
|
3000 |
|
|
|
4000 |
|
|
|
APHL =
The figures to be entered in the columns headed "Right" and "Left" will be obtained from the audiogram.
The figures to be entered in the column headed "Loss (%)" are to be obtained by applying Tables 7.1.3 to 7.1.8. (A different scale is used for each row of the calculation.)
The figures in the column headed "Loss (%)" are then to be added up to give the
APHL.
The Accepted Percentage Hearing Loss for different types of deafness can be calculated by using air conduction, bone conduction, various combinations of the two or a special formula. The relevant rules are summarised in Table 7.1.2 and in the text which follows it. (The "types" mentioned in Table 7.1.2 refer to the combination of hearing losses as described in the preceding text and not necessarily to named accepted conditions.)
Table 7.1.2 sets out which HTLs (air or bone) from the audiogram are to be used in calculating APHL.
Procedural
Table 7.1.2
TYPES OF AUDIOGRAM TO BE USED
| For Right HTL use: | For Left HTL use: | |
Type 1 | Bilateral mixed deafness | Air | Air |
Type 2 | Right mixed deafness | Air | 0 (zeros) |
Type 3 | Left mixed deafness | 0 (zeros) | Air |
Type 4 | Bilateral sensorineural deafness |
Bone |
Bone |
Type 5 | Bilateral sensorineural deafness with right conductive deafness |
Air |
Bone |
Type 6 | Bilateral sensorineural deafness with left conductive deafness |
Bone |
Air |
Type 7 | Bilateral conductive deafness | See Substep | 3A |
Type 8 | Bilateral conductive deafness with right sensorineural deafness |
Air |
Air |
Type 9 | Bilateral conductive deafness with left sensorineural deafness |
Air |
Air |
Type 10 | Left conductive deafness with right sensorineural deafness |
Bone |
Air |
Type 11 | Right conductive deafness with left sensorineural deafness |
Air |
Bone |
Type 12 | Right conductive deafness | See Substep | 3A |
Type 13 | Right sensorineural deafness | Bone | 0 (zeros) |
Type 14 | Left sensorineural deafness | 0 (zeros) | Bone |
Type 15 | Left conductive deafness | See Substep | 3A |
Information and instructions concerning the use of bone HTLs are to be found on the next page, and apply in all cases where "Bone" appears in this table or in which reference is made to Substep 3A.
No age adjustment permitted for this table
Information and instructions concerning the use of bone HTLs
1. Whenever the use of bone conduction HTL values is specified but if it is not practicable or appropriate to obtain bone conduction HTL values as a result of any of the reasons described on page 132, air conduction HTL values may be used instead.
2. Threshold of Reliability.
Bone conduction HTLs in excess of 60 deciBels are generally unreliable. At the 500
Hz frequency, bone conduction HTLs in excess of 45 deciBels are unreliable.
Thus a set of thresholds of reliability for bone HTLs is defined as follows:
for 500 Hz 45 deciBels for 1000 Hz 60 deciBels for 1500 Hz 60 deciBels for 2000 Hz 60 deciBels for 3000 Hz 60 deciBels for 4000 Hz 60 deciBels
Figures in excess of the threshold of reliability for bone conduction are not used in calculating the impairment due to hearing loss.
For sensorineural hearing loss, whenever the bone conduction HTL exceeds the threshold of reliability, the air conduction HTL for that frequency and side is to be used instead of the bone conduction HTL.
For conductive hearing loss, whenever the bone conduction HTL exceeds the threshold of reliability, the threshold figure for that frequency and side is to be used instead of the bone conduction HTL.
The above arrangement gives to the veteran the benefit of any doubt relating to the intrinsic unreliability of bone HTLs.
Substep 3A: Calculation of accepted hearing loss for types 7, 12, and 15.
Substep 3A applies to these types of accepted hearing loss:
+ Type 7 Bilateral Conductive deafness
+ Type 12 Right Conductive deafness
+ Type 15 Left Conductive deafness.
For each type, one of two methods is to be used:
Method 1 is to be applied if both air and bone conduction HTLs are available. In this case both the air and bone conduction HTLs are calculated and a formula is applied. In calculating the bone conduction HTL, if the bone conduction HTL exceeds the threshold of reliability, the threshold figure for that frequency and side is to be used instead of the bone conduction HTL.
The terms "air conduction PLH (Percentage Loss of Hearing)" and "bone conduction PLH" are used in the formulas. These are calculated in a way similar to that in which APHL is calculated for other types of deafness.
Method 2 is to be applied if only air conduction HTLs are available and if it is not practicable or appropriate to obtain bone conduction HTL values as a result of any of the reasons described on page 132.
Type 7. Bilateral conductive deafness
Method 1 (to be applied if both air and bone conduction HTLs are available): First:
Air Conduction PHL is to be calculated using right and left air conduction HTL
values, and
Bone Conduction PLH is to be calculated using right and left bone conduction HTL
values.
Next:
Using the air conduction and bone conduction PLHs, the PLH for bilateral conductive deafness is calculated by applying the following formula:
(A - B) x 100
Conductive PLH = 100 - B
(where "A" is air conduction PLH, and "B" is bone conduction PLH).
No adjustment for age is to be applied to the results of applying the formula. That result is the age adjusted PLH for bilateral conductive deafness.
Go to -> Step 5 (on page 147).
Method 2 (to be applied if only air conduction HTLs are available and if it is not practicable or appropriate to obtain bone conduction HTL values as a result of any of the reasons described on page 132).
PLH is to be calculated using measured right and left air conduction HTL values. The formula is not applied and so age adjustment is required.
Go to -> Step 4 (on page 145).
Type 12. Right conductive deafness
Method 1 (to be applied if both air and bone conduction HTLs are available): First:
Air Conduction PLH is to be calculated using right air conduction HTL values and taking the left air conduction HTL values all to be zero; and
Bone Conduction PLH is to be calculated using right bone conduction HTL values and taking the left bone conduction HTL values all to be zero.
Next:
Using the air conduction and bone conduction PLHs, the PLH for right conductive deafness is calculated by applying the following formula:
(A - B) x 100
Conductive PLH = 100 - B
(where "A" is air conduction PLH, and "B" is bone conduction PLH).
No adjustment for age is to be applied to the results of applying the formula. That result is the age adjusted PLH for right conductive deafness.
Go to -> Step 5 (on page 147).
Method 2 (to be applied if only air conduction HTLs are available and if it is not practicable or appropriate to obtain bone conduction HTL values as a result of any of the reasons described on page 132).
PLH is to be calculated using right air conduction HTL values and taking the left air conduction HTL values all to be zero. The formula is not applied and so age adjustment is required.
Go to -> Step 4 (on page 145).
Type 15. Left conductive deafness
Method 1 (to be applied if both air and bone conduction HTLs are available): First:
Air Conduction PLH is to be calculated using left air conduction HTL values and
taking the right air conduction HTL values all to be zero; and
Bone Conduction PLH is to be calculated using left bone conduction HTL values and taking the right bone conduction HTL values all to be zero.
Next:
Using the air conduction and bone conduction PLHs, the PLH for right conductive deafness is calculated applying the following formula:
(A - B) x 100
Conductive PLH = 100 - B
(where "A" is air conduction PLH, and "B" is bone conduction PLH).
No adjustment for age is to be applied to the results of applying the formula. That result is the age adjusted PLH for left conductive deafness.
Go to -> Step 5 (on page 147).
Method 2 (to be applied if only air conduction HTLs are available and if it is not practicable or appropriate to obtain bone conduction HTL values as a result of any of the reasons described on page 132).
PLH is to be calculated using left air conduction HTL values and taking the right air conduction HTL values all to be zero. The formula is not applied and so age adjustment is required.
Go to -> Step 4 (on page 145).
Scale 7.1.3
500 Hz
APHL may be age adjusted
Values of percentage of loss of hearing corresponding to given hearing threshold levels in the better and worse ear at 500 Hz
HTL - Better ear
15 20 25 30 35 40 45 50 55 60 65 70 75 80 85 90 95
15 0.0
20 0.4 0.6
25 0.6 1.0 1.4
30 1.0 1.4 2.0 2.8
35 1.3 1.8 2.5 3.4 4.5
40 1.7 2.2 3.0 3.9 5.1 6.4
45 2.0 2.6 3.4 4.3 5.5 6.8 8.1
50 2.3 2.9 3.7 4.7 5.8 7.1 8.4 9.7
55 2.5 3.2 4.0 5.0 6.1 7.3 8.6 9.9 11.2
60 2.7 3.4 4.2 5.2 6.3 7.5 8.8 10.0 11.3 12.6
65 2.8 3.5 4.4 5.4 6.5 7.7 8.9 10.2 11.5 12.7 14.0
70 2.9 3.7 4.5 5.5 6.6 7.8 9.1 10.3 11.6 12.9 14.2 15.5
75 3.0 3.8 4.7 5.7 6.8 8.0 9.2 10.5 11.8 13.1 14.5 15.7 16.9
80 3.1 3.9 4.8 5.8 6.9 8.1 9.3 10.6 12.0 13.3 14.7 16.0 17.2 18.2
85 3.2 4.0 4.9 5.9 7.0 8.2 9.4 10.7 12.1 13.5 14.9 16.2 17.4 18.4 19.1
90 3.4 4.1 5.0 6.0 7.1 8.3 9.5 10.8 12.2 13.6 15.0 16.3 17.6 18.5 19.2 19.7
95 3.4 4.2 5.1 6.1 7.1 8.3 9.5 10.8 12.2 13.6 15.0 16.4 17.6 18.6 19.3 19.7 20.0
15 20 25 30 35 40 45 50 55 60 65 70 75 80 85 90 95
Note: the worse ear is the one with the higher value HTL!
Scale 7.1.4
1000 Hz
Values of percentage of loss of hearing corresponding to given hearing threshold levels in the better and worse ear at 1000 Hz
HTL - Better ear
15 | 15 0.0 | 20 | 25 | 30 | 35 | 40 | 45 | 50 | 55 | 60 | 65 | 70 | 75 | 80 | 85 | 90 | 95 |
20 | 0.5 | 0.8 |
|
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25 | 0.8 | 1.2 | 1.8 |
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30 | 1.2 | 1.7 | 2.5 | 3.5 |
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35 | 1.7 | 2.3 | 3.1 | 4.3 | 5.7 |
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40 | 2.1 | 2.8 | 3.7 | 4.9 | 6.3 | 8.0 |
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45 | 2.5 | 3.3 | 4.2 | 5.4 | 6.9 | 8.5 | 10.2 |
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50 | 2.8 | 3.6 | 4.7 | 5.9 | 7.3 | 8.8 | 10.5 | 12.1 |
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55 | 3.1 | 3.9 | 5.0 | 6.2 | 7.6 | 9.1 | 10.7 | 12.4 | 14.0 |
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60 | 3.3 | 4.2 | 5.3 | 6.5 | 7.9 | 9.4 | 11.0 | 12.6 | 14.2 | 15.7 |
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65 | 3.5 | 4.4 | 5.5 | 6.7 | 8.1 | 9.6 | 11.2 | 12.8 | 14.4 | 15.9 | 17.5 |
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70 | 3.7 | 4.6 | 5.7 | 6.9 | 8.3 | 9.8 | 11.3 | 12.9 | 14.6 | 16.2 | 17.8 | 19.4 |
|
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|
75 | 3.8 | 4.7 | 5.8 | 7.1 | 8.5 | 10.0 | 11.5 | 13.1 | 14.8 | 16.4 | 18.1 | 19.7 | 21.1 |
|
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|
|
80 | 3.9 | 4.9 | 6.0 | 7.3 | 8.6 | 10.1 | 11.7 | 13.3 | 15.0 | 16.7 | 18.4 | 20.0 | 21.5 | 22.7 |
|
|
|
85 | 4.1 | 5.0 | 6.2 | 7.4 | 8.8 | 10.3 | 11.8 | 13.4 | 15.1 | 16.9 | 18.6 | 20.3 | 21.7 | 23.0 | 23.9 |
|
|
90 | 4.2 | 5.2 | 6.3 | 7.5 | 8.9 | 10.3 | 11.9 | 13.5 | 15.2 | 17.0 | 18.7 | 20.4 | 21.9 | 23.2 | 24.1 | 24.6 |
|
95 | 4.3 | 5.3 | 6.4 | 7.6 | 8.9 | 10.3 | 11.9 | 13.5 | 15.2 | 17.0 | 18.7 | 20.5 | 22.0 | 23.3 | 24.2 | 24.7 | 25.0 |
| 15 | 20 | 25 | 30 | 35 | 40 | 45 | 50 | 55 | 60 | 65 | 70 | 75 | 80 | 85 | 90 | 95 |
APHL may be age adjusted
Note: the worse ear is the one with the higher value HTL!
Scale 7.1.5
1500 Hz
Values of percentage of loss of hearing corresponding to given hearing threshold levels in the better and worse ear at 1500 Hz
HTL - Better ear
15 20 25 30 35 40 45 50 55 60 65 70 75 80 85 90 95
15 0.0
20 0.4 0.6
25 0.6 1.0 1.4
30 1.0 1.4 2.0 2.8
35 1.3 1.8 2.5 3.4 4.5
40 1.7 2.2 3.0 3.9 5.1 6.4
45 2.0 2.6 3.4 4.3 5.5 6.8 8.1
50 2.3 2.9 3.7 4.7 5.8 7.1 8.4 9.7
55 2.5 3.2 4.0 5.0 6.1 7.3 8.6 9.9 11.2
60 2.7 3.4 4.2 5.2 6.3 7.5 8.8 10.0 11.3 12.6
65 2.8 3.5 4.4 5.4 6.5 7.7 8.9 10.2 11.5 12.7 14.0
70 2.9 3.7 4.5 5.5 6.6 7.8 9.1 10.3 11.6 12.9 14.2 15.5
75 3.0 3.8 4.7 5.7 6.8 8.0 9.2 10.5 11.8 13.1 14.5 15.7 16.9
80 3.1 3.9 4.8 5.8 6.9 8.1 9.3 10.6 12.0 13.3 14.7 16.0 17.2 18.2
85 3.2 4.0 4.9 5.9 7.0 8.2 9.4 10.7 12.1 13.5 14.9 16.2 17.4 18.4 19.1
90 3.4 4.1 5.0 6.0 7.1 8.3 9.5 10.8 12.2 13.6 15.0 16.3 17.6 18.5 19.2 19.7
95 3.4 4.2 5.1 6.1 7.1 8.3 9.5 10.8 12.2 13.6 15.0 16.4 17.6 18.6 19.3 19.7 20.0
15 20 25 30 35 40 45 50 55 60 65 70 75 80 85 90 95
APHL may be age adjusted
Note: the worse ear is the one with the higher value HTL!
Scale 7.1.6
2000 Hz
APHL may be age adjusted
Values of percentage of loss of hearing corresponding to given hearing threshold levels in the better and worse ear at 2000 Hz
HTL - Better ear
15 20 25 30 35 40 45 50 55 60 65 70 75 80 85 90 95
15 0.0
20 0.3 0.5
25 0.5 0.7 1.1
30 0.7 1.0 1.5 2.1
35 1.0 1.4 1.9 2.5 3.4
40 1.3 1.7 2.2 2.9 3.8 4.8
45 1.5 1.9 2.5 3.3 4.1 5.1 6.1
50 1.7 2.2 2.8 3.5 4.4 5.3 6.3 7.3
55 1.9 2.4 3.0 3.7 4.6 5.5 6.4 7.4 8.4
60 2.0 2.5 3.1 3.9 4.7 5.6 6.6 7.5 8.5 9.4
65 2.1 2.6 3.3 4.0 4.9 5.7 6.7 7.6 8.6 9.6 10.5
70 2.2 2.7 3.4 4.1 5.0 5.9 6.8 7.8 8.7 9.7 10.7 11.6
75 2.3 2.8 3.5 4.3 5.1 6.0 6.9 7.9 8.9 9.9 10.8 11.8 12.7
80 2.4 2.9 3.6 4.4 5.2 6.1 7.0 8.0 9.0 10.0 11.0 12.0 12.9 13.6
85 2.4 3.0 3.7 4.4 5.3 6.1 7.1 8.1 9.1 10.1 11.1 12.1 13.0 13.8 14.3
90 2.5 3.1 3.8 4.5 5.3 6.2 7.1 8.1 9.1 10.2 11.2 12.2 13.2 13.9 14.4 14.8
95 2.6 3.2 3.8 4.6 5.4 6.2 7.1 8.1 9.1 10.2 11.3 12.3 13.2 14.0 14.5 14.8 15.0
15 20 25 30 35 40 45 50 55 60 65 70 75 80 85 90 95
Note: the worse ear is the one with the higher value HTL!
Scale 7.1.7
3000 Hz
APHL may be age adjusted
Values of percentage of loss of hearing corresponding to given hearing threshold levels in the better and worse ear at 3000 Hz
HTL - Better ear
15 20 25 30 35 40 45 50 55 60 65 70 75 80 85 90 95
15 0.0
20 0.2 0.3
25 0.3 0.5 0.7
30 0.5 0.7 1.0 1.4
35 0.7 0.9 1.2 1.7 2.3
40 0.8 1.1 1.5 2.0 2.5 3.2
45 1.0 1.3 1.7 2.2 2.7 3.4 4.1
50 1.1 1.4 1.9 2.3 2.9 3.5 4.2 4.8
55 1.2 1.6 2.0 2.5 3.0 3.6 4.3 4.9 5.6
60 1.3 1.7 2.1 2.6 3.1 3.7 4.4 5.0 5.6 6.3
65 1.4 1.8 2.2 2.7 3.2 3.8 4.4 5.1 5.7 6.4 7.0
70 1.5 1.8 2.3 2.8 3.3 3.9 4.5 5.2 5.8 6.5 7.1 7.7
75 1.5 1.9 2.3 2.8 3.4 4.0 4.6 5.2 5.9 6.6 7.2 7.8 8.4
80 1.6 2.0 2.4 2.9 3.4 4.0 4.7 5.3 6.0 6.6 7.3 8.0 8.6 9.1
85 1.6 2.0 2.5 3.0 3.5 4.1 4.7 5.4 6.0 6.7 7.4 8.1 8.7 9.2 9.5
90 1.7 2.1 2.5 3.0 3.5 4.1 4.7 5.4 6.1 6.8 7.5 8.2 8.8 9.2 9.6 9.8
95 1.7 2.1 2.6 3.0 3.6 4.1 4.7 5.4 6.1 6.8 7.5 8.2 8.8 9.3 9.6 9.8 10.0
15 20 25 30 35 40 45 50 55 60 65 70 75 80 85 90 95
Note: the worse ear is the one with the higher value HTL!
Scale 7.1.8
4000 Hz
Values of percentage of loss of hearing corresponding to given hearing threshold levels in the better and worse ear at 4000 Hz
HTL - Better ear
20 | 20 0.0 | 25 | 30 | 35 | 40 | 45 | 50 | 55 | 60 | 65 | 70 | 75 | 80 | 85 | 90 | 95 |
25 | 0.2 | 0.3 |
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30 | 0.3 | 0.5 | 0.8 |
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35 | 0.5 | 0.7 | 1.0 | 1.5 |
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40 | 0.6 | 0.9 | 1.3 | 1.8 | 2.5 |
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45 | 0.8 | 1.1 | 1.5 | 2.1 | 2.7 | 3.5 |
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50 | 0.9 | 1.3 | 1.7 | 2.3 | 2.9 | 3.6 | 4.4 |
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55 | 1.0 | 1.4 | 1.9 | 2.4 | 3.1 | 3.8 | 4.5 | 5.2 |
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60 | 1.2 | 1.5 | 2.0 | 2.6 | 3.2 | 3.9 | 4.6 | 5.3 | 6.0 |
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65 | 1.2 | 1.6 | 2.1 | 2.7 | 3.3 | 3.9 | 4.6 | 5.3 | 6.0 | 6.7 |
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70 | 1.3 | 1.7 | 2.2 | 2.7 | 3.4 | 4.0 | 4.7 | 5.4 | 6.1 | 6.8 | 7.5 |
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75 | 1.4 | 1.8 | 2.3 | 2.8 | 3.4 | 4.1 | 4.8 | 5.5 | 6.2 | 6.9 | 7.6 | 8.2 |
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80 | 1.4 | 1.9 | 2.3 | 2.9 | 3.5 | 4.2 | 4.9 | 5.6 | 6.3 | 7.0 | 7.7 | 8.4 | 8.9 |
|
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|
85 | 1.5 | 1.9 | 2.4 | 3.0 | 3.6 | 4.2 | 4.9 | 5.7 | 6.4 | 7.1 | 7.8 | 8.5 | 9.0 | 9.5 |
|
|
90 | 1.6 | 2.0 | 2.5 | 3.0 | 3.6 | 4.3 | 5.0 | 5.7 | 6.5 | 7.2 | 7.9 | 8.6 | 9.1 | 9.5 | 9.8 |
|
95 | 1.6 | 2.0 | 2.5 | 3.1 | 3.7 | 4.3 | 5.0 | 5.7 | 6.5 | 7.2 | 8.0 | 8.7 | 9.2 | 9.6 | 9.8 | 10.0 |
| 20 | 25 | 30 | 35 | 40 | 45 | 50 | 55 | 60 | 65 | 70 | 75 | 80 | 85 | 90 | 95 |
Note: the worse ear is the one with the higher value HTL!
APHL may be age adjusted
Step 4: Make any necessary age adjustment.
Calculate the veteran's age (in completed years) at the date of the audiogram being used. For example, a veteran whose 67th birthday fell on the day after the audiogram was performed, was 66 on the date of the audiogram.
Determine the appropriate adjustment for presbyacusis from Table 7.1.9.
Table 7.1.9 includes different values for both males and females and has separate columns for bilateral accepted hearing losses and for unilateral accepted hearing losses.
The value obtained from Table 7.1.9 is subtracted from the PLH.
The tabular format below shows how the work can be set out. The "adjustment for presbyacusis" (obtained from Table 7.1.9) is to be subtracted from the APLH (obtained in Step 3). The result of this subtraction is the "age adjusted hearing loss".
Accepted Hearing Loss
FREQ | Hearing Levels (dB) | Loss | |
(Hz) | Right | Left | (%) |
500 |
|
|
|
1000 |
|
|
|
1500 |
|
|
|
2000 |
|
|
|
3000 |
|
|
|
4000 |
|
|
|
APHL =
adjustment for presbyacusis =
age adjusted hearing loss =
from Table 7.1.9
PLHB = Percentage bilateral loss of hearing due to age and is dependent upon both age and gender.
PLHU = Percentage unilateral loss of hearing due to age and is dependent upon both age and gender.
SCALE
7.1.9
ADJUSTMENT FOR PRESBYACUSIS Bilateral Unilateral
Age | Males PLHB | Females PLHB | Males PLHU | Females PLHU |
(in years) | (percent) | (percent) | (percent) | (percent) |
below 60 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
60 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
61 | 0.1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
62 | 0.2 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
63 | 0.4 | 0 | 0.1 | 0 |
64 | 0.6 | 0 | 0.1 | 0 |
65 | 0.8 | 0 | 0.1 | 0 |
66 | 1.0 | 0 | 0.2 | 0 |
67 | 1.3 | 0. | 0.2 | 0 |
68 | 1.7 | 0 | 0.3 | 0 |
69 | 2.0 | 0 | 0.3 | 0 |
70 | 2.4 | 0 | 0.4 | 0 |
71 | 2.9 | 0 | 0.5 | 0 |
72 | 3.3 | 0 | 0.6 | 0 |
73 | 3.8 | 0 | 0.6 | 0 |
74 | 4.4 | 0.2 | 0.7 | 0 |
75 | 4.9 | 0.4 | 0.8 | 0.1 |
76 | 5.5 | 0.6 | 0.9 | 0.1 |
77 | 6.2 | 0.8 | 1.0 | 0.1 |
78 | 6.8 | 1.1 | 1.2 | 0.2 |
79 | 7.5 | 1.4 | 1.3 | 0.2 |
80 | 8.3 | 1.7 | 1.4 | 0.3 |
81 | 9.0 | 2.1 | 1.5 | 0.4 |
82 | 9.8 | 2.5 | 1.7 | 0.4 |
83 | 10.7 | 2.9 | 1.8 | 0.5 |
84 | 11.5 | 3.4 | 2.0 | 0.6 |
85 | 12.5 | 3.9 | 2.1 | 0.7 |
above 85 | 12.5 | 3.9 | 2.1 | 0.7 |
This is a table for making age adjustment
(The adjustments for presbyacusis in Table 7.1.9 have been modified from the adjustments provided by the National Acoustic Laboratories.)
"Age" means the veteran's age in completed years at the date of the audiogram. The "Bilateral" column applies if there is accepted hearing loss in both ears.
The "Unilateral" column applies if there is accepted hearing loss in only one ear.
Step 5: Determine the impairment rating for the accepted hearing loss using formula 7.1.
Formula 7.1- Loss of function: Hearing
age adjusted hearing loss
Impairment rating = 2
Results from Formula 7.1 are to be rounded to the nearest integer (whole number). Thus 2.4 would be rounded to 2, and 2.6 would be rounded to 3. If the calculation gives an answer exactly half way between two integers, the answer is rounded up, for example 2.5 is to be rounded to 3.
If the paired organs policy (see page 148) does not apply, Formula 7.1 gives the final impairment rating for loss of hearing. To determine whether the paired organs policy applies, proceed to Step 6.
anterior semicircular canal
lateral semicircular canal
posterior cochlea semicircular
canal vestibule
Step 6. Determine if the paired organs policy applies. If it applies, calculate the adjusted impairment rating.
Use Table 7.1.10 to determine if the paired organs policy applies.
Procedural
Table 7.1.10
PAIRED ORGANS POLICY
Does the Paired
Accepted Hearing Loss Organs Policy apply?
Type 1 Type 2 Type 3 Type 4 Type 5 | Bilateral mixed deafness Right mixed deafness Left mixed deafness Bilateral sensorineural deafness Bilateral sensorineural deafness | No Yes Yes No |
| with right conductive deafness | No |
Type 6 | Bilateral sensorineural deafness with left conductive deafness |
No |
Type 7 | Bilateral conductive deafness | No |
Type 8 | Bilateral conductive deafness with right sensorineural deafness |
No |
Type 9 | Bilateral conductive deafness with left sensorineural deafness |
No |
Type 10 | Left conductive deafness with right sensorineural deafness |
No |
Type 11 | Right conductive deafness with left sensorineural deafness |
No |
Type 12 | Right conductive deafness | Yes |
Type 13 | Right sensorineural deafness | Yes |
Type 14 | Left sensorineural deafness | Yes |
Type 15 | Left conductive deafness | Yes |
No age adjustment permitted for this table
The paired organs policy is to be applied by doubling the impairment rating for the age-adjusted PLH for the accepted hearing loss and comparing that with the impairment rating equivalent to the total bilateral hearing loss. The lesser of the two is to be taken as the impairment rating (adjusted for the paired organs policy) for the accepted hearing loss.
The paired organ policy is the subject of Chapter 21.
TINNITUS
Tinnitus is to be assessed if:
+ tinnitus is an accepted condition in its own right; or
+ tinnitus is present and any of the fifteen types of hearing loss is an accepted condition for the ear in which tinnitus is present.
Tinnitus is not to be assessed when it is a rejected condition.
Irrespective of whether there are any non-accepted conditions contributing to the tinnitus, the rating is not to be moderated by applying Chapter 19 (Partially Contributing Impairment).
If impairment ratings are obtained for hearing loss and tinnitus both are to be included in the final combining of all impairment ratings by applying Chapter 18 (Combined Values Chart).
To assess tinnitus, make the appropriate selection from Table 7.1.11 below.
Functional Loss
Table 7.1.11
Impairment
TINNITUS
Ratings Criteria
NIL No tinnitus or occasional tinnitus.
TWO Very mild tinnitus: not present every day.
FIVE Tinnitus every day, but tolerable for much of the time. TEN Severe tinnitus, eg of similar severity to that requiring
a masking device, present every day.
FIFTEEN Very severe tinnitus, present every day, causing distraction, loss of concentration and extreme discomfort, and regularly interfering with sleep.
No age adjustment permitted for this table
Only one rating is to be selected from this table for any condition or combination of conditions. If more than one rating is applicable, the higher rating is to be selected.
PART 7.2: EAR, NOSE, AND THROAT
The three tables in this Part are all Other Impairment tables.
Impairment of speech is to be assessed by applying Chapter 5 (Neurological
Impairment).
Loss of balance is commonly paroxysmal and is usually best rated by applying
Chapter 15 (Intermittent Impairment).
Loss of taste and loss of smell are to be assessed by applying Chapter 5 (Neurological
Impairment).
Other Impairment Table 7.2.1
Impairment
EARS
Ratings Criteria
NIL Intermittent otalgia, intermittent otorrhoea, or both. TWO Otitis externa.
Otalgia every day, but tolerable for much of the time.
TEN Frequent severe otalgia.
No age adjustment permitted for this table
Only one rating is to be selected from this table for any condition or combination of conditions.
If accepted conditions affect both ears, they are to be rated together and only a single rating is to be given for them.
Chapter 15 (Intermittent Impairment) may be applied for more severe or frequent aural conditions.
Other Impairment Table 7.2.2
Impairment
UPPER RESPIRATORY TRACT AND NASAL CONDITIONS
Ratings Criteria
NIL Intermittent post-nasal discharge, rhinorrhoea and/or sneezing.
TWO Recurrent upper respiratory tract infection.
FIVE Symptoms of rhinitis and sinusitis or both which are not relieved by medication and which occur for more than 4 months every year.
No age adjustment permitted for this table
Only one rating is to be selected from this table for any condition or combination of conditions.
Chapter 15 (Intermittent Impairment) may be applied for upper respiratory tract and nasal conditions which are sufficiently severe or frequent.
THROAT
Other Impairment Table 7.2.3
Impairment
THROAT
Ratings Criteria
NIL No tracheostomy.
TWO A tracheostomy that has been closed. TWENTY Permanent tracheostomy.
No age adjustment permitted for this table
Worksheet Numbers
Type Air Air &
No Total accepted hearing loss alone Bone
1 | Total accepted hearing loss Bilateral mixed deafness
g |
2 |
N/A |
2 | Right mixed deafness | 3 | N/A |
3 | Left mixed deafness | 3 | N/A |
4 | Bilateral sensorineural deafness | SND | SND |
5 | Bilateral sensorineural deafness with Right conductive deafness |
2 |
N/A |
6 | Bilateral sensorineural deafness with Left conductive deafness |
2 |
N/A |
7 | Bilateral conductive deafness | 2 | 4 |
8 | Bilateral conductive deafness with Right sensorineural deafness |
2 |
N/A |
9 | Bilateral conductive deafness with Left sensorineural deafness |
2 |
N/A |
10 | Left conductive deafness with Right sensorineural deafness |
2 |
NWP |
11 | Right conductive deafness with Left sensorineural deafness |
2 |
NWP |
12 | Right conductive deafness | 3 | 5 |
13 | Right sensorineural deafness | 3 | NWP |
14 | Left sensorineural deafness | 3 | NWP |
15 | Left conductive deafness | 3 | 5 |
SND | = | sensorineural deafness |
N/A | = | not applicable |
NWP | = | no worksheet provided |
The Type Numbers in the left hand column refer to types of accepted hearing loss as defined in Table 7.1.1 of the Guide.
Condition(s) accepted for assessment:
Accepted hearing loss is equivalent to: TYPE No.: 4
Bilateral Sensorineural Deafness
Date of audiogram:
/ /
Veteran's age at date of audiogram: years
Accepted Hearing Loss (Air or Bone Conduction) as indicated below:
Using Air (*) conduction figures Using Bone conduction figures
FREQ | Hearing Levels (dB) | Loss | |
(Hz) | Right | Left | (%) |
500 |
|
|
|
1000 |
|
|
|
1500 |
|
|
|
2000 |
|
|
|
3000 |
|
|
|
4000 |
|
|
|
Accepted hearing loss: Correction for presbyacusis:
Accepted hearing loss (less age correction):
Accepted hearing impairment:
= A
= B
= A - B
NOTE:
This form is to be used for assessment of Type 4 hearing loss (Bilateral sensorineural deafness)
*If bone conduction figures have not been used, state reason:
Signature Name (please print) Date
/ /
Accepted hearing loss is equivalent to: Date of audiogram:
Veteran's age at date of audiogram:
Accepted Hearing Loss (Air Conduction)
TYPE No *:
/ /
years
FREQ | Hearing Levels (dB) | Loss | |
(Hz) | Right | Left | (%) |
500 |
|
|
|
1000 |
|
|
|
1500 |
|
|
|
2000 |
|
|
|
3000 |
|
|
|
4000 |
|
|
|
Accepted percentage hearing loss (APHL): Adjustment for presbyacusis:
APHL (less adjustment for presbyacusis):
Accepted hearing impairment:
* NOTE:
This form is to be used for assessment of the following types of hearing loss:
Type 1 (Bilateral mixed hearing loss)
Type 8 (Bilateral conductive deafness with right sensorineural hearing loss)
Type 9 (Bilateral conductive deafness with left sensorineural hearing loss)
and when bone conduction figures are not being used for types 7, 10 and 11
*If hearing loss is type 7, 10 or 11, state why bone conduction figures have not been used.
Accepted hearing loss is equivalent to:
Date of Veteran's age at
audiogram: date of audiogram:
TYPE No *:
Accepted Hearing Loss (Air Conduction)
FREQ | Hearing Levels (dB) | Loss | |
(Hz) | Right | Left | (%) |
500 |
|
|
|
1000 |
|
|
|
1500 |
|
|
|
2000 |
|
|
|
3000 |
|
|
|
4000 |
|
|
|
Accepted percentage hearing loss (APHL): Adjustment for presbyacusis:
APHL (less adjustment for presbyacusis):
Accepted hearing impairment:
Total Hearing Loss (Air Conduction)
FREQ | Hearing Levels (dB) | Loss | |
(Hz) | Right | Left | (%) |
500 |
|
|
|
1000 |
|
|
|
1500 |
|
|
|
2000 |
|
|
|
3000 |
|
|
|
4000 |
|
|
|
Total bilateral hearing loss:
Total hearing impairment: Paired organs policy
Under the paired organs policy the final hearing impairment is the lesser of twice the
accepted hearing impairment and the total hearing impairment:
Final hearing impairment:
*If bone conduction figures not used for types 12, 13, 14, or 15, state reason:
Signature Name (please print) Date:
Accepted hearing loss is equivalent to: TYPE No : 7
Bilateral Conductive Deafness
Date of audiogram:
/ /
Veteran's age at date of audiogram:
years
Accepted Hearing Loss
AIR CONDUCTION BONE CONDUCTION
FREQ | Hearing Levels | Loss | |
(Hz) | Right | Left | (%) |
500 |
|
|
|
1000 |
|
|
|
1500 |
|
|
|
2000 |
|
|
|
3000 |
|
|
|
4000 |
|
|
|
Hearing loss (Air):
A Hearing loss (Bone): B
Use formula to calculate loss due to bilateral conductive deafness
WORKING:
Conductive PLH =
(A - B) x 100
100 - B
A = 100 = 100
B = B =
A - B = 100 - B = = D (A - B) x 100 = = C
Conductive hearing loss is C divided by D = (Using formula 7.1) Accepted hearing impairment:
Accepted hearing loss is equivalent to:
Date of audiogram:
Accepted Hearing Loss
TYPE No :12 / 15
/ /
AIR CONDUCTION BONE CONDUCTION
FREQ | Hearing Levels | Loss | |
(Hz) | Right | Left | (%) |
500 |
|
|
|
1000 |
|
|
|
1500 |
|
|
|
2000 |
|
|
|
3000 |
|
|
|
4000 |
|
|
|
Hearing loss (Air):
Use formula to calculate->
Hearing loss (Bone):
Accepted hearing loss: = E
Conductive PLH =
A = B =
A - B =
(A - B) x 100 =
100 = B =
100 - B =
(A - B) x 100
100 - B
= C
= D
= E
Accepted hearing impairment: = F
Total Hearing Loss
AIR CONDUCTION
= F
Paired organs policy
Total hearing loss:
Total hearing impairment:
Under the paired organs policy the final hearing impairment is the lesser of twice the accepted hearing impairment and the total hearing impairment:
Final hearing impairment:
Signature Name (please print) Date
/ /
Chapter 8
Visual Impairment
This chapter contains two parts:
Part 8.1 - Impairment of Visual Function
Part 8.2 - Other Ocular Impairment
INTRODUCTION
Part 8.1 is to be applied to assess:
+ any condition, such as refractive error, that is actually affecting visual function;
and
+ any condition, such as glaucoma or cataracts, that in the normal course of its progression would be likely to affect visual function.
Part 8.2 is to be applied to assess such conditions of the eye and the surrounding structures as may lead to discomfort or inconvenience, such as conjunctivitis and conditions of the eyelid, without actually or usually affecting visual function.
Reference to blindness in one or both eyes can also be found in Chapter 24; and in subsection 24(3) and section 27 of the Act.
PART 8.1: IMPAIRMENT OF VISUAL FUNCTION
Loss of function
Visual function is to be measured by reference to:
+ corrected visual acuity (Table 8.1.1 or Table 8.1.3); and
+ visual field defects (Figures 8a and 8b); and
+ miscellaneous function (Table 8.1.2).
The following steps take into account the fact that normal vision is a binocular function.
Calculation of the impairment rating for loss of visual function
Follow the steps below to calculate the impairment rating due to accepted loss of visual function.
(Each step is elaborated in the following pages.)
STEP If there is any accepted refractive error, determine Page
1 the monocular assessment for each eye based on 160
corrected visual acuity.
STEP
2
If there is any accepted condition causing a visual field defect, determine the monocular assessment for each eye affected by the accepted condition.
Page
161
STEP Determine the monocular assessment for each eye Page
3 from the Miscellaneous Visual Function Table (Table 162
8.1.2) as the result of any accepted condition.
STEP For each eye separately, combine the ratings obtained Page
4 in Steps 1, 2, and 3 by applying Chapter 18 162 (Combined Values Chart).
STEP
5
Combine the two combined monocular impairment ratings obtained in Step 4 by applying Table 8.1.3.
Page
162
Step 1: If there is any accepted refractive error, determine the monocular assessment for each eye based on corrected visual acuity.
All assessments of visual acuity are to be based on corrected visual acuity, that is, the visual acuity as measured when the veteran is wearing glasses or contact lenses correctly prescribed. No additional impairment rating is to be given for the need to wear corrective lenses.
A separate monocular assessment is to be determined for each eye.
If only one eye has a refractive error, or if only one eye is to be assessed, the monocular assessment of the eye is to be determined by applying Table 8.1.1 and the assessment for visual acuity for the other eye is to be taken as nil. (These assessments will ultimately be combined by applying Table 8.1.3.)
Functional Loss
Table 8.1.1
Visual
MONOCULAR ASSESSMENTS FOR CORRECTED VISUAL ACUITY
acuity 6/6 6/9 6/12 6/18 6/24 6/30 6/36 6/48 6/60 3/60 Blind*
Monocular
Assessment 0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100
* In applying the above table, if the veteran's visual acuity in either eye is such that he or she is only capable of counting fingers or of perceiving the difference between light and darkness with that eye, then he or she is to be taken as "blind" in the eye so affected.
No age adjustment permitted for this table
Step 2: If there is any accepted condition causing a visual field defect, determine the monocular assessment for each eye affected by the accepted condition.
Any condition (such as glaucoma) which could cause loss of visual field is to be assessed by measuring that loss. For glaucoma without field loss refer to Table 8.1.2.
Loss of visual field is to be measured either by a manual or a computerised method, using the Esterman grid (Figures 8A and 8B).
Methods of measuring visual field loss
If the field has been defined by a manual method such as a Bjerrum screen with a 5/
1000 white target or a Humphrey bowl at 10dB or less, a transparency of the Esterman grid is placed over the map of the visual field. Those dots that fall wholly or partially within the area of field loss are counted, and the number of dots so counted is to be taken as the monocular assessment for the field loss of that eye.
If the field has been defined by the Humphrey computerised method, a transparency of the appropriate Esterman grid is placed over the graytone field map of the eye being assessed. The graytones represent varying degrees of diminished response to visual stimuli. Count those dots that fall wholly or partially within the area of the graytone field map corresponding to the three darkest intensities of the set of ten graytones in the key accompanying the field map. The number of dots so counted is to be taken as the monocular assessment of the field loss of that eye.
If the field has been defined by a computerised method other than the Humphrey method, a transparency of the appropriate Esterman grid is placed over the graytone field map of the eye being assessed. The graytones represent varying degrees of
diminished response to visual stimuli. Count those dots that fall wholly or partly within the area of the graytone field map corresponding to the equivalent of 10dB or less of the intensities of the set of ten graytones in the key accompanying the field map. The number of dots so counted is to be taken as the monocular assessment of the field loss of that eye.
Step 3: Determine the monocular assessment for each eye from Table 8.1.2 as the result of any accepted condition.
Only one criterion is to be selected from Table 8.1.2. If more than one criterion could be selected, the criterion resulting in the higher or highest monocular assessment is to be chosen. The single assessment is then included in both monocular assessments. (See below.)
As the criteria in Table 8.1.2 refer to binocular functions, the assessment is included in both monocular assessments. For example, the assessment for unilateral aphakia is to be included in both monocular assessments.
Step 4: For each eye separately, combine the ratings obtained in Steps 1, 2, and 3 by applying Chapter 18 (Combined Values Chart).
Having followed Steps 1, 2 and 3, up to three monocular assessments will have been obtained for each eye depending on the particular accepted visual conditions affecting the veteran.
For example, there may be for the right eye:
+ an assessment for corrected visual acuity;
+ an assessment for a visual field defect; and
+ an assessment for a miscellaneous visual defect.
For each eye separately, these three assessments are to be combined as if they were impairment ratings, by applying Chapter 18 (Combined Values Chart) in accordance with the steps in that chapter. The resulting value is to be rounded to the nearest multiple of 5. This is known as the combined monocular impairment rating for that eye.
Step 5: Combine the two combined monocular impairment ratings obtained in
Step 4 by applying Table 8.1.3.
Binocular impairment rating
After a combined monocular impairment rating has been made for each eye, the two ratings are to be combined by applying Table 8.1.3. The value obtained is known as the binocular impairment rating.
Figure 8a - ESTERMAN GRID: LEFT EYE
Figure 8b - ESTERMAN GRID: RIGHT EYE
Functional Loss
Table 8.1.2
MISCELLANEOUS VISUAL FUNCTION
Visual Disturbance | Monocular Assessment | ||||
Heterophoria | 0 | ||||
Nystagmus without diplopia | 0 | ||||
Cataract with no loss of visual acuity | 2 | ||||
Glaucoma without loss of visual fields | 2 | ||||
Bilateral intraocular lens | 5 | ||||
Unilateral intraocular lens | 5 | ||||
Bilateral aphakia | 5 | ||||
Unilateral aphakia | 10 | ||||
Loss of stereopsis in absence of heterotropia | 5 | ||||
Heterotropia with diplopia one quadrant of upward gaze | 5 | ||||
Heterotropia without diplopia near vision only | 5 | ||||
Heterotropia with diplopia one quadrant of downward gaze | 10 | ||||
Heterotropia without diplopia all directions of gaze | 10 | ||||
Heterotropia with diplopia one direction of sideways gaze | 10 | ||||
Heterotropia with diplopia all directions of upward gaze | 10 | ||||
Heterotropia with diplopia all directions of downward gaze | 15 | ||||
Heterotropia with diplopia both directions of sideways gaze | 15 | ||||
Heterotropia with diplopia all range of near vision | 15 | ||||
Heterotropia with diplopia all directions of gaze | 25 | ||||
Gaze defects vertical | 10 | ||||
Gaze defects horizontal | 10 | ||||
Gaze defects vertical and horizontal | 25 | ||||
Only one criterion may be selected from this table. If the accepted condition satis fies more than one criterion, the criterion resulting in the higher rating is to be chosen. The single rating is then included in both monocular assessments.
No age adjustment permitted for this table
The combined monocular impairment ratings obtained in Step 4 are those values found in the shaded area of Table 8.1.3. The values for the better and worse eye are to be taken from the values in the shaded regions along the horizontal and vertical axes respectively.
For convenience, Table 8.1.3 incorporates Table 8.1.1 along both its axes. The figures in italics give the possible losses of visual acuity. The values in the shaded area immediately beside or above the figures in italics give the corresponding monocular assessment.
If the only condition affecting visual function is decreased visual acuity, the visual acuities for the better and the worse eye respectively can be read from the values in italics along the horizontal and vertical axes respectively.
Paired organs policy
If an accepted condition affects one eye only, the paired organs policy may apply
(see Chapter 21).
Visual Impairment Worksheet
To ensure a consistent and clear record of the use of the tables, the Visual Impairment Worksheet (at page 168) should be used when assessing visual impairment.
A Visual Impairment Worksheet is used when assessing impairment involving visual field or miscellaneous visual conditions.
Functional Loss
Table 8.1.3
LOSS OF VISUAL FUNCTION
6/6 | 0 | 0 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |||||||||
| 5 | 0 | 5 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| ||||||||||
6/9 | 10 | 5 | 5 | 10 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| ||||||||||
| 15 | 5 | 10 | 10 | 15 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| ||||||||||
6/12 | 20 | 5 | 10 | 10 | 15 | 20 |
|
|
|
|
|
| ||||||||||
| 25 | 5 | 10 | 15 | 15 | 20 | 25 |
|
|
|
|
| ||||||||||
6/18 | 30 | 10 | 10 | 15 | 20 | 20 | 25 | 30 |
|
|
|
| ||||||||||
| 35 | 10 | 10 | 15 | 20 | 25 | 25 | 30 | 35 |
|
|
| ||||||||||
6/24 | 40 | 10 | 15 | 15 | 20 | 25 | 25 | 30 | 35 | 40 |
|
| ||||||||||
| 45 | 10 | 15 | 20 | 20 | 25 | 30 | 30 | 35 | 40 | 40 |
| ||||||||||
6/30 | 50 | 10 | 15 | 20 | 25 | 25 | 30 | 35 | 35 | 40 | 45 | 45 | ||||||||||
| 55 | 15 | 15 | 20 | 25 | 25 | 30 | 35 | 40 | 40 | 45 | 50 | 50 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
6/36 | 60 | 15 | 20 | 20 | 25 | 30 | 30 | 35 | 40 | 40 | 45 | 50 | 55 | 55 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| 65 | 15 | 20 | 25 | 25 | 30 | 35 | 35 | 40 | 45 | 45 | 50 | 55 | 60 | 60 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
6/48 | 70 | 20 | 20 | 25 | 25 | 30 | 35 | 40 | 40 | 45 | 50 | 50 | 55 | 60 | 60 | 65 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| 75 | 20 | 20 | 25 | 30 | 30 | 35 | 40 | 40 | 45 | 50 | 55 | 55 | 60 | 65 | 65 | 70 |
|
|
|
|
|
6/60 | 80 | 20 | 25 | 25 | 30 | 35 | 35 | 40 | 45 | 45 | 50 | 55 | 60 | 60 | 65 | 70 | 70 | 75 |
|
|
|
|
| 85 | 20 | 25 | 25 | 30 | 35 | 40 | 40 | 45 | 50 | 50 | 55 | 60 | 60 | 65 | 70 | 75 | 75 | 80 |
|
|
|
3/60 | 90 | 20 | 25 | 30 | 30 | 35 | 40 | 40 | 45 | 50 | 55 | 55 | 60 | 65 | 65 | 70 | 75 | 80 | 80 | 85 |
|
|
| 95 | 25 | 25 | 30 | 35 | 35 | 40 | 45 | 45 | 50 | 55 | 60 | 60 | 65 | 70 | 70 | 75 | 80 | 85 | 85 | 85 |
|
Blind | 100 | 25 | 25 | 30 | 35 | 40 | 40 | 45 | 50 | 50 | 55 | 60 | 60 | 65 | 70 | 75 | 75 | 80 | 85 | 85 | 85 | 85 |
|
| 0 | 5 | 10 | 15 | 20 | 25 | 30 | 35 | 40 | 45 | 50 | 55 | 60 | 65 | 70 | 75 | 80 | 85 | 90 | 95 | 100 |
|
| 6/6 |
| 6/9 |
| 6/12 |
| 6/18 |
| 6/24 |
| 6/30 |
| 6/36 |
| 6/48 |
| 6/60 |
| 3/60 |
| Blind |
No age adjustment permitted for this table
Monocular Assessment of Better Eye
In applying this table, if the veteran's visual acuity in either eye is such that he or she is only capable of counting fingers or of perceiving the difference between light and darkness with that eye, then the veteran is to be taken as "blind" in the eye so affected.
PART 8.2: OTHER OCULAR IMPAIRMENT
Other Impairment
Table 8.2.1 lists impairment ratings for a variety of ocular conditions. The ratings are based on the presence of symptoms and of inconvenience. Ratings from Table
8.2.1 are not to be combined with ratings from Table 8.1.3 for the same condition. If the same condition can be rated from both tables, the higher rating is to be chosen.
Other Impairment Table 8.2.1
Impairment
OCULAR IMPAIRMENT
Ratings Criteria
NIL Occasional conjunctivitis.
TWO Intermittent conjunctivitis – at least 6 separate episodes per year.
Constant but mild irritation of eyes resulting in symptoms and signs, eg, chronic conjunctivitis or blepharoconjunctivitis, persistent photo-phobia, epiphora.
TEN Symptoms and signs of severe eye irritation, present all of the time.
Ratings from this table are not to be combined with ratings from Table 8.1.3 for the same condition. When the same condition can be rated from both tables, the higher rating is to be chosen.
No age adjustment permitted for this table
Guide to the Assessment of Visual Impairment Worksheet
Rates of Veterans' Pensions
5th edition
File No: Veteran's given names: Veteran's surname:
Visual conditions for assessment:
Date of report(s) on which the assessment below is based:
Right eye Left eye
Corrected visual acuity Corrected visual acuity
Miscellaneous visual function
Right eye monocular impairment |
|
|
|
Corrected visual acuity | R1
R |
| L1 |
Esterman Grid | R2 R2 | Visual field
| L2 L2 |
| R3 | Miscellaneous visual
| L3 L3
|
Combined monocular impairment | RC RC |
| LC |
impairment - rounded | RC | Combined monocular impairment - rounded | LC |
Final binocular impairment rating: Comments:
Signature Name (please print) Date
/ /
Chapter 9
Renal and Urinary Tract
Function
This chapter contains two parts: Part 9.1 - Renal Function
Part 9.2 - Lower Urinary Tract Function
INTRODUCTION
Renal function and urinary tract function are to be assessed separately. Only one rating is to be given for impairment of renal function. If appropriate, two ratings may be given for lower urinary tract conditions one for conditions of urinary excretion and one for lower urinary tract infections.
PART 9.1: RENAL FUNCTION
Impairment of renal function is to be assessed under Tables 9.1.1 and 9.1.2. If an impairment may be assessed from both tables, the higher of the two is to be selected.
Loss of kidney function may also be assessed by applying Chapter 16 (Activities of Daily Living), which may sometimes be more appropriate than applying Table 9.1.1 and Table 9.1.2.
Calculation of the impairment rating for loss of renal function
Follow the steps below to calculate the impairment rating due to an accepted loss of renal function.
(Each step is elaborated in the following pages.)
STEP Determine a functional impairment rating for renal Page
1 impairment by applying Table 9.1.1. 170
STEP Determine an Other Impairment rating for renal Page
2 impairment. 171
STEP
3
STEP
4
STEP
5
Compare the ratings obtained in Steps 1 and 2. Take the higher rating.
If the renal disease is causing generalised effects, apply Chapter 16 (Activities of Daily Living) to determine a rating.
If a rating has been obtained in Step 4, compare it with the rating obtained in Step 3. Take the higher rating.
Page
172
Page
172
Page
172
Step 1: Determine a functional impairment rating for renal impairment using
Table 9.1.1.
Functional Loss
Table 9.1.1
Impairment
LOSS OF RENAL FUNCTION
Ratings Criteria
NIL Normal or insignificantly impaired renal function. TWENTY Chronic renal failure with creatinine clearance of
less than 20mL/min.
THIRTY Chronic renal failure with creatinine clearance of less than 10mL/min.
SIXTY Ongoing peritoneal dialysis or haemodialysis.
No age adjustment permitted for this table
Only one rating is to be selected from this table.
Creatinine clearance may be estimated either by analysis of a 24 hour urine collection or from the serum creatinine level by applying the following formulae:
Males:
(140-Age) Weight (kg)
Creatinine clearance (mL/min) = 800 Serum creatinine level (mmol/L)
Females:
Creatinine clearance (mL/min) =
(140-Age) Weight (kg) 0.85
800 Serum creatinine level (mmol/L)
Direct measurements of creatinine clearance are more accurate than estimates of creatinine clearance by applying the appropriate formulae. If both measurements are available that which better reflects the current status of the veteran's health during the period of assessment is to be used.
Step 2: Determine an Other Impairment rating for renal impairment using
Table 9.1.2.
Other Impairment Table 9.1.2
Impairment
RENAL OTHER IMPAIRMENT
Ratings Criteria
Glomerulonephritis, or other kidney disease, with good prognosis.TWO Asymptomatic renal stones.
Nephrectomy.TEN Glomerulonephritis likely to cause chronic renal failure
in less than five years.
No age adjustment permitted for this
table
Only one rating is to be selected from this table for any condition or combination of conditions. If more than one rating is applicable, the higher rating is to be selected.
Step 3: Compare the ratings obtained in Steps 1 and 2. Take the higher rating.
Step 4: If the renal disease is causing generalised effects, apply Chapter 16 (Activities of Daily Living) to determine a rating.
Step 5: If a rating has been obtained in Step 4, compare it with the rating obtained in Step 3. Take the higher rating.
PART 9.2: LOWER URINARY TRACT FUNCTION
A rating for urinary excretion and one for lower urinary tract infections may be determined under this Part.
Calculation of the impairment rating for loss of lower urinary tract function.
Follow the steps below to calculate the impairment rating due to an accepted loss of lower urinary function.
(Each step is elaborated in the following pages.)
STEP Determine an impairment rating for impairment of Page
1 urinary excretion if appropriate by applying Table 173
9.2.1.
STEP Determine an impairment rating for lower urinary Page
2 tract infections impairment if appropriate. 173
STEP
3
If the lower urinary tract condition causes impairment of an intermittent nature, combine the ratings determined in Steps 1 and 2, by applying Chapter 18 (Combined Values Chart).
Page
174
STEP If the lower urinary tract condition causes impairment Page
4 of an intermittent nature, determine a rating for the 174
condition by applying Chapter 15 (Intermittent
Impairment).
STEP If the lower urinary tract condition causes impairment Page
5 of an intermittent nature, compare the ratings obtained 174
in Steps 3 and 4. Take the higher rating.
Step 1: Determine an impairment rating for impairment of urinary excretion if appropriate by applying Table 9.2.1.
Step 2: Determine an impairment rating for lower urinary tract infections impairment if appropriate by applying Table 9.2.2.
The ratings obtained in Steps 1 and 2 are not to be compared or combined at this stage but are to be included in the final combining of all ratings, except if the condition causes impairment of an intermittent nature.
If the condition does not cause impairment of an intermittent nature, the assessment of an impairment rating for the condition ceases at this point. If the condition causes impairment of an intermittent nature, proceed to Step 3.
Step 3: If the lower urinary tract condition causes impairment of an intermittent nature, combine the ratings determined in Steps 1 and 2 by applying Chapter
18 (Combined Values Chart).
Step 4: If the lower urinary tract condition causes impairment of an intermittent nature, determine a rating for the condition by applying Chapter 15 (Intermittent Impairment).
Step 5: If the lower urinary tract condition causes impairment of an intermittent nature, compare the ratings obtained in Steps 3 and 4. Take the higher rating.
If the rating obtained in Step 3 is higher than that obtained in Step 4, the impairment rating obtained in Step 1 and the impairment rating obtained in Step 2 are to be included in the final combining of all impairment ratings.
Functional Loss
Table 9.2.1
Impairment
URINARY EXCRETION
Ratings Criteria
Occasional stress incontinence; infrequent and small amounts of urine lost, and incontinence pad not needed.
Mild symptoms of bladder outlet or urethral obstruction, eg hesitancy, or poor stream.recurrent pyelonephritis, or hydronephrosis within past 12 months.
Moderate stress incontinence, needing several incontinence pads a day.
Urethral stricture, necessitating passage of sounds at internals of three months or less.
TWENTY Loss of voluntary control of bladder necessitating intermittent catheterisation.
Urinary diversion, eg ileal conduit, sigmoid conduit, ureterosigmoidostomy.incontinence pads, or a collection device, eg condom catheter.
FORTY Incontinence needing a permanent indwelling catheter.
No age adjustment permitted for this table
Functional Loss
Table 9.2.2
LOWER URINARY TRACT INFECTIONS
Impairment
Ratings Criteria
NIL Occasional urinary tract infections.
FIVE Recurrent cystitis causing frequent symptoms.
No age adjustment permitted for this table
Chapter 10
Sexual Function, Reproduction, and Breasts
This chapter contains three parts:
Part 10.1 - | Sexual Function |
Part 10.2 - | Reproduction |
Part 10.3 - | Breasts |
INTRODUCTION
Each part of this chapter contains separate tables for males and females. Ratings may be obtained from one or more parts, depending on the conditions to be assessed.
Many conditions of the female reproductive system, such as premenstrual tension and dysmenorhoea, occur on a cyclical basis and should be rated by applying Chapter
15 (Intermittent Impairment). When such conditions are successfully controlled by use of the contraceptive pill, a rating of zero is to be given.
It is also recognised that servicewomen may use the contraceptive pill to free themselves from such cyclical problems. In itself this is not a condition. However, if the use of the contraceptive pill causes significant side effects and if these side effects are accepted as being war-caused or defence-caused conditions, they should be rated from whatever section applies to them according to their nature.
Some conditions related to the reproductive organs, or to the effects of the sexual hormones, or which are more common in one sex than the other (such as osteoporosis), are not specifically mentioned in this chapter. Such conditions should be rated from the relevant part of the Guide according to their nature.
PART 10.1: SEXUAL FUNCTION
Calculation of the impairment rating for loss of sexual function
Follow the steps below to calculate the impairment rating due to an accepted loss of sexual function.
(Each step is elaborated in the following pages.)
STEP (Omit this step if you are assessing an accepted Page
1 condition of a female veteran.) 178
Determine a functional impairment rating for loss of
sexual function from Table 10.1.1.
STEP
2
STEP
3
(Omit this step if you are assessing an accepted condition of a male veteran.)
Determine a functional impairment rating for loss of sexual function from Table 10.1.2.
(Omit this step if you are assessing an accepted condition of a male veteran.)
Determine a functional impairment rating for loss of sexual function from Table 10.1.3.
Page
180
Page
181
Step 1: (Omit this step if you are assessing an accepted condition of a female veteran.) Determine a functional impairment rating for loss of sexual function in male veterans from Table 10.1.1.
Although impotence may be a symptom or effect of more than one accepted condition, only one rating is to be given for impotence.
The rating from Table 10.1.1 is the final rating for loss of sexual function in male veterans. The rating obtained from Table 10.1.1 is not to be compared or combined with any other rating at this stage, but is to be included in the final combining of all ratings.
Functional Loss
Table 10.1.1
SEXUAL FUNCTION: MALE
Age at onset | Less than 30 |
30 to 39 |
40 to 64 |
65 to 74 |
75 to 84 | 85 and older |
Circumcision |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
Scarring of penis |
2 |
2 |
2 |
2 |
2 |
2 |
Peyronie's disease |
2 |
2 |
2 |
2 |
2 |
2 |
Impotence (not ameliorated by surgical treatment) |
25 |
20 |
15 |
10 |
5 |
2 |
Impotence (ameliorated by surgical treatment) |
15 |
15 |
10 |
5 |
2 |
0 |
Severe post- ejaculatory pain |
20 |
20 |
15 |
10 |
5 |
2 |
Loss of all or most of penis |
30 |
25 |
20 |
15 |
10 |
10 |
Loss of part of penis without significant inter- ference with function |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
No age adjustment permitted for this table
Only one rating is to be selected from this table.
For the purposes of Table 10.1.1:
"Impotence" means the persistent inability to attain an erection of sufficient strength to achieve intromission.
"Severe post-ejaculatory pain" means post-ejaculatory pain of such a degree as to cause complete or almost complete avoidance of sexual activity.
Step 2: (Omit this step if you are assessing an accepted condition of a male veteran.) Determine a functional impairment rating for loss of sexual function in female veterans from Table 10.1.2.
Functional Loss
Table 10.1.2
Impairment
SEXUAL FUNCTION: FEMALE
Ratings Criteria
NIL Persistent inability to participate in vaginal intercourse onset at age 75 or older.
FIVE Persistent inability to participate in vaginal intercourse onset at age 65-74.
TEN Persistent inability to participate in vaginal intercourse onset at age 40-64.
TWENTY Persistent inability to participate in vaginal intercourse onset at age less than 40.
TWENTY- Persistent inability to participate in vaginal
FIVE intercourse onset at age less than 30.
No age adjustment permitted for this table
Only one rating is to be selected from this table.
For the purposes of Table 10.1.2:
"Persistent inability" means the woman is unable to participate in vaginal intercourse on most occasions because of physical obstruction of the vagina or its entrance or because of vaginismus or because of dyspareunia.
Ratings may be given from each of Tables 10.1.2 and 10.1.3 if appropriate. The rating obtained from Table 10.1.2 is not to be compared or combined with any other rating at this stage, but is to be included in the final combining of all ratings.
Step 3: (Omit this step if you are assessing an accepted condition of a male veteran.) Determine a functional impairment rating for loss of sexual function in female veterans from Table 10.1.3.
Functional Loss
Table 10.1.3
Impairment
SEXUAL FUNCTION: FEMALE
Ratings Criteria
NIL No impairment of sexual sensation. TWO Diminished sexual sensation.
FIVE Inability to achieve a climax at age less than 40.
FIFTEEN Vulvectomy at age less than 40.
TWENTY Clitoridectomy at age less than 30.
TWENTY- Vulvectomy at age less than 30. FIVE
No age adjustment permitted for this table
Only one rating is to be selected from this table.
Ratings may be given from each of Tables 10.1.2 and 10.1.3 if appropriate. The rating obtained from Table 10.1.3 is not to be compared or combined with any other rating at this stage, but is to be included in the final combining of all ratings.
PART 10.2: REPRODUCTION
Calculation of the impairment rating for loss of reproductive function
Follow the steps below to calculate the impairment rating due to an accepted loss of reproductive function.
(Each step is elaborated in the following pages.)
STEP (Omit this step if you are assessing an accepted Page
1 condition of a female veteran.) 184
Determine a functional impairment rating for loss of
reproductive function from Table 10.2.1.
STEP (Omit this step if you are assessing an accepted Page
2 condition of a male veteran.) 185
Determine a functional impairment rating for loss of
sexual function from Table 10.2.2.
For the purposes of this chapter: "infertility" means:
for females -
+ the condition in which a woman is unable to achieve a pregnancy resulting in a viable infant because of a gynaecological condition that prevents her becoming pregnant or maintaining a pregnancy to term; or
+ the situation of a woman who has been given medical advice that she should not become pregnant and who consequently does not give birth to a viable child either because of risk to her life; or the danger of seriously compromising her health; or serious and significant risk to the potential child. (The latter circumstance may arise if the woman has had radiotherapy for a malignant condition.)
for males -
+ the condition in which a man is unable to achieve a pregnancy in a woman.
"reduced fertility" means:
for females -
+ the situation of a woman who has sought medical help in order to become pregnant and who has been given such help in the form of IVF, GIFT, or a similar procedure or hormonal stimuli and who as a result of such procedures does become pregnant; or
+ the situation of a woman who has been advised that she is infertile and who, as a result, has adopted a child and who then, and only after that, has conceived.
(A woman is to be taken to be infertile if, despite such procedures, she remains unable to become pregnant. She will also be taken to be infertile until such time as she gives birth to a viable infant.)
for males -
+ the situation of a man who has sought medical help in order to enable him to father a child as a result of conditions such as a low sperm count or impotence or other related condition and who, with his partner, has been given such help in the form of IVF, GIFT, or a similar procedure or hormonal stimuli and who as a result of such procedures does succeed in becoming the biological father of a viable infant; or
+ the situation of a man who has been advised that he is infertile and who, as a result, with his partner, has adopted a child and who then, and only after that, has become the biological father of a viable infant in the normal way.
The impairment rating for reduced fertility is given to compensate veterans for the delay they and their partners will have incurred in starting their family as a result of waiting for investigations and in undergoing the procedures and for the stress of hormone therapy which places a considerable emotional stress on both partners and a specific physiological stress on the female.
The fertility problem should only be assessed as "infertility" under this Guide if it prevents the veteran from having children that the veteran would otherwise have had. It is for a medical practitioner to diagnose whether a fertility condition is present. The veteran must advise whether the fertility condition prevented the birth of a child that otherwise the veteran would have parented.
If the veteran is of the opinion that the fertility condition did not actually prevent the veteran from having a child, the condition is to be assessed at the same rate as reduced fertility.
Cervical incompetence is to be rated in the same way as are problems of fertility.
Step 1: (Omit this step if you are assessing an accepted condition of a female veteran.) Determine a functional impairment rating for loss of reproductive function in male veterans from Table 10.2.1.
Functional Loss
Table 10.2.1
REPRODUCTIVE FUNCTION: MALE
Impairment
Ratings Criteria
NIL Varicocele or hydrocele, associated with no or negligible symptoms.
TWO Infertility with onset at age 55 or older.
Infertility with onset at age less than 45.
Loss of both testes at age 31 to 45.
TWENTY Loss of both testes at age 30 or less.
No age adjustment permitted for this table
Only one rating is to be selected from this table.
This is the final rating for loss of reproductive function in male veterans. The rating obtained from Table 10.2.1 is not to be compared or combined with any other rating at this stage, but is to be included in the final combining of all ratings.
While impotence would render it difficult for a man to father a child in the normal way, it would neither necessarily nor usually render him infertile.
Step 2: (Omit this step if you are assessing an accepted condition of a male veteran.) Determine a functional impairment rating for loss of reproductive function in female veterans from Table 10.2.2.
Functional Loss
Table 10.2.2
REPRODUCTIVE FUNCTION: FEMALE
Impairment
Ratings Criteria
Infertility with onset at age less than 45 in a pre- menopausal woman.less than 45.
less than 45.
TWENTY Hysterectomy with removal of ovaries at age less than 45.
No age adjustment permitted for this table
Only one rating is to be selected from this table.
Amenorrhoea by itself is to be rated at 2 points. However amenorrhoea will generally be a symptom of some other condition, such as infertility, in which case a rating is to be given for infertility and that rating is to be compared with the rating for amenorrhoea. The higher rating is to be taken.
Endometriosis may be assessed by applying Table 10.2.2, or by assessment of its effect on fertility or sexual function, or by applying Chapter 15 (Intermittent Impairment). If ratings are given from both this chapter and Chapter 15, the ratings are to be compared and the higher is to be taken.
This is the final rating for loss of reproductive function in female veterans. The rating obtained from Table 10.2.2 is not to be compared or combined with any other rating at this stage, but is to be included in the final combining of all ratings.
For those conditions of the female reproductive system that occur on a cyclical basis, Chapter 15 (Intermittent Impairment) is to be applied.
PART 10.3: BREASTS
A rating given for mastectomy under this Part is not the final rating for cancer of the breast. The steps to be followed in assessing cancer of the breast are given below, for convenience. In following these steps it is essential to apply both Chapter 14 and the tables in this Part.
Calculation of the impairment rating for cancer of the breast
Follow the steps below to calculate the impairment rating due to breast cancer. Steps 2 to 6 are elaborated in Chapter 14 (Malignant Conditions).
STEP Find the applicable rating for the relevant mastectomy or other
1 surgical procedure (Tables 10.3.1 or 10.3.2).
STEP
2
Determine any applicable ratings for other effects of surgery (for example, effects on the use of the arm).
STEP
3
Determine any applicable ratings for the effects of any chemotherapy or radiotherapy.
STEP
4
Determine any applicable ratings due to the effects of spread of the cancer.
STEP
5
Combine all the above ratings by applying Chapter 18 (Combined
Values Chart).
STEP
6
STEP
7
Find the applicable rating from Chapter 14 (Malignant Conditions).
Compare the rating obtained in Step 5 with the rating obtained in Step 6. Take the higher rating. This is the final rating for cancer of the breast.
Functional Loss
Table 10.3.1
Impairment
BREASTS: FEMALE
Ratings Criteria
NIL No significant breast condition.
Persistent mammary discharge.
Total loss of sensation of both nipples.dermatome.
FIFTEEN Unilateral mastectomy. THIRTY Bilateral mastectomy.
Only one rating is to be selected from this table.
No age adjustment permitted for this table
Functional Loss
Table 10.3.2
Impairment
BREASTS: MALE
Ratings Criteria
NIL No significant breast condition.
No age adjustment permitted for this table
Only one rating is to be selected from this table.
Chapter 11
Skin Impairment
INTRODUCTION
This chapter is to be applied in assessing skin conditions. Chapter 17 (Disfigurement and Social Impairment) is also to be applied to the assessment of skin conditions if appropriate.
For any relatively minor skin condition, the major consideration is whether it occurs on a more or less permanent basis or whether it occurs intermittently. If the condition occurs on an intermittent basis, the application of Chapter 15 (Intermittent Impairment) is to be considered.
For a more noticeable skin condition, consideration must also be given to whether it affects function or causes disfigurement. If the skin condition is responsible for a discrete loss of function in another system, the appropriate system-specific table is to be applied. For example, if there were loss of hand function as the result of a skin condition, Chapter 3 (Spine and Limbs) is to be applied.
For very severe skin conditions, loss of function is generally measured by reference to the whole person and may need to be rated under Table 16.2 in Chapter 16 (Activities of Daily Living).
Other Impairment (Table 11.1)
Table 11.1 lists specific impairment ratings for a variety of skin conditions based on inconvenience. One rating only is to be made from this table for any combination of conditions. When more than one criterion is applicable, that associated with the higher rating is chosen.
Impairment ratings from Table 11.1 are not to be combined with ratings from tables for loss of function for the same condition. If ratings can be made from more than one table the higher rating is to be chosen.
Reference to disfigurement is found in Chapter 17 (Disfigurement and Social
Impairment).
Calculation of the impairment rating for skin conditions
Follow the steps below to calculate the impairment rating from accepted skin conditions:
(Each step is elaborated in the following pages.)
STEP Establish whether the skin condition causes any loss Page
1
STEP
of function.
(Omit this step if there is no relevant functional
190
Page
2 impairment.) 190
Calculate the total functional impairment due to any
accepted skin condition.
STEP 3 | Calculate the Other Impairment rating for the accepted skin condition by applying Table 11.1. |
| Page 191 |
STEP 4 | (Omit this step if there is no relevant functional impairment.) Compare the impairment rating obtained in Step 2 |
| Page 191 |
| with the impairment rating obtained in Step 3. Take |
|
|
| the higher rating. |
|
|
Step 1: Establish whether the skin condition causes any loss of function.
Skin conditions may cause loss of function of hands by interfering with movement or sensation. They may cause loss of function of joints as a result of scarring and contractions which may limit or interfere with the movement at the joint. Skin conditions may cause conditions of the eyelids (for example, ectropion or entropion, or difficulties in closing or opening the eyes).
If any such effect of the accepted skin condition exists, this should be confirmed before applying Table 11.1.
Step 2: Calculate the impairment rating for the total functional loss from any accepted skin condition.
Depending on its nature and extent, functional loss may be assessed by:
+ applying Chapter 16 (Activities of Daily Living);
+ applying Chapter 15 (Intermittent Impairment), or
+ applying one or more system specific tables.
Chapter 11: Skin Impairment
The rating obtained from the table applied in assessing functional loss may need to be modified by:
+ applying Chapter 19 (Partially Contributing Impairment) if there is some contribution from a non-accepted condition; or
+ applying Chapter 20 (Apportionment) if there is some contribution from another accepted condition.
If ratings from Chapter 16, Chapter 15 and one or more system specific tables are possible, all three are not to be given. Instead, all attributable system specific ratings are to be combined and compared with any attributable rating from Chapter 16 and from Chapter 15. The veteran is to be given the highest of the attributable ratings from Chapter 16, Chapter 15 or the combined system specific ratings as the functional impairment rating for accepted skin conditions.
Step 3: Establish the Other Impairment rating for the accepted skin condition using Table 11.1.
Only one rating is to be given from Table 11.1 for any condition or combination of conditions.
Step 4: Compare the impairment rating obtained in Step 2 with the impairment rating obtained in Step 3. Take the higher rating.
This step determines the final impairment rating for accepted skin conditions.
At Step 2 allowance was made for the effect of any non-accepted skin condition and of any accepted condition which is not a skin condition on the functional loss from the accepted skin conditions. Compare the result obtained in Step 2 with the result obtained in Step 3. Take the higher of the two ratings. This is the final impairment rating for the accepted skin condition.
Other
Impairment
Table 11.1 SKIN DISORDERS
Impairment
Ratings Criteria
Skin disorder causing symptoms which are easily tolerated, or are present only for a short time each day.the year.
Male pattern baldness.
Solar skin lesions necessitating surgical removal (including cryotherapy and/or cautery) at least once in the year but less than four times a year.
Skin disorders, or combination of disorders, resulting in significant loss of structural integrity of face, eg total loss of pinna, skin graft, scar following trauma or burns.trating and loss of sleep.
Persistent skin disorder, or combination of disorders, resulting in continuous signs and significant symptoms of moderate degree, present for most of the time.
No age adjustment permitted for this table
Only one rating is to be selected from this table for any combination of conditions.
Chapter 12
Endocrine and Haemopoietic
Impairment
This chapter contains two parts:
Part 12.1 - Loss of Endocrine Function
Part 12.2 - Loss of Haemopoietic Function
INTRODUCTION
Part 12.1 is to be applied to assess loss of function of the endocrine system. The endocrine system consists of all the glands and tissues which secrete hormones and the mechanisms by which the secretion of those hormones is regulated. The functions of the endocrine system are very diverse and include control of growth, of sexual function, of calcium metabolism and of the uptake of glucose by body cells.
Part 12.2 is to be applied to assess loss of haemopoietic function. The haemopoietic system consists of all the tissues, such as bone marrow and lymph nodes that produce blood cells.
PART 12.1: THE ENDOCRINE SYSTEM
Many endocrine conditions will affect various other body systems. Hence, loss of endocrine function is established by assessing the effect of the condition on those other body systems. In very severe cases, where many body systems are affected, Table 16.2 in Chapter 16 (Activities of Daily Living) is to be applied to rate the loss of function.
In many cases, an endocrine condition will be under therapeutic control as a result of the use of continuous replacement therapy or the like. In these cases, the effect on other body systems may be minimal and the veteran's principal inconvenience is that of undergoing the continuous therapy. This is to be assessed by applying the Other Impairment tables.
Calculation of the impairment rating for loss of endocrine function
Follow the steps below to calculate the impairment rating due to accepted loss of endocrine function.
(Each step is elaborated in the following pages.)
STEP Establish which body systems are affected by the Page
1 accepted endocrine condition. 194
STEP Determine an impairment rating for functional Page
2 impairment of the affected body systems. 194
STEP
3
Determine an Other Impairment rating for the accepted endocrine condition.
Page
194
STEP Compare the total functional impairment rating of the Page
4 affected body systems with the rating obtained in 195
Step 3. Take the higher rating.
STEP If recognisable episodes of increased impairment are Page
5 superimposed on the underlying condition, also assess 195
the endocrine condition under Chapter 15
(Intermittent Impairment).
Step 1: Establish which body systems are affected by the accepted endocrine condition.
Many of the effects of loss of endocrine function are separate and recognisable diseases. For example, diabetes mellitus may lead to ischaemic heart disease. Such diseases, though quite possibly a consequence of the loss of endocrine function, are to be separately assessed under this Guide and are not to be taken into account in the calculation of the impairment rating for loss of endocrine function.
Step 2: Determine an impairment rating for functional impairment of the affected body systems.
Use the appropriate Functional Loss tables from other chapters in this Guide to determine the impairment rating.
Step 3: Determine an Other Impairment rating for the accepted endocrine condition.
There are two Other Impairment tables for loss of endocrine function. Table 12.1.1 is to be applied if assessing diabetes mellitus, while Table 12.1.2 is be applied if assessing any other endocrine condition. Both tables provide an impairment rating based on the type of treatment required by the veteran.
Step 4: Compare the total functional impairment rating of the affected body systems with the rating obtained in Step 3. Take the higher of these two ratings.
The rating obtained in Step 4 is to be included in the final combining of all ratings.
Step 5: If recognisable episodes of increased impairment are superimposed on the underlying condition, also assess the endocrine condition under Chapter
15 (Intermittent Impairment).
If recognisable episodes of increased impairment are superimposed on the underlying condition (for example, insulin-dependent diabetes with superimposed hypoglycaemic episodes), the endocrine condition is to be assessed under Chapter
15 (Intermittent Impairment). The rating from Chapter 15 and the rating obtained in
Step 4 are to be included in the final combining of all ratings.
However, a rating from Chapter 15 is not to be combined with a rating from any other system-specific table for the same condition.
Other Impairment Table 12.1.1
Impairment
DIABETES MELLITUS
Ratings Criteria
NIL Glycosuria or hyperglycaemia controlled by weight loss.
TWO Gestational diabetes mellitus.
Diabetes mellitus necessitating dietary control.TEN Diabetes mellitus controlled with insulin. TWENTY Diabetes mellitus uncontrolled.
No age adjustment permitted for this table
A rating from this table is to be selected when the endocrine disorder is not associated with loss of function. If an assessable loss of function occurs in another system the higher rating is to be chosen. The two are not to be combined.
For the purposes of Table 12.1.1, "Diabetes mellitus uncontrolled" means blood sugar level consistently 15 mmol/L or more, despite treatment.
Other Impairment Table 12.1.2
Impairment
ENDOCRINE DISORDERS (excluding Diabetes Mellitus)
Ratings Criteria
NIL An endocrine disorder controlled by regular oral medication taken less often than daily or by injections less often than once a month.
An endocrine disorder requiring daily oral medication.
FIVE An endocrine disorder requiring injections not more often than once a fortnight.
TEN An endocrine disorder requiring daily injections.
No age adjustment permitted for this table
A rating from this table is to be selected when the endocrine disorder is not associated with loss of function. If an assessable loss of function occurs in another system the higher rating is to be chosen. The two are not to be combined.
PART 12.2: THE HAEMOPOIETIC SYSTEM
Conditions of the haemopoietic system include anaemias, leukaemias and polycythaemia.
Haemopoietic conditions usually affect various other body systems, therefore loss of function for the condition is to be established by assessing the effect of the condition on those body systems. Some haemopoeitic conditions are also malignant conditions and may be assessed by applying Chapter 14 (Malignant Conditions). For very severe haemopoietic conditions, where many body systems are affected, Tables 16.1 and 16.2 in Chapter 16 (Activities of Daily Living) are also to be applied to rate the loss of function.
Many anaemias will respond adequately to replacement or supplemental therapy. For example, the hypochromic anaemia of iron deficiency will usually respond to dietary iron supplementation and pernicious anaemia will usually respond to
parenteral Vitamin B
Calculation of the impairment rating for loss of hameopoietic function
Follow the steps below to calculate the impairment rating due to accepted loss of haemopoietic function:
(Each step is elaborated on the following page.)
STEP Establish which body systems are affected by the Page
1 accepted haemopoietic condition. 197
STEP
2
STEP
3
Determine the impairment rating for functional impairment of the affected body systems.
Determine the impairment rating for the treatment requirements of the haemopoietic condition by applying Table 12.2.1.
Page
198
Page
198
Step 1: Establish which body systems are affected by the accepted haemopoietic condition.
Haemopoietic conditions may affect the function of other body systems. For example, refractory anaemia may result in reduced effort tolerance.
Step 2: Determine the functional impairment of all body systems affected by the haemopoietic condition.
Apply the appropriate functional impairment table elsewhere in this Guide to assess the functional impairment arising from the haemopoietic condition. For example, in the case of refractory anaemia causing reduced effort tolerance, the reduced effort tolerance is to be assessed by use of the Effort Tolerance protocol in Chapter 1.
If non-accepted conditions have contributed to the impairment rating for any of the affected body systems, Chapter 19 (Partially Contributing Impairment) is to be applied.
The various functional impairment ratings are not combined at this stage but are to be included in the final combining of all impairment ratings.
Step 3: Determine the impairment rating for the treatment requirements of the accepted haemopoietic condition using Table 12.2.1.
The ratings obtained in Steps 2 and 3 are not to be combined at this stage but both are to be included in the final combining of all impairment ratings.
Other Impairment Table 12.2.1
Impairment
THE HAEMOPOIETIC SYSTEM: TREATMENT REQUIREMENTS*
Ratings Criteria
NIL Symptoms in remission and no active therapy indi- cated.
TWO Transfusion requirements: 2-3 units per 12-16 weeks.
course every 3-4 weeks.
TWENTY Transfusion requirements: 2-3 units per 2 weeks.
No age adjustment permitted for this table
(*Additional to relevant body system assessment.)
Part B:
Non-System Specific
Assessment
INTRODUCTION
As every accepted condition is to be assessed, Table 13.1 provides a convenient method of rating any accepted condition which causes negligible impairment. Table
13.1 is to be applied only to conditions that cannot be conveniently classified under other chapters of this Guide and that would not attract a higher rating if they were classified under such chapters.
Determine the impairment rating for an accepted condition that causes negligible impairment
Follow the step below to calculate the negligible impairment due to an accepted condition.
STEP Determine the rating for negligible impairment from Page
1 Table 13.1.
201
Functional Loss
Table 13.1
Impairment
NEGLIGIBLE IMPAIRMENT
Rating Criteria
An infectious disease from which the veteran has recovered with negligible after effects.
No age adjustment permitted for this table
NOTES
INTRODUCTION
Malignant conditions may affect one or more body systems.
Hence, any malignant condition can potentially be assessed by the following methods:
+ by applying the system-specific tables contained in Chapters 1 to 12. A number of those tables may have to be consulted if the malignant condition causes multiple losses of function;
+ by applying Chapter 14 which relates specifically to malignancies and which contains both a Functional Loss table and an Other Impairment table. These tables are designed to rate the malignant condition as a whole. The first table relates to loss of function in a general sense. The second table relates to reduced life expectancy which is regarded as an Other Impairment.
If the impairment rating from Chapter 14 is 70 points on the basis of either the malignant disorders functional table (Table 14.1) or the malignant disorders Other Impairment table (Table 14.2), there is no need to follow the steps set out in the following pages. If the rating from Chapter 14 is below 70 points, the steps are to be followed.
Determine the impairment rating for an accepted malignant condition
Follow the steps below to calculate the impairment due to an accepted malignant condition.
(Each of these steps is elaborated in the following pages.)
STEP 1 | Establish which body systems are affected by the malignant condition. |
| Page 204 |
STEP 2 | Determine the functional impairment ratings for the affected body systems. |
| Page 204 |
STEP | Determine the total combined impairment rating for |
| Page |
3 | the various body system impairments attributable to |
| 205 |
| the malignant condition. |
|
|
STEP Determine the impairment rating based on Table 14.1 Page
4 (Malignant Disorders). 205
STEP Determine the impairment rating based on Table 14.2 Page
5 (Life Expectancy). 205
STEP
6
Compare the ratings obtained in Steps 4 and 5. Take the higher rating.
Page
207
STEP Compare the ratings obtained in Steps 3 and 6. Take Page
7 the higher rating. 207
STEP If the rating obtained in Step 3 is higher than that Page
8 obtained in Step 6, separate the components of the 207
rating obtained in Step 3 so that each can be included
in the final combining of all ratings.
Step 1: Establish which body systems are affected by the malignant condition.
Before a malignant condition is assessed, information regarding the extent of the condition must be available. Such information includes the site of the primary, the sites of any secondaries, the effects of any surgery and the effects of any radiotherapy or chemotherapy.
From that information the affected body systems can be established and the applicable chapters of this Guide applied.
For example, in the case of an accepted carcinoma of the rectum, there may be surgical resection of the rectum with a colostomy, secondary spread of the cancer to the lungs and spine, and radiotherapy with some resultant digestive disturbances. In such a case, Chapters 1, 3, and 6 of this Guide will have to be applied in Step 1 to arrive at an appropriate functional impairment rating.
Step 2: Determine the functional impairment ratings for the affected body systems.
Depending on the body systems that are affected by the malignant condition and its treatment, each of the relevant chapters of the Guide is to be used and appropriate ratings obtained.
If other accepted or non-accepted conditions also affect any of the same body systems, Chapter 19 (Partially Contributing Impairment) or Chapter 20 (Apportionment) may have to be applied depending upon the circumstances.
Step 3: Determine the total combined impairment rating for the various body system impairments attributable to the malignant condition.
The total combined impairment rating for the various body system impairments associated with the malignant condition is determined by combining the attributable impairment ratings by applying Chapter 18 (Combined Values Chart).
Unless the malignant condition is the only accepted condition, this combined rating is to be regarded as an intermediate rating only.
Step 4: Determine the impairment rating based on Table 14.1 (Malignant
Disorders).
Apply Table 14.1 and find the relevant impairment rating for the entire set of effects which have arisen from the malignant disorder treatment, including surgical resection, chemotherapy and radiotherapy.
For the purposes of Table 14.1, "symptoms" encompasses the symptoms of both the malignant condition itself and the symptoms of the effects of its treatment.
If non-accepted conditions or accepted but non-malignant conditions have contributed to the impairment rating obtained from Table 14.1, Chapter 19 (Apportionment) or Chapter 20 (Partially Contributing Impairment) are to be applied depending on the circumstances of the case.
Step 5: Determine the impairment rating based on life expectancy.
If an impairment rating has not been determined on any previous occasion by applying Table 14.2 (Life Expectancy) or its predecessor in an earlier edition of this Guide, a rating is to be obtained from Table 14.2. If a rating has been obtained from Table
14.2 or its predecessor in an earlier edition of this Guide, on a previous occasion,
that same rating is to be applied again in all further assessments of the condition.
Whenever possible, the rating from Table 14.2 is to be based on an estimate from an oncologist or other treating specialist of the veteran's survival. If such information is unavailable, data from standard reference texts is to be applied to provide an estimate. Such an estimate is to be based on malignancies of the same type and degree of spread as that affecting the veteran.
Estimated life expectancy is projected from the time of diagnosis, or from any subsequent major staging procedure or operation. Thus, once a rating from Table
14.2 has been made it is not to be changed, unless subsequent findings indicate that the earlier prognosis was based on incorrect clinical information.
If the assessment is made posthumously, the rating from Table 14.2 is not to be modified to reflect the actual duration for which the veteran survived after diagnosis. The table is only to be used for predicted probability of survival.
Ratings from Table 14.2 are not to be updated to account for the natural progression of the disease. However, it is expected that ratings from Table 14.2 will come to be exceeded by ratings from Table 14.1 during this time.
Ratings from Table 14.2 are not to be reduced because of favourable response to treatment, or because of better than expected survival. However, if the condition is being rated for the first time more than five years after diagnosis, and the disorder is in remission or appears to be cured, the impairment rating from this table is not to exceed ten.
If the veteran has more than one malignant condition accepted, Table 14.2 is to be applied to each condition. Table 14.2 is not to be applied to a recurrence of an old (already diagnosed) condition.
Functional Loss
Table 14.1
Impairment
MALIGNANT DISORDERS
Ratings Criteria
NIL Minor symptoms that are easily tolerated.
TEN Mild to moderate symptoms that are irritating or unpleasant but rarely prevent completion of any activity. Symptoms may cause loss of efficiency in some activities.
TWENTY More severe symptoms that are more distressing but prevent few everyday activities. Loss of efficiency is discernible in a good few activities. Self-care is unaffected and independence is retained.
THIRTY- Loss of efficiency discernible in many everyday
FIVE activities. Some elements of self-care are restricted but, in most respects, independence is retained.
FIFTY Major restrictions in many everyday activities.
Capacity for self-care is increasingly restricted, leading to partial dependence on others.
SEVENTY Most everyday activities are prevented. Dependent on others for most kinds of self-care. Able to be maintained at home with considerable assistance and frequent medical care.
No age adjustment permitted for this table
Other
Impairment
Table 14.2 LIFE EXPECTANCY
Impairment Predicted Survival at the Time of
Ratings Diagnosis or Staging Procedure
NIL Normal, or near-normal, five year survival. TEN Five year survival less than 75% of normal. TWENTY Five year survival less than 50% of normal. THIRTY-FIVE Five year survival less than 25% of normal. FIFTY One year survival less than 50% of normal. SEVENTY One year survival less than 25% of normal.
No age adjustment permitted for this table
Step 6: Compare the ratings obtained in Steps 4 and 5. Take the higher rating.
The higher of these two
ratings will be the rating for the malignant condition on the basis of this chapter.
Step 7: Compare the ratings obtained in Steps 3 and 6. Take the higher rating.
If the rating obtained in Step 3 is higher than that obtained in Step 6, go to Step 8. If the rating obtained in Step 6 is higher than that obtained in Step 3, then the rating
obtained in Step 6 becomes the final rating for the malignant condition and is to be included in the final combining of all ratings.
Step 8: If the rating obtained in Step 3 is higher than the rating obtained in Step 6, separate the components of the rating obtained in Step 3 so that each can be included in the final combining of all impairment ratings.
For example, in the case of an accepted carcinoma of the rectum postulated under Step 1, each of the ratings from Chapters 1, 3, and 6 of the Guide is to be separately included in the final combining of all impairment ratings.
NOTES
Chapter 15
Intermittent Impairment
INTRODUCTION
Intermittent disorders are conditions:
+ that remain at a low level of impairment between discrete episodes of increased impairment;
or
+ where there is one basic type of impairment on which is superimposed episodes of significantly greater impairment of another type.
A sufferer from epilepsy who remains well between "fits" exemplifies the first type of intermittent disorder. A sufferer from Meniere's disease whose condition is characterised by deafness and occasional episodes of vertigo exemplifies the second type of intermittent disorder. The deafness may be regarded as the basic type of impairment and the episodes of vertigo may be regarded as the superimposed intermittent impairment. Both elements of the condition are to be assessed.
In this chapter, "attacks” refers to the episode of increased or superimposed impairment. Attacks are to be categorised by reference to their severity, duration and frequency:
+ "severity of an attack" refers to the degree to which self-care and normal everyday activities are disrupted by the attack;
+ "duration of an attack" refers to the average length of time for which an attack lasts, that is, seconds, minutes, hours or days; and
+ "frequency of an attack" refers to the number of affected days in a year.
Intermittent disorders are also disorders that affect one or more body systems. For example, asthma is both an intermittent condition and a cardio-respiratory condition. Hence, potentially, any intermittent disorder can be assessed by either of two methods:
+ by applying the system-specific tables contained in Chapters 1 to 12. Several of those tables should be used if the intermittent disorder causes multiple losses of function; or
+ by applying this chapter.
In practice, except where the intermittent nature of the condition clearly overwhelms its system specific effects or vice versa, both methods are to be applied for rating the intermittent condition and the higher of those two ratings taken as the final rating for the intermittent condition.
Calculation of the impairment rating for an accepted intermittent
condition
Follow the steps below to calculate the impairment rating due to an accepted intermittent condition:
STEP
1
STEP
2
STEP
3
STEP
4
STEP
5
STEP
6
STEP
7
STEP
8
STEP
9
STEP
10
Establish which body systems are affected by the Page intermittent condition. 211
Determine the functional impairment ratings for the Page intermittent condition. 211
Determine the total combined impairment rating for Page the various body system impairments attributable to 211 the intermittent condition.
Determine whether the attacks are of one or more Page significant types and group them accordingly. 211
Determine the rating for intermittent attack severity. Page
212
Determine the rating for the intermittent attack Page duration. 213
Determine the intermittent grading code for the Page intermittent attack. 213
Determine the impairment rating for the intermittent Page attack by reference to the number of affected days 214 per year.
Compare the impairment ratings obtained in Step 3 Page and Step 8. Take the higher rating. 214
Determine the rating for the impairment resulting Page from the avoidance or preclusion of otherwise normal 215 activities between attacks.
Step 1: Establish which body systems the intermittent condition affects.
Before an intermittent condition is assessed, information regarding the extent of the condition must be available. From that information, the affected body systems are to be established and the applicable chapters of this Guide applied.
Step 2: Determine the functional impairment ratings attributable to the intermittent condition for each affected body system.
Use the relevant chapters and determine the appropriate rating.
Chapter 19 (Partially Contributing Impairment) or Chapter 20 (Apportionment) may also have to be applied to allow for the effect of other accepted conditions or non- accepted conditions respectively.
Step 3: Determine the total combined impairment rating for the various body system impairments attributable to the intermittent condition.
Combine the attributable impairment ratings obtained in Step 2 by applying Table 18.1 (Combined Values Chart) in Chapter 18.
The combined value so obtained is for use only in Step 9.
Step 4: Determine whether the attacks are of one or more significant types and group them accordingly.
If attacks vary in severity, duration or frequency, an average for each parameter is to be established except when the attacks fall naturally and very clearly into groups. In such cases separate the attacks into one or other of these groups. Determine the average severity, duration and frequency of the attacks in each group.
Perform the following four steps separately for each identified group of attacks.
Step 5: Determine the rating level for intermittent attack severity using
Table 15.1.
SCALE
15.1
INTERMITTENT ATTACK SEVERITY
Level Criteria
0 Minor symptoms that are easily tolerated.
I Mild to moderate symptoms that are irritating or unpleasant but that rarely prevent completion of any activity. Symptoms may cause loss of efficiency in some activities.
II More severe symptoms, that are distressing, but prevent few everyday activities. Loss of efficiency is discernible else- where. Self-care is unaffected and independence is retained.
III Loss of efficiency is discernible in many everyday activities.
Some elements of self-care are restricted but, in most respects, independence is retained. Bed-rest is often necessary during an attack.
IV Major restrictions in many everyday activities. Capacity for
self-care is increasingly restricted, leading to partial dependence on others.
V Most everyday activities are prevented. Dependent on others
for many kinds of self-care. Able to be maintained at home only with considerable difficulty, or hospital admission is required.
VI Total incapacity. Unconscious or delirious. Self-care is impossible.
No age adjustment permitted for this table
Ratings are based on the activities that the veteran is physically unable to perform. For conditions in which it is common practice to lie down during attacks, it may be inappropriate to rate at level III if symptoms are mild and cause little restriction to activity.
Attacks of some intermittent conditions necessitate hospital admission. Hospital admissions commonly, but not invariably, call for level V or VI rating. It is important to rate self-care capacity. To be rated at Level V severity, a condition must render the veteran incapable of caring for himself or herself.
Hospital admission for surgery is not to be used as a basis for ratings from Table 15.1.
Step 6: Determine the rating for duration of the intermittent attacks using
Table 15.2.
Attacks that last for more than 24 hours are to be classified as prolonged for the purposes of Table 15.2. Because they affect the veteran for more than one day per attack, the number of affected days per year will be greater than the number of attacks.
SCALE
15.2
INTERMITTENT ATTACK DURATION
Description Duration
Transient Lasting up to and including five minutes.
Short Lasting more than five minutes but less than
30 minutes.
Medium Lasting from 30 minutes to four hours. Prolonged Lasting more than four hours.
No age adjustment permitted for this table
Step 7: Determine the intermittent grading code for the intermittent attack using Table 15.3.
SCALE
15.3
INTERMITTENT GRADING CODE
Description Severity Level
| 0 | I | II | III | IV | V | VI |
Transient | A | A | A | B | C | C | F |
Short | A | A | C | C | D | E | H |
Medium | A | B | C | D | E | H | I |
Prolonged | A | C | D | F | G | I | J |
No age adjustment permitted for this table
Step 8: Determine the impairment rating for the intermittent attack by reference to the number of affected days per year and by using Table 15.4.
Using the intermittent grading code determined in Step 7, determine the impairment rating appropriate to the intermittent grading code and frequency by applying Table 15.4.
Functional Loss
Table 15.4
INTERMITTENT IMPAIRMENT Frequency (affected days/year)
2+ | 5+ | 10+ | 20+ | 40+ | 70+ | 100+ |
Intermittent Impairment Rating
Grading Code
A | - | - | - | - | - | 2 | 2 |
B | - | - | - | - | 2 | 5 | 5 |
C | - | - | - | 2 | 5 | 10 | 10 |
D | - | - | 2 | 5 | 10 | 15 | 20 |
E | - | - | 2 | 5 | 10 | 20 | 30 |
F | - | 2 | 5 | 5 | 10 | 20 | 30 |
G | - | 2 | 5 | 10 | 20 | 25 | 30 |
H | - | 2 | 5 | 10 | 30 | 40 | 50 |
I | 2 | 5 | 10 | 30 | 50 | 60 | 70 |
J | 5 | 10 | 20 | 40 | 70 | 80 | 90 |
No age adjustment permitted for this table
If the attacks were separated into groups in Step 4, a separate rating is to be obtained for each group of attacks.
Those ratings are not to be combined at this stage but are to be included in the final combining of all ratings.
Step 9: Compare the impairment ratings obtained in Step 3 and Step 8. Take the higher rating.
If the attacks were separated into groups in Step 4, the ratings for the various groups of attacks are to be combined by applying Chapter 18 (Combined Values Chart) before being compared with the rating obtained in Step 3. The combined rating determined under Chapter 18 is to be used only for the purpose of this comparison.
If the combined rating determined under Chapter 18 is higher than the rating obtained in Step 3, then each of the separate ratings for the various groups of attacks is to be included in the final combining of all ratings.
Step 10: Determine the rating for the impairment resulting from the avoidance and preclusion of otherwise normal activities between attacks by using Table 15.5.
Precluded activities refer to ordinary activities. Ratings are to be given on the basis of having to avoid, or of being precluded from undertaking, activities that are common for the veteran's age group. Ratings are not to be given on the basis of having to avoid only relatively hazardous activities such as rock-climbing or acrobatics.
Table 15.5 is to be applied only if at least one attack of the condition of severity II or greater has occurred within the last 2 years.
Functional Loss
Table 15.5
INTERMITTENT IMPAIRMENT: PRECLUDED AND AVOIDED ACTIVITIES
Impairment
Ratings Criteria
NIL Not prevented by fear of an attack from any significant activities. Can lead a normal life between attacks without the need to take long term medication.
TWO Must avoid relatively few activities for fear of precipitating an attack.
or
Can lead a fairly normal life between attacks but must take long term medication.
FIVE Must avoid some activities such as driving a car, using machinery, using public transport, swimming, travelling, being alone except for short periods of time lest an attack occur.
TEN Must avoid a wide range of activities such as driving a car, using machinery, using public transport, swimming, travelling, being alone except for short periods of time lest an attack occur with possible severe consequences.
Only one rating may be had from this table for any given condition. Intermittent conditions may attract a rating from Table 15.5 as well as a rating or ratings from either Table 15.4
No age adjustment permitted for this table
or the system specific tables.
The rating obtained in Step 10 is not to be compared with the rating obtained in Step 9, nor are ratings to be combined at this stage. Irrespective of the outcome of Step 9 the rating obtained from Table 15.5 is to be included in the final combining of all ratings.
Intermittent Impairment Worksheets
A set of Intermittent Impairment Worksheets (pages 217 to 218) is designed to facilitate the calculation of intermittent impairment rating.
Intermittent Impairment Worksheet (1) is to be used in those cases where all the attacks are grouped into a single type of attack.
Intermittent Impairment Worksheet (2) is to be used in those cases where the attacks are grouped into two or three types.
No worksheet is provided for those cases where more than three types of attacks are involved.
Guide to the Assessment of Intermittent Impairment Worksheet (1)
Rates of Veterans' Pensions
5th edition
File No:
Veteran's given names: Veteran's surname: Condition for assessment:
All the attacks can be grouped into a single type of attack.
Severity of attacks: Comments (Selection from Table 15.1)
Severity:
Duration of attack:
Comments (Selection from Table 15.2)
Duration:
The intermittent grading code is found from Table 15.3:
Intermittent grading code:
Frequency of attacks:
Frequency: (in number of affected days per year)
The impairment rating is found from Table 15.4:
Impairment rating based on attacks: = A
If the impairment rating based on attacks (A) is greater than the rating for the intermittent condition based on the system-specific chapters of GARP, then the impairment rating A is to be included in the final combining of all ratings.
Avoided and precluded activities: Comments (Selection from Table 15.5)
Impairment rating for avoided and precluded activities: = B
Rating B is to be included in the final combining of all ratings.
Signature Name (please print) Date
/ /
Guide to the Assessment of Intermittent Impairment Worksheet (2)
Rates of Veterans' Pensions
5th edition
File No:
Veteran's given names: Veteran's surname:
Condition for assessment:
Number of different types of attack:
Type 1 Type 2 Type 3
Severity:
Duration:
Intermittent grading code: Frequency:
(in number of affected days per year)
Impairment rating: (based on attacks)
If the combined value of the impairment ratings based on attacks is greater than the rating for the Intermittent condition based on the system-specific chapters of GARP, then the impairment ratings based on attacks are to be included in the final combining of all ratings.
Avoided and precluded activities: Comments (Selection from Table 15.5)
Impairment rating for avoided and precluded activities: = B
The rating (B) for avoided and precluded activities is to be included in the final combining of all ratings.
Signature Name (please print) Date
/ /
Chapter 16
Activities of Daily Living
INTRODUCTION
The Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) are a defined set of activities necessary for normal self-care. The activities are movement in bed, transfers, locomotion, dressing, personal hygiene, and feeding.
These six activities are defined as follows:
+ "movement in bed" means sitting in, rising from, and moving around in, bed;
+ "transfers" means moving from one seat to another, changing position from sitting to standing, and transferring to and from the toilet and bed;
+ "locomotion" means walking on the level, on gentle slopes and down stairs;
+ "dressing" means putting on socks, stockings, and shoes, as well as clothing the upper and lower trunk;
+ "personal hygiene" means grooming, and washing of face, trunk, extremities and perineum;
+ "feeding" means eating and drinking, but not the preparation of food.
"Effects on ADLs" is to be used to assess conditions for which criteria do not exist in the system specific tables of Chapters 1 to 12, or are inadequate, or for which the application of the tables in Chapter 14 (Malignant Conditions) or Chapter 15 (Intermittent Impairment) is inappropriate.
Table 16.3 (Other Impairment) covers such non-specific indicators of disease as pain, lethargy and prognosis.
This chapter is to be applied in the assessment of conditions that result in the veteran being bedfast, chairfast, housebound or nearly housebound. Such conditions include the effects of severe strokes, severe Parkinson's disease, severe heart failure, severe respiratory disease, severe liver failure, severe kidney failure and some dementias.
ADLs may be used to rate a single condition if its effects are well-differentiated, or may be used to rate all conditions together if their effects are difficult to differentiate.
When ADLs are used to rate a single condition, an impairment rating or ratings from other chapters may be combined with a rating derived from Chapter 16 provided that the ratings relate to different conditions.
When ADLs are used to rate all conditions together, no ratings from other chapters are to be combined with the rating from Chapter 16.
Calculation of the impairment rating for an accepted condition using ADLs
Follow the steps below to calculate the impairment rating due to an accepted condition using the ADLs.
(Each step is elaborated in the following pages.)
STEP For each of the six ADLs obtain a grading code for Page
1 that activity. 221
STEP Add up the grading codes for each of the six ADLs. Page
2 221
STEP
3
Using the sum obtained in Step 2, determine a functional impairment rating by applying Table 16.2.
Page
222
STEP Determine an Other Impairment rating for the Page
4 condition by applying Table 16.3. 223
STEP Compare the ratings obtained in Steps 3 and 4. Take Page
5 the higher rating. 223
From Table 16.1 obtain a separate grading code for:
+ movement in bed;
+ transfers;
+ locomotion;
+ dressing;
+ personal hygiene; and
+ feeding.
SCALE
16.1
ACTIVITIES OF DAILY LIVING GRADING CODES
Code Description
NIL Independent, and can perform the task as well as peers do, or with minor difficulty only.
ONE Can complete the task independently, but with con- siderably more difficulty than peers have.
FOUR Requires some degree of personal assistance in order to perform the task.
SIX Requires extensive assistance in order to perform the task.
EIGHT Unable to contribute towards performance of the task.
Completely dependent.
No age adjustment permitted for this table
Step 2: Add up the grading codes for each of the 6 ADLs.
Add up the 6 separate grading codes obtained from Table 16.1 for:
+ movement in bed;
+ transfers;
+ locomotion;
+ dressing;
+ personal hygiene; and
+ feeding.
Step 3: Using the sum obtained in Step 2, determine a functional impairment rating by applying Table 16.2.
Use the sum of the grading codes obtained in Step 2 to obtain an impairment rating from Table 16.2.
Functional Loss
Table 16.2
LOSS OF FUNCTION; ACTIVITIES OF DAILY LIVING
Impairment Sum of
Ratings Grading Codes
NIL 0
FIVE 1-2
TEN 3-4
TWENTY 5-6
THIRTY 7-8
FORTY 9-11
FIFTY 12-14
SIXTY 15-17
SEVENTY 18+
No age adjustment permitted for this table
Apply Chapter 19 (Partially Contributing Impairment) to make any necessary adjustment for non-accepted conditions.
Apply Chapter 18 (Apportionment) to make any necessary adjustment for accepted conditions (or groups of conditions) other than the ones that are being assessed by the application of the ADLs tables.
Other
Impairment
Table 16.3 ACTIVITIES OF DAILY LIVING: OTHER IMPAIRMENT
Impairment
Ratings Criteria
Normal or almost normal life expectancy in spite of disorders.
Some daily tasks performed inefficiently because of generalised lethargy.and not easily tolerated. Treatment is not available, or is of little value, or gives only short remission.
Intense daily (or almost daily) symptoms which are impossible to ignore, but that prevent few daily tasks. Decreased efficiency in most activities.THIRTY- Five year survival less than 25% of normal.
FIVE
No age adjustment permitted for this table
Step 5: Compare the ratings obtained in Steps 3 and 4. Take the higher rating.
The higher of the impairment ratings obtained in Steps 3 and 4 is the final impairment rating for the accepted conditions under assessment, based on ADLs.
NOTES
Chapter 17
Disfigurement and Social
Impairment
INTRODUCTION
This chapter is to be applied when assessing conditions that cause disfigurement and embarrassment.
Only one rating may be determined by applying this chapter for any condition or combination of conditions. The rating determined by applying this chapter is to be combined with any other ratings for the disfiguring condition or combination of conditions determined under other chapters.
Widespread skin conditions that cause avoidance of ordinary public places should also be assessed under Chapter 11 (Skin Impairment).
"Severe facial disfigurement" and "very severe facial disfigurement" are also mentioned in Chapter 24 (Degree of Incapacity For Specific Disabilities).
Calculation of the impairment rating for disfigurement
Follow the steps below to calculate the impairment rating due to disfigurement. (Each step is elaborated in the following pages.)
STEP
1
Determine the impairment rating from Table 17.1 for the effect of all accepted conditions that cumulatively lead to disfigurement.
Page
226
STEP
2
If non-accepted conditions have contributed to the disfigurement, apply Chapter 19 (Partially Cont- ributing Impairment) to adjust the rating determined in Step 1.
Page
228
Step 1: Determine the impairment rating from Table 17.1 for the effect of all accepted conditions which cumulatively lead to disfigurement:
For the purposes of Table 17.1, the following definitions apply: "disfiguring condition" means any noticeable condition that causes
the sufferer embarrassment in ordinary public places and may include, but is not limited to, the following:
+ facial scarring;
+ exfoliative skin disorders;
+ disorders of gait or posture;
+ involuntary facial expressions, or unusual or grotesque involuntary bodily movements;
+ disorders of speech;
+ vile odours which cannot be overcome by the use of deodorants or the application of normal oral hygiene;
+ deficits of the visual field which may cause the veteran to lurch into people through not seeing them;
+ painful conditions which may cause the veteran to cry out involuntarily (for example, in response to a sudden pain in a joint); and
+ severe pruritic conditions which cause the veteran to scratch even though normal behaviour in a public place would recommend restraint;
"ordinary public places" includes suburban streets, shopping centres, public transport, theatres, clubs and many sporting venues, but does not include places where a great part of the skin is customarily bared such as swimming pools and beaches;
"avoidance" means the veteran feeling obliged as a result of embarrassment to restrict his or her use of public places to hours when few people are about, or to avoid totally use of public places at certain times, for example, when school children are likely to be about.
Chapter 17: Disfigurement and Social Impairment
Functional Loss
Table 17.1
Impairment
DISFIGUREMENT
Ratings Criteria
A visible condition that the veteran does not consider to be disfiguring.
A noticeable condition. For example, severe acne scars, a unilateral squint, an intermittent stutter or stammer.embarrassment and may cause avoidance of some normal activities. For example, an ungainly gait, a gross stoop, a persistent stutter or stammer, or an unsightly skin disorder.
FIVE A very noticeable condition which causes marked em- barrassment to some people in ordinary social contacts and causes avoidance of some normal activities. For example, a severe skin disorder of the face and/or hands, or a gross and persistent stutter or stammer.
A very noticeable condition which causes marked embarrassment and results in the avoidance of many normal activities. For example, moderate facial disfigurement.FIFTEEN A particularly severe and marked condition which
causes extreme embarrassment and results in avoidance of public places and social intercourse to as great a degree as possible. For example, very severe facial disfigurement.
Only one rating is to be selected from this table for any condition
No age adjustment permitted for this table
or group of conditions which contribute to disfigurement.
Both the objective and subjective components of a disfiguring condition are to be taken into account when applying Table 17.1. The objective component is the actual physical and/or temporal extent of the disfiguring condition as perceived by others. The subjective component is the veteran's own emotional and behavioural reactions to the disfigurement.
The two components will generally be aligned with one another. If the veteran has a noticeable condition that is objectively disfiguring but does not embarrass the veteran to the extent to which an average person of the same age, occupational and residential circumstances would be embarrassed, the assessment should be based on the average person's degree of embarrassment. The veteran's denial of his or her condition should not be taken into account when applying Table 17.1.
Step 2: If non-accepted conditions have contributed to the disfigurement, apply Chapter 19 (Partially Contributing Impairment) to adjust the rating determined in Step 1.
If non-accepted conditions have contributed to the disfigurement, Table 19.1 in Chapter 19 (Partially Contributing Impairment) is to be applied to adjust the impairment rating for the accepted conditions.
The rating obtained in this step (or in Step 1 if partially contributing impairment is not applicable) is the final rating for disfigurement, and is to be included in the final combining of all impairment ratings.
Part C:
Impairment Ratings: Combining, Apportioning, Partially Contributing
Chapter 18
Combined Values Chart
INTRODUCTION
After impairment ratings have been obtained for all accepted conditions they must be combined to a single value known as the combined impairment rating. The combining is not to be done by simple addition but is to be done by applying Table 18.1 (Combined Values Chart). The values in Table 18.1 (Combined Values Chart) are derived from the formula
A
Combined value of A and B = [A + B (1 - 100 )] rounded to nearest integer
where "A" and "B" are the impairment ratings to be combined.
This formula embodies a principle of combining ratings. The principle derives from the concept of whole person impairment (see page 6). The following example illustrates the combining principle:
Example
Suppose a veteran has three accepted conditions. If the first assessed condition attracts
60 points the veteran will get a rating of 60. This rating implies that the whole person is 60% impaired. That leaves 40% to be further apportioned among other conditions. If the second condition assessed attracts 30 points, the total impairment rating will not be 60 + 30 = 90, but 60 + 12 = 72. The 12 represents 30% of the 40 that remained of the whole person after the initial 60 was awarded. Now the whole person of the veteran is 72% impaired. If the third condition assessed attracts
10 points, the total impairment rating will be 60 + 12 + 3 = 75. The 3 represents
10% of the 28 that remained of the whole person after 72 was awarded for the first two conditions. Now the whole person of the veteran is 75% impaired.
Combining two or more impairment ratings into a single value
Follow the steps below to combine two or more impairment ratings into a single value (the combined impairment rating).
STEP
1
Take the highest (or equal highest) of the ratings to be combined. Find that rating in the column on the extreme left hand side of the chart in Table 18.1. The row in which this number is written is "The Row" for purposes of Step 3.
STEP
2
Take the next highest (or equal highest) of the ratings to be combined. Find that rating in the very bottom row of the chart. The column above this number is "The Column" for purposes of Step 3.
STEP
3
Find the intersection of The Row and The Column. The number written on the intersection is the combined value of the two ratings. If only two ratings are to be combined, then this figure is the "Combined Impairment Rating".
STEP
4
This step is only to be used if more than two ratings are to be combined.
Take the result obtained in Step 3. Find that result in the column on the extreme left hand side of the chart. The row in which this number is written is "The Row" for purposes of Step 6.
STEP
5
Take the highest (or equal highest) of the remaining ratings to be combined. Find that rating in the very bottom row of the chart. The column above this number is "The Column" for purposes of Step 6.
STEP
6
Find the intersection of The Row and The Column. The number written on the intersection is the combined value of the three ratings. If only three ratings are to be combined, then this figure is the "Combined Impairment Rating".
STEP
7
This step is only to be used if more than three ratings are to be combined.
To combine more than three ratings, reapply the instructions in steps 4, 5, and 6 to the remaining ratings. Always take the value obtained by performing Step 6 and combine that with the highest (or equal highest) of the remaining values. Continue until all ratings have been combined into a single value. This figure is the "Combined Impairment Rating".
Chapter 18: Combined Values Chart
STEP The individual impairment ratings for the various conditions being
8 assessed are not to be rounded before they are combined using the
chart in Table 18.1.
If the combined impairment rating is not a multiple of five, it should be rounded to the nearest multiple of five. (For purposes of the preceding sentence, "0" is a multiple of five.) Figures ending on "3" or "4" or "8" or "9" should be rounded up, figures ending on "1" or "2" or "6" or "7" should be rounded down. (This also applies when the only impairment rating a veteran obtains = 2. In that case the combined impairment rating = 0.)
Example
To combine 35 and 20, read down the extreme left hand side column of the chart in Table 18.1 until you come to the larger value, 35. In the very bottom row of the chart read from left to right until you come to 20. At the intersection of the row on which
35 is written, and the column above 20, is the number 48.
Therefore, 35 combined with 20 is 48. Due to the construction of this chart, the larger impairment value must be identified at the side of the chart.
Applying the formula to this example gives:
35 + 20 x (1 - 35
100
) = 35 + 20 x (1 - 0.35) = 35 + 20 x 0.65 = 35 + 13 = 48.
SCALE
18.1
2
3 4
4 5 6
5 6 7
COMBINED VALUES CHART - Part 1
12
13 14
14 14 15
14 15 16 17
21
22 23
23 23 24
23 24 25 26
29
30 31
31 32 33
32 33 34 34
38
38 39
39 40 41
40 41 41 42
45
46 47
47 47 48
47 48 49 50
52
53 54
54 54 55
54 55 56 56
59
60 60
60 61 62
61 62 62 63
65
66 66
66 67 68
67 68 68 69
71
71 72
72 72 73
72 73 73 74
No age adjustment permitted for this table
SCALE
18.1 (cont'd)
COMBINED VALUES CHART - Part 2
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 49 50
51 51 52 52 53 53 54 54 55 55 56 56 57 57 58 58 59 59 60 60 61 61 62 62 63 63 64 64 65 65 66 66 67 67 68 68 69 69 70 70 71 71 72 72 73 73 74 74 75 75 76
52 52 53 53 54 54 55 55 56 56 57 57 58 58 59 59 60 60 61 61 62 62 63 63 64 64 64 65 65 66 66 67 67 68 68 69 69 70 70 71 71 72 72 73 73 74 74 75 75 76 76
53 53 54 54 55 55 56 56 57 57 58 58 59 59 60 60 61 61 61 62 62 63 63 64 64 65 65 66 66 67 67 68 68 69 69 69 70 70 71 71 72 72 73 73 74 74 75 75 76 76 77
54 54 55 55 56 56 57 57 58 58 59 59 60 60 60 61 61 62 62 63 63 64 64 65 65 66 66 66 67 67 68 68 69 69 70 70 71 71 71 72 72 73 73 74 74 75 75 76 76 77 77
55 55 56 56 57 57 58 58 59 59 60 60 60 61 61 62 62 63 63 64 64 64 65 65 66 66 67 67 68 68 69 69 69 70 70 71 71 72 72 73 73 73 74 74 75 75 76 76 77 77 78
56 56 57 57 58 58 59 59 60 60 60 61 61 62 62 63 63 63 64 64 65 65 66 66 67 67 67 68 68 69 69 70 70 71 71 71 72 72 73 73 74 74 74 75 75 76 76 77 77 78 78
57 57 58 58 59 59 60 60 60 61 61 62 62 63 63 63 64 64 65 65 66 66 66 67 67 68 68 69 69 69 70 70 71 71 72 72 72 73 73 74 74 75 75 75 76 76 77 77 78 78 79
58 58 59 59 60 60 61 61 61 62 62 63 63 63 64 64 65 65 66 66 66 67 67 68 68 69 69 69 70 70 71 71 71 72 72 73 73 74 74 74 75 75 76 76 76 77 77 78 78 79 79
59 59 60 60 61 61 61 62 62 63 63 64 64 64 65 65 66 66 66 67 67 68 68 68 69 69 70 70 70 71 71 72 72 73 73 73 74 74 75 75 75 76 76 77 77 77 78 78 79 79 80
60 60 61 61 62 62 62 63 63 64 64 64 65 65 66 66 66 67 67 68 68 68 69 69 70 70 70 71 71 72 72 72 73 73 74 74 74 75 75 76 76 76 77 77 78 78 78 79 79 80 80
61 61 62 62 63 63 63 64 64 65 65 65 66 66 66 67 67 68 68 68 69 69 70 70 70 71 71 72 72 72 73 73 73 74 74 75 75 75 76 76 77 77 77 78 78 79 79 79 80 80 81
62 62 63 63 64 64 64 65 65 65 66 66 67 67 67 68 68 68 69 69 70 70 70 71 71 72 72 72 73 73 73 74 74 75 75 75 76 76 76 77 77 78 78 78 79 79 79 80 80 81 81
63 63 64 64 64 65 65 66 66 66 67 67 67 68 68 69 69 69 70 70 70 71 71 72 72 72 73 73 73 74 74 74 75 75 76 76 76 77 77 77 78 78 79 79 79 80 80 80 81 81 82
64 64 65 65 65 66 66 67 67 67 68 68 68 69 69 69 70 70 70 71 71 72 72 72 73 73 73 74 74 74 75 75 76 76 76 77 77 77 78 78 78 79 79 79 80 80 81 81 81 82 82
65 65 66 66 66 67 67 67 68 68 69 69 69 70 70 70 71 71 71 72 72 72 73 73 73 74 74 74 75 75 76 76 76 77 77 77 78 78 78 79 79 79 80 80 80 81 81 81 82 82 83
66 66 67 67 67 68 68 68 69 69 69 70 70 70 71 71 71 72 72 72 73 73 73 74 74 75 75 75 76 76 76 77 77 77 78 78 78 79 79 79 80 80 80 81 81 81 82 82 82 83 83
67 67 68 68 68 69 69 69 70 70 70 71 71 71 72 72 72 73 73 73 74 74 74 75 75 75 76 76 76 77 77 77 78 78 78 79 79 79 80 80 80 81 81 81 82 82 82 83 83 83 84
68 68 69 69 69 70 70 70 71 71 71 72 72 72 72 73 73 73 74 74 74 75 75 75 76 76 76 77 77 77 78 78 78 79 79 79 80 80 80 80 81 81 81 82 82 82 83 83 83 84 84
69 69 70 70 70 71 71 71 71 72 72 72 73 73 73 74 74 74 75 75 75 76 76 76 76 77 77 77 78 78 78 79 79 79 80 80 80 80 81 81 81 82 82 82 83 83 83 84 84 84 85
70 70 71 71 71 72 72 72 72 73 73 73 74 74 74 75 75 75 75 76 76 76 77 77 77 78 78 78 78 79 79 79 80 80 80 81 81 81 81 82 82 82 83 83 83 84 84 84 84 85 85
71 71 72 72 72 72 73 73 73 74 74 74 74 75 75 75 76 76 76 77 77 77 77 78 78 78 79 79 79 79 80 80 80 81 81 81 81 82 82 82 83 83 83 83 84 84 84 85 85 85 86
72 72 73 73 73 73 74 74 74 75 75 75 75 76 76 76 76 77 77 77 78 78 78 78 79 79 79 80 80 80 80 81 81 81 82 82 82 82 83 83 83 83 84 84 84 85 85 85 85 86 86
73 73 74 74 74 74 75 75 75 75 76 76 76 77 77 77 77 78 78 78 78 79 79 79 79 80 80 80 81 81 81 81 82 82 82 82 83 83 83 84 84 84 84 85 85 85 85 86 86 86 87
74 74 75 75 75 75 76 76 76 76 77 77 77 77 78 78 78 78 79 79 79 79 80 80 80 81 81 81 81 82 82 82 82 83 83 83 83 84 84 84 84 85 85 85 85 86 86 86 86 87 87
75 75 76 76 76 76 77 77 77 77 78 78 78 78 79 79 79 79 80 80 80 80 81 81 81 81 82 82 82 82 83 83 83 83 84 84 84 84 85 85 85 85 86 86 86 86 87 87 87 87 88
76 76 76 77 77 77 77 78 78 78 78 79 79 79 79 80 80 80 80 81 81 81 81 82 82 82 82 82 83 83 83 83 84 84 84 84 85 85 85 85 86 86 86 86 87 87 87 87 88 88 88
77 77 77 78 78 78 78 79 79 79 79 80 80 80 80 80 81 81 81 81 82 82 82 82 83 83 83 83 83 84 84 84 84 85 85 85 85 86 86 86 86 86 87 87 87 87 88 88 88 88 89
78 78 78 79 79 79 79 80 80 80 80 80 81 81 81 81 82 82 82 82 82 83 83 83 83 84 84 84 84 84 85 85 85 85 85 86 86 86 86 87 87 87 87 87 88 88 88 88 89 89 89
79 79 79 80 80 80 80 80 81 81 81 81 82 82 82 82 82 83 83 83 83 83 84 84 84 84 84 85 85 85 85 86 86 86 86 86 87 87 87 87 87 88 88 88 88 88 89 89 89 89 90
80 80 80 81 81 81 81 81 82 82 82 82 82 83 83 83 83 83 84 84 84 84 84 85 85 85 85 85 86 86 86 86 86 87 87 87 87 87 88 88 88 88 88 89 89 89 89 89 90 90 90
81 81 81 82 82 82 82 82 83 83 83 83 83 83 84 84 84 84 84 85 85 85 85 85 86 86 86 86 86 87 87 87 87 87 87 88 88 88 88 88 89 89 89 89 89 90 90 90 90 90 91
82 82 82 83 83 83 83 83 83 84 84 84 84 84 85 85 85 85 85 85 86 86 86 86 86 87 87 87 87 87 87 88 88 88 88 88 88 89 89 89 89 89 90 90 90 90 90 90 91 91 91
83 83 83 84 84 84 84 84 84 85 85 85 85 85 85 86 86 86 86 86 86 87 87 87 87 87 87 88 88 88 88 88 88 89 89 89 89 89 89 90 90 90 90 90 90 91 91 91 91 91 92
84 84 84 84 85 85 85 85 85 85 86 86 86 86 86 86 87 87 87 87 87 87 88 88 88 88 88 88 88 89 89 89 89 89 89 90 90 90 90 90 90 91 91 91 91 91 91 92 92 92 92
85 85 85 85 86 86 86 86 86 86 87 87 87 87 87 87 87 88 88 88 88 88 88 88 89 89 89 89 89 89 90 90 90 90 90 90 90 91 91 91 91 91 91 91 92 92 92 92 92 92 93
86 86 86 86 87 87 87 87 87 87 87 88 88 88 88 88 88 88 89 89 89 89 89 89 89 90 90 90 90 90 90 90 90 91 91 91 91 91 91 91 92 92 92 92 92 92 92 93 93 93 93
87 87 87 87 88 88 88 88 88 88 88 88 89 89 89 89 89 89 89 89 90 90 90 90 90 90 90 91 91 91 91 91 91 91 91 92 92 92 92 92 92 92 92 93 93 93 93 93 93 93 94
88 88 88 88 88 89 89 89 89 89 89 89 89 90 90 90 90 90 90 90 90 91 91 91 91 91 91 91 91 91 92 92 92 92 92 92 92 92 93 93 93 93 93 93 93 93 94 94 94 94 94
89 89 89 89 89 90 90 90 90 90 90 90 90 90 91 91 91 91 91 91 91 91 91 92 92 92 92 92 92 92 92 92 93 93 93 93 93 93 93 93 93 94 94 94 94 94 94 94 94 94 95
90 90 90 90 90 91 91 91 91 91 91 91 91 91 91 92 92 92 92 92 92 92 92 92 92 93 93 93 93 93 93 93 93 93 93 94 94 94 94 94 94 94 94 94 94 95 95 95 95 95 95
91 91 91 91 91 91 92 92 92 92 92 92 92 92 92 92 92 93 93 93 93 93 93 93 93 93 93 93 94 94 94 94 94 94 94 94 94 94 94 95 95 95 95 95 95 95 95 95 95 95 96
92 92 92 92 92 92 92 93 93 93 93 93 93 93 93 93 93 93 93 94 94 94 94 94 94 94 94 94 94 94 94 94 95 95 95 95 95 95 95 95 95 95 95 95 96 96 96 96 96 96 96
93 93 93 93 93 93 93 93 94 94 94 94 94 94 94 94 94 94 94 94 94 94 95 95 95 95 95 95 95 95 95 95 95 95 95 95 96 96 96 96 96 96 96 96 96 96 96 96 96 96 97
94 94 94 94 94 94 94 94 94 95 95 95 95 95 95 95 95 95 95 95 95 95 95 95 95 96 96 96 96 96 96 96 96 96 96 96 96 96 96 96 96 96 97 97 97 97 97 97 97 97 97
95 95 95 95 95 95 95 95 95 95 96 96 96 96 96 96 96 96 96 96 96 96 96 96 96 96 96 96 96 96 97 97 97 97 97 97 97 97 97 97 97 97 97 97 97 97 97 97 97 97 98
96 96 96 96 96 96 96 96 96 96 96 96 96 97 97 97 97 97 97 97 97 97 97 97 97 97 97 97 97 97 97 97 97 97 97 97 97 97 98 98 98 98 98 98 98 98 98 98 98 98 98
97 97 97 97 97 97 97 97 97 97 97 97 97 97 97 97 97 98 98 98 98 98 98 98 98 98 98 98 98 98 98 98 98 98 98 98 98 98 98 98 98 98 98 98 98 98 98 98 98 98 99
98 98 98 98 98 98 98 98 98 98 98 98 98 98 98 98 98 98 98 98 98 98 98 98 98 99 99 99 99 99 99 99 99 99 99 99 99 99 99 99 99 99 99 99 99 99 99 99 99 99 99
99 99 99 99 99 99 99 99 99 99 99 99 99 99 99 99 99 99 99 99 99 99 99 99 99 99 99 99 99 99 99 99 99 99 99 99 99 99 99 99 99 99 99 99 99 99 99 99 99 99 99
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 49 50
No age adjustment permitted for this table
SCALE
18.1 (cont'd)
51 76
52 76 77
53 77 77 78
54 77 78 78 79
55 78 78 79 79 80
56 78 79 79 80 80 81
57 79 79 80 80 81 81 82
58 79 80 80 81 81 82 82 82
59 80 80 81 81 82 82 82 83 83
60 80 81 81 82 82 82 83 83 84 84
61 81 81 82 82 82 83 83 84 84 84 85
62 81 82 82 83 83 83 84 84 84 85 85 86
63 82 82 83 83 83 84 84 84 85 85 86 86 86
64 82 83 83 83 84 84 85 85 85 86 86 86 87 87
65 83 83 84 84 84 85 85 85 86 86 86 87 87 87 88
COMBINED VALUES CHART - Part 3
66 83 84 84 84 85 85 85 86 86 86 87 87 87 88 88 88
67 84 84 84 85 85 85 86 86 86 87 87 87 88 88 88 89 89
68 84 85 85 85 86 86 86 87 87 87 88 88 88 88 89 89 89 90
69 85 85 85 86 86 86 87 87 87 88 88 88 89 89 89 89 90 90 90
70 85 86 86 86 87 87 87 87 88 88 88 89 89 89 90 90 90 90 91 91
71 86 86 86 87 87 87 88 88 88 88 89 89 89 90 90 90 90 91 91 91 92
72 86 87 87 87 87 88 88 88 89 89 89 89 90 90 90 90 91 91 91 92 92 92
73 87 87 87 88 88 88 88 89 89 89 89 90 90 90 91 91 91 91 92 92 92 92 93
74 87 88 88 88 88 89 89 89 89 90 90 90 90 91 91 91 91 92 92 92 92 93 93 93
75 88 88 88 89 89 89 89 90 90 90 90 91 91 91 91 92 92 92 92 93 93 93 93 94 94
76 88 88 89 89 89 89 90 90 90 90 91 91 91 91 92 92 92 92 93 93 93 93 94 94 94 94
77 89 89 89 89 90 90 90 90 91 91 91 91 91 92 92 92 92 93 93 93 93 94 94 94 94 94 95
78 89 89 90 90 90 90 91 91 91 91 91 92 92 92 92 93 93 93 93 93 94 94 94 94 95 95 95 95
79 90 90 90 90 91 91 91 91 91 92 92 92 92 92 93 93 93 93 93 94 94 94 94 95 95 95 95 95 96
80 90 90 91 91 91 91 91 92 92 92 92 92 93 93 93 93 93 94 94 94 94 94 95 95 95 95 95 96 96 96
81 91 91 91 91 91 92 92 92 92 92 93 93 93 93 93 94 94 94 94 94 94 95 95 95 95 95 96 96 96 96 96
82 91 91 92 92 92 92 92 92 93 93 93 93 93 94 94 94 94 94 94 95 95 95 95 95 96 96 96 96 96 96 97 97
83 92 92 92 92 92 93 93 93 93 93 93 94 94 94 94 94 94 95 95 95 95 95 95 96 96 96 96 96 96 97 97 97 97
84 92 92 92 93 93 93 93 93 93 94 94 94 94 94 94 95 95 95 95 95 95 96 96 96 96 96 96 96 97 97 97 97 97 97
85 93 93 93 93 93 93 94 94 94 94 94 94 94 95 95 95 95 95 95 96 96 96 96 96 96 96 97 97 97 97 97 97 97 98 98
86 93 93 93 94 94 94 94 94 94 94 95 95 95 95 95 95 95 96 96 96 96 96 96 96 97 97 97 97 97 97 97 97 98 98 98 98
87 94 94 94 94 94 94 94 95 95 95 95 95 95 95 95 96 96 96 96 96 96 96 96 97 97 97 97 97 97 97 98 98 98 98 98 98 98
88 94 94 94 94 95 95 95 95 95 95 95 95 96 96 96 96 96 96 96 96 97 97 97 97 97 97 97 97 97 98 98 98 98 98 98 98 98 99
89 95 95 95 95 95 95 95 95 95 96 96 96 96 96 96 96 96 96 97 97 97 97 97 97 97 97 97 98 98 98 98 98 98 98 98 98 99 99 99
90 95 95 95 95 96 96 96 96 96 96 96 96 96 96 97 97 97 97 97 97 97 97 97 97 98 98 98 98 98 98 98 98 98 98 99 99 99 99 99 99
91 96 96 96 96 96 96 96 96 96 96 96 97 97 97 97 97 97 97 97 97 97 97 98 98 98 98 98 98 98 98 98 98 98 99 99 99 99 99 99 99 99
92 96 96 96 96 96 96 97 97 97 97 97 97 97 97 97 97 97 97 98 98 98 98 98 98 98 98 98 98 98 98 98 99 99 99 99 99 99 99 99 99 99 99
93 97 97 97 97 97 97 97 97 97 97 97 97 97 97 98 98 98 98 98 98 98 98 98 98 98 98 98 98 99 99 99 99 99 99 99 99 99 99 99 99 99 99 100
94 97 97 97 97 97 97 97 97 98 98 98 98 98 98 98 98 98 98 98 98 98 98 98 98 99 99 99 99 99 99 99 99 99 99 99 99 99 99 99 99 99 100 100 100
95 98 98 98 98 98 98 98 98 98 98 98 98 98 98 98 98 98 98 98 99 99 99 99 99 99 99 99 99 99 99 99 99 99 99 99 99 99 99 99 100 100 100 100 100 100
96 98 98 98 98 98 98 98 98 98 98 98 98 99 99 99 99 99 99 99 99 99 99 99 99 99 99 99 99 99 99 99 99 99 99 99 99 99 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100
97 99 99 99 99 99 99 99 99 99 99 99 99 99 99 99 99 99 99 99 99 99 99 99 99 99 99 99 99 99 99 99 99 99 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100
98 99 99 99 99 99 99 99 99 99 99 99 99 99 99 99 99 99 99 99 99 99 99 99 99 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100
99 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100
51 52 53 54 55 56 57 58 59 60 61 62 63 64 65 66 67 68 69 70 71 72 73 74 75 76 77 78 79 80 81 82 83 84 85 86 87 88 89 90 91 92 93 94 95 96 97 98 99
No age adjustment permitted for this table
Chapter 19
Partially Contributing
Impairment
INTRODUCTION
Partially contributing impairment is to be applied whenever an impairment is not due solely to the effects of accepted conditions.
How to apply partially contributing impairment
Follow the steps below to apply partially contributing impairment: (Each step is elaborated in the following pages.)
STEP Determine whether partially contributing impairment Page
1 applies. 237
STEP
2
Determine the relative contribution of the accepted and non-accepted conditions.
Page
238
STEP
3
Determine the impairment attributable solely to the accepted condition, by applying Table 19.1.
Page
238
Step 1: Determine whether partially contributing impairment applies.
Use relevant medical evidence to determine if any non-accepted conditions contribute to the impairment being assessed.
Step 2: Determine the relative contribution of the accepted and non-accepted conditions.
The judgement of the relative contributions should be based on proper medical advice.
The contribution should be expressed in the form:
'The accepted condition contributes "not at all", "about one quarter", "about one third", "about half", etc'.
If more than one accepted condition contributes to the relevant impairment rating, the contribution of the accepted conditions is to be treated as a single entity.
If more than one non-accepted condition contributes to the relevant impairment rating, the contribution of the non-accepted conditions may be treated as a single entity.
Step 3: Determine the impairment rating attributable solely to the accepted condition by applying Table 19.2 or Table 19.1.
Substep
3A
In the columns of Table 19.2 headed "Impairment Rating" find the impairment rating to which partially contributing impairment is being applied. The row extending to the right of the column in which this figure is written is "The Row" for purposes of substep 3C.
Substep
3B
Take the relative contribution to the impairment by the accepted condition, determined in Step 2. In the top row of Table 19.2 find the description of that contribution.
(If the impairment rating used in substep 3A was between 1 and 45 inclusive, the required description of the contribution is to be found in columns 2-8 of Table 19.2. If the impairment rating used in substep 3A was between 46 and 90 inclusive, the required description of the contribution is to be found in columns 10-16 of Table 19.2.)
The column in which this description is written is "The Column" for purposes of substep 3C.
Substep
3C
Find the intersection of The Row and The Column. The number written on the intersection is the impairment rating for the accepted condition.
Table 19.1 extracts the highlighted information in Table 19.2 and is provided for the convenience of users.
SCALE
19.1
PARTIALLY CONTRIBUTING IMPAIRMENT
Contribution by accepted condition |
|
0 |
5 |
10 |
15 |
20 |
25 |
30 |
35 |
40 |
45 |
50 |
55 |
60 |
65 |
70 |
75 |
80 |
85 |
90 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Complete |
| 0 | 5 | 10 | 15 | 20 | 25 | 30 | 35 | 40 | 45 | 50 | 55 | 60 | 65 | 70 | 75 | 80 | 85 | 90 |
About three quarters |
| 0 | 4 | 7 | 11 | 16 | 19 | 24 | 28 | 33 | 37 | 42 | 47 | 52 | 57 | 62 | 68 | 73 | 80 | 86 |
About two thirds |
| 0 | 3 | 7 | 10 | 14 | 18 | 21 | 25 | 29 | 34 | 38 | 43 | 48 | 53 | 58 | 63 | 69 | 76 | 83 |
About half |
| 0 | 3 | 5 | 8 | 11 | 14 | 17 | 20 | 23 | 26 | 29 | 33 | 37 | 41 | 45 | 50 | 55 | 61 | 68 |
About one third |
| 0 | 1 | 3 | 5 | 7 | 9 | 11 | 13 | 15 | 17 | 19 | 21 | 24 | 26 | 29 | 32 | 35 | 38 | 42 |
About one quarter |
| 0 | 1 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 7 | 8 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 14 | 16 | 17 | 19 | 21 | 23 | 25 | 27 | 29 |
Not at all |
| 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
No age adjustment permitted for this table
SCALE
19.2
PARTIALLY CONTRIBUTING IMPAIRMENT
1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 46 | 46 | 38 | 35 | 27 | 17 | 13 | 0 |
2 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 47 | 47 | 39 | 35 | 27 | 18 | 13 | 0 |
3 | 3 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 48 | 48 | 40 | 36 | 28 | 18 | 13 | 0 |
4 | 4 | 3 | 3 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 49 | 49 | 41 | 37 | 29 | 19 | 14 | 0 |
5 | 5 | 4 | 3 | 3 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 50 | 50 | 42 | 38 | 29 | 19 | 14 | 0 |
6 | 6 | 4 | 4 | 3 | 2 | 2 | 0 | 51 | 51 | 43 | 39 | 30 | 20 | 14 | 0 |
7 | 7 | 5 | 5 | 4 | 2 | 2 | 0 | 52 | 52 | 44 | 40 | 31 | 20 | 15 | 0 |
8 | 8 | 6 | 5 | 4 | 3 | 2 | 0 | 53 | 53 | 45 | 41 | 32 | 21 | 15 | 0 |
9 | 9 | 7 | 6 | 5 | 3 | 2 | 0 | 54 | 54 | 46 | 42 | 32 | 21 | 15 | 0 |
10 | 10 | 7 | 7 | 5 | 3 | 3 | 0 | 55 | 55 | 47 | 43 | 33 | 21 | 16 | 0 |
11 | 11 | 8 | 7 | 6 | 4 | 3 | 0 | 56 | 56 | 48 | 44 | 34 | 22 | 16 | 0 |
12 | 12 | 9 | 8 | 6 | 4 | 3 | 0 | 57 | 57 | 49 | 45 | 35 | 22 | 16 | 0 |
13 | 13 | 10 | 9 | 7 | 4 | 3 | 0 | 58 | 58 | 49 | 46 | 35 | 23 | 17 | 0 |
14 | 14 | 10 | 9 | 7 | 5 | 4 | 0 | 59 | 59 | 51 | 47 | 36 | 23 | 17 | 0 |
15 | 15 | 11 | 10 | 8 | 5 | 4 | 0 | 60 | 60 | 52 | 48 | 37 | 24 | 17 | 0 |
16 | 16 | 12 | 11 | 9 | 6 | 4 | 0 | 61 | 61 | 53 | 49 | 38 | 24 | 18 | 0 |
17 | 17 | 13 | 12 | 9 | 6 | 5 | 0 | 62 | 62 | 54 | 49 | 38 | 25 | 18 | 0 |
18 | 18 | 14 | 13 | 10 | 6 | 5 | 0 | 63 | 63 | 55 | 50 | 39 | 25 | 18 | 0 |
19 | 19 | 15 | 13 | 10 | 7 | 5 | 0 | 64 | 64 | 56 | 52 | 40 | 26 | 19 | 0 |
20 | 20 | 16 | 14 | 11 | 7 | 5 | 0 | 65 | 65 | 57 | 53 | 41 | 26 | 19 | 0 |
21 | 21 | 16 | 15 | 11 | 7 | 6 | 0 | 66 | 66 | 58 | 54 | 42 | 27 | 19 | 0 |
22 | 22 | 17 | 15 | 12 | 8 | 6 | 0 | 67 | 67 | 59 | 55 | 43 | 27 | 20 | 0 |
23 | 23 | 18 | 16 | 12 | 8 | 6 | 0 | 68 | 68 | 60 | 56 | 43 | 28 | 20 | 0 |
24 | 24 | 19 | 17 | 13 | 9 | 6 | 0 | 69 | 69 | 61 | 57 | 44 | 29 | 20 | 0 |
25 | 25 | 19 | 18 | 14 | 9 | 7 | 0 | 70 | 70 | 62 | 58 | 45 | 29 | 21 | 0 |
26 | 26 | 20 | 19 | 14 | 9 | 7 | 0 | 71 | 71 | 63 | 59 | 46 | 30 | 21 | 0 |
27 | 27 | 21 | 19 | 15 | 10 | 7 | 0 | 72 | 72 | 64 | 60 | 47 | 30 | 21 | 0 |
28 | 28 | 22 | 20 | 15 | 10 | 8 | 0 | 73 | 73 | 66 | 61 | 48 | 30 | 22 | 0 |
29 | 29 | 23 | 21 | 16 | 10 | 8 | 0 | 74 | 74 | 67 | 62 | 49 | 31 | 22 | 0 |
30 | 30 | 24 | 21 | 17 | 11 | 8 | 0 | 75 | 75 | 68 | 63 | 50 | 32 | 23 | 0 |
31 | 31 | 25 | 22 | 17 | 11 | 8 | 0 | 76 | 76 | 69 | 64 | 51 | 32 | 23 | 0 |
32 | 32 | 25 | 23 | 18 | 12 | 9 | 0 | 77 | 77 | 70 | 66 | 52 | 33 | 23 | 0 |
33 | 33 | 26 | 24 | 18 | 12 | 9 | 0 | 78 | 78 | 71 | 67 | 53 | 34 | 24 | 0 |
34 | 34 | 27 | 25 | 19 | 12 | 9 | 0 | 79 | 79 | 72 | 68 | 54 | 34 | 24 | 0 |
35 | 35 | 28 | 25 | 20 | 13 | 10 | 0 | 80 | 80 | 73 | 69 | 55 | 35 | 25 | 0 |
36 | 36 | 29 | 26 | 20 | 13 | 10 | 0 | 81 | 81 | 75 | 70 | 56 | 35 | 25 | 0 |
37 | 37 | 30 | 27 | 21 | 14 | 10 | 0 | 82 | 82 | 76 | 72 | 57 | 36 | 25 | 0 |
38 | 38 | 31 | 28 | 21 | 14 | 10 | 0 | 83 | 83 | 77 | 73 | 59 | 37 | 26 | 0 |
39 | 39 | 32 | 29 | 22 | 14 | 11 | 0 | 84 | 84 | 78 | 74 | 60 | 37 | 26 | 0 |
40 | 40 | 33 | 29 | 23 | 15 | 11 | 0 | 85 | 85 | 80 | 76 | 61 | 38 | 27 | 0 |
41 | 41 | 34 | 30 | 23 | 15 | 11 | 0 | 86 | 86 | 81 | 77 | 62 | 39 | 27 | 0 |
42 | 42 | 34 | 31 | 24 | 16 | 12 | 0 | 87 | 87 | 82 | 78 | 64 | 39 | 27 | 0 |
43 | 43 | 35 | 32 | 25 | 16 | 12 | 0 | 88 | 88 | 84 | 80 | 65 | 40 | 28 | 0 |
44 | 44 | 36 | 33 | 25 | 17 | 12 | 0 | 89 | 89 | 85 | 80 | 65 | 40 | 28 | 0 |
45 | 45 | 37 | 34 | 26 | 17 | 12 | 0 | 90 | 90 | 86 | 83 | 68 | 42 | 29 | 0 |
No age adjustment permitted for this table
Chapter 20
Apportionment
INTRODUCTION
Throughout this Guide, if a condition can be rated using both a functional loss table and an Other Impairment table, only the higher of the two ratings is to be given to the veteran. This is usually quite a simple thing to do.
However, in some cases, it might not be so straightforward. For example, a veteran has two accepted cardiorespiratory conditions. One is ischaemic heart disease and the other is chronic bronchitis. From METs and spirometry it is found that the veteran's functional impairment rating is 20 points. It is also found that the veteran's ischaemic heart disease corresponds to a rating of 10 points from Table 1.6 and the veteran's chronic bronchitis corresponds to a rating of 5 points from Table 1.10.
Without apportionment the only applicable cardiorespiratory rating would be
20 points and the 10 and 5 point ratings would have to be disregarded because they are both less than 20. This approach would sometimes disadvantage the veteran.
A method of establishing the separate contribution of ischaemic heart disease and the chronic bronchitis to the functional impairment would enable a separation of their contributions thus allowing the comparison of functional and Other Impairments on a condition by condition basis. Such a method is called "apportionment". Apportionment provides a method for determining whether a rating greater than 20 should be given to the veteran in the example.
Tables 20.1 to 20.13 have been constructed by finding a set of impairment ratings which have the same value as the contribution to the rating to be apportioned, and which, when combined using the Combined Values Chart in Chapter 18, are equal to the original impairment rating.
If the apportionment has to be done in ratios that are not included in Tables 20.1 to
20.13, then the apportionment may be performed by applying Table 18.1 (Combined Values Chart) in reverse. Should more than one solution be possible, that which is the best fit is to be used.
The ratings that result from the application of apportionment can never be less than those which the same conditions would have attracted had apportionment not been applied.
HOW TO USE APPORTIONMENT
INSTRUCTIONS
Follow the steps below in applying apportionment.
STEP Determine if apportionment is to be used.
1 Apportionment is to be used when it is necessary, for a given accepted condition, to compare an impairment rating derived from one table with an impairment rating derived from another table, and when two or more accepted conditions contribute to the impairment ratings from either table.
STEP Find the relative contribution of each contributing condition.
2 The relative contribution of each accepted condition to the impairment rating that is to be apportioned should be expressed as a simple ratio. (The ratio should always be expressed in terms of small integers, e.g. 1:2, 1:3, 1:1:2, etc.)
The judgement of the ratio should be based on appropriate medical advice.
STEP
Apportion the single impairment rating into parts.
3 Once the ratio is known the single rating is to be apportioned to all the contributing conditions. In common cases (2 or 3 contributing conditions) the apportioned ratings are to be read off Tables 20.1 to 20.13. In unusual cases that are not covered in these tables, the method described on page 241 is to be applied.
STEP
For each condition, compare ratings from two relevant tables.
4 For each condition, the higher of the two relevant ratings is to be selected.
STEP
Do not combine individual ratings until the end.
5 Individual ratings obtained from applying the apportionment process are not to be combined until the end of the overall assessment process, when ratings for all of the veteran's assessable conditions are combined to obtain a single value representing the combined impairment rating for accepted conditions.
HOW TO USE APPORTIONMENT
Example
The apportionment process can be illustrated by using the example mentioned in the introduction.
STEP Determine if apportionment is to be used.
1 When ischaemic heart disease and chronic bronchitis are both accepted conditions, apportionment has to be used because each of these conditions can be rated from separate Other Impairment tables in Chapter 1.
STEP
2
STEP
Find the relative contribution of each contributing condition.
Suppose that, on medical advice, it is found that the contributions by chronic bronchitis and ischaemic heart disease are in the ratio of 2:1.
Break up the single impairment rating into parts.
3 As the ratio is 2:1, Table 20.1 or Table 20.4 is to be used.
From either of these it is found that 20 points apportioned in the ratio of 2:1 gives 14 and 7 as the two contributory impairment ratings. Thus the functional impairment rating for chronic bronchitis is 14 points and for ischaemic heart disease it is 7 points.
STEP
Compare ratings from two tables for each condition.
4 Compare the ratings for ischaemic heart disease (7 versus
10 from Table 1.6) and for chronic bronchitis (14 versus
5 from Table 1.10). Taking the higher rating in each case, the assessment will be: ischaemic heart disease 10 points, chronic bronchitis 14 points.
STEP
Do not combine individual ratings until the end.
5 If this veteran had no other accepted conditions, the final combined impairment rating would be 25 points (10 &
14 = 23, rounded to 25) instead of 20 points without
apportionment.
The calculations in the above example can be conveniently set out in a worksheet format, as illustrated below.
Rating to be apportioned: 20
Accepted Conditions | A Relative Contribution | B Functional Rating | C Other Impairment | D Rating for Condition |
Ischaemic Heart Disease |
1 |
7 |
10 |
10 |
Chronic Bronchitis | 2 | 14 | 5 | 14 |
For purposes of the above worksheet
"Accepted Conditions" | means | the accepted conditions that con- tribute to a single impairment rating to be apportioned. |
"Relative Contribution" |
means |
the ratio of the relative contribu- tions which the conditions make to the total impairment (in the above example, the ratio is 1:2, written as "1" in the top row of column A, and "2" in the bottom row of column A). |
"Functional Rating" |
means |
the ratings for the conditions obtained after apportionment. |
"Other Impairment" |
means |
the applicable rating for the con- ditions obtained from an Other Impairment table. |
"Rating for Condition" |
means |
the higher of the ratings in columns B and C of the same row. This is the final impairment rating for the condition named in that row. |
For convenience, Tables 20.1 and 20.2 give the apportionment for impairment ratings that are multiples of 5. Table 20.3 to 20.13 give the apportionment for all relevant integral values of impairment ratings for certain given ratios.
Table 20.1 can be applied to find the two relevant values when any impairment rating has to be apportioned between two conditions in any of the given ratios.
The top row contains the ratios into which the impairment rating needs to be apportioned. The left hand column contains the impairment ratings to be apportioned.
From Table 20.1 it will be seen that:
+ if a rating of 55 points is to be divided in the ratio of 3:1, one condition gets
47 points and the other gets 16; and
+ if a rating of 35 points is to be divided in the ratio of 3:2, one condition gets
23 points and the other gets 15.
SCALE
20.1
APPORTIONMENT Ratios
| 1:1 | 2:1 | 3:1 | 4:1 | 5:1 | 3:2 |
5 |
3 & 2 |
3 & 2 |
4 & 1 |
4 & 1 |
4 & 1 |
3 & 2
|
10 | 5 & 5 | 7 & 3 | 7 & 3 | 8 & 2 | 8 & 2 | 6 & 4 |
15 | 8 & 8 | 10 & 5 | 11 & 4 | 12 & 3 | 12 & 3 | 10 & 6 |
20 | 11 & 10 | 14 & 7 | 16 & 5 | 17 & 4 | 17 & 4 | 13 & 8 |
25 | 14 & 13 | 18 & 9 | 19 & 7 | 21 & 5 | 22 & 4 | 16 & 11 |
30 | 17 & 16 | 21 & 11 | 24 & 8 | 25 & 6 | 26 & 5 | 20 & 13 |
35 | 20 & 19 | 25 & 13 | 28 & 10 | 30 & 7 | 31 & 6 | 23 & 15 |
40 | 23 & 22 | 29 & 15 | 33 & 11 | 34 & 9 | 35 & 7 | 27 & 18 |
45 | 26 & 26 | 34 & 17 | 37 & 12 | 39 & 10 | 40 & 8 | 31 & 21 |
50 | 29 & 29 | 38 & 19 | 42 & 14 | 44 & 11 | 45 & 9 | 35 & 23 |
55 | 33 & 33 | 43 & 21 | 47 & 16 | 49 & 12 | 50 & 10 | 39 & 26 |
60 | 37 & 37 | 48 & 24 | 52 & 17 | 54 & 14 | 55 & 11 | 43 & 29 |
65 | 41 & 41 | 53 & 26 | 57 & 19 | 59 & 15 | 60 & 12 | 48 & 32 |
70 | 45 & 45 | 58 & 29 | 62 & 21 | 64 & 16 | 65 & 13 | 53 & 36 |
75 | 50 & 50 | 63 & 32 | 68 & 23 | 70 & 18 | 71 & 14 | 59 & 39 |
80 | 55 & 55 | 69 & 35 | 73 & 25 | 75 & 19 | 76 & 15 | 65 & 43 |
85 | 61 & 61 | 76 & 38 | 80 & 27 | 81 & 20 | 82 & 16 | 72 & 48 |
90 | 68 & 68 | 83 & 42 | 86 & 29 | 87 & 22 | 88 & 18 | 79 & 53 |
This table shows the relevant values when any impairment rating has to be ap
portioned between two conditions.
No age adjustment permitted for this table
SCALE
20.2
APPORTIONMENT Ratios
| 1:1:1 | 2:1:1 | 2:2:1 | 3:2:1 |
5 |
2 & 2 & 1 |
2 & 2 & 1 |
2 & 2 & 1 |
2 & 2 & 1 |
10 | 4 & 3 & 3 | 5 & 3 & 2 | 4 & 4 & 2 | 5 & 3 & 2 |
15 | 5 & 5 & 5 | 7 & 4 & 4 | 6 & 6 & 3 | 7 & 5 & 3 |
20 | 7 & 7 & 7 | 11 & 6 & 5 | 9 & 9 & 4 | 11 & 7 & 4 |
25 | 10 & 9 & 9 | 13 & 7 & 7 | 11 & 11 & 5 | 13 & 9 & 5 |
30 | 11 & 11 & 11 | 17 & 8 & 8 | 14 & 13 & 7 | 17 & 11 & 6 |
35 | 14 & 13 & 13 | 20 & 10 & 10 | 16 & 16 & 8 | 20 & 13 & 7 |
40 | 16 & 16 & 16 | 23 & 12 & 12 | 19 & 18 & 9 | 23 & 16 & 8 |
45 | 18 & 18 & 18 | 27 & 14 & 13 | 22 & 21 & 11 | 27 & 18 & 9 |
50 | 21 & 21 & 20 | 30 & 15 & 15 | 25 & 24 & 12 | 30 & 20 & 10 |
55 | 23 & 23 & 23 | 35 & 17 & 17 | 28 & 28 & 14 | 34 & 22 & 11 |
60 | 27 & 26 & 26 | 38 & 19 & 19 | 31 & 31 & 16 | 38 & 26 & 13 |
65 | 29 & 29 & 29 | 43 & 22 & 21 | 35 & 35 & 17 | 43 & 28 & 14 |
70 | 33 & 33 & 33 | 48 & 24 & 24 | 40 & 39 & 20 | 47 & 32 & 16 |
75 | 37 & 37 & 37 | 54 & 27 & 27 | 44 & 43 & 22 | 53 & 36 & 18 |
80 | 42 & 42 & 42 | 60 & 30 & 30 | 49 & 49 & 24 | 59 & 40 & 20 |
85 | 47 & 47 & 47 | 66 & 33 & 33 | 54 & 54 & 27 | 60 & 44 & 22 |
90 | 53 & 53 & 53 | 74 & 37 & 37 | 62 & 62 & 31 | 79 & 52 & 26 |
This table shows the relevant values when any impairment rating has to be ap
portioned between three conditions.
No age adjustment permitted for this table
In the Apportionment tables, those solutions in bold are exact apportionments into the specified ratios. All the other solutions are the best approximations to the specified ratios.
From Table 20.2 it will be seen that:
+ if a rating of 55 points is to be divided in the ratio of 2:2:1, one condition gets
28 points, another gets 28, and the third gets 14 points; and
+ if a rating of 35 points is to be divided in the ratio of 3:2:1, one condition gets
20 points, another gets 13, and the third gets 7 points.
SCALE
20.3
APPORTIONMENT
Apportioned Apportioned
Impairment | in Ratio | Impairment | in Ratio |
Rating | 1:1 | Rating | 1:1 |
1 | 1 & 0 | 46 | 27 & 26 |
2 | 1 & 1 | 47 | 27 & 27 |
3 | 2 & 1 | 48 | 28 & 28 |
4 | 2 & 2 | 49 | 29 & 28 |
5 | 3 & 2 | 50 | 29 & 29 |
6 | 3 & 3 | 51 | 30 & 30 |
7 | 4 & 3 | 52 | 31 & 31 |
8 | 4 & 4 | 53 | 32 & 31 |
9 | 5 & 4 | 54 | 32 & 32 |
10 | 5 & 5 | 55 | 33 & 33 |
11 | 6 & 5 | 56 | 34 & 34 |
12 | 6 & 6 | 57 | 35 & 34 |
13 | 7 & 6 | 58 | 35 & 35 |
14 | 7 & 7 | 59 | 36 & 36 |
15 | 8 & 8 | 60 | 37 & 37 |
16 | 9 & 8 | 61 | 38 & 37 |
17 | 9 & 9 | 62 | 38 & 38 |
18 | 10 & 9 | 63 | 39 & 39 |
19 | 10 & 10 | 64 | 40 & 40 |
20 | 11 & 10 | 65 | 41 & 41 |
21 | 11 & 11 | 66 | 42 & 42 |
22 | 12 & 11 | 67 | 43 & 42 |
23 | 12 & 12 | 68 | 43 & 43 |
24 | 13 & 13 | 69 | 44 & 44 |
25 | 14 & 13 | 70 | 45 & 45 |
26 | 14 & 14 | 71 | 46 & 46 |
27 | 15 & 14 | 72 | 47 & 47 |
28 | 15 & 15 | 73 | 48 & 48 |
29 | 16 & 16 | 74 | 49 & 49 |
30 | 17 & 16 | 75 | 50 & 50 |
31 | 17 & 17 | 76 | 51 & 51 |
32 | 18 & 17 | 77 | 52 & 52 |
33 | 18 & 18 | 78 | 53 & 53 |
34 | 19 & 19 | 79 | 54 & 54 |
35 | 20 & 19 | 80 | 55 & 55 |
36 | 20 & 20 | 81 | 56 & 56 |
37 | 21 & 20 | 82 | 57 & 57 |
38 | 21 & 21 | 83 | 59 & 59 |
39 | 22 & 22 | 84 | 60 & 60 |
40 | 23 & 22 | 85 | 61 & 61 |
41 | 23 & 23 | 86 | 62 & 62 |
42 | 24 & 24 | 87 | 64 & 64 |
43 | 25 & 24 | 88 | 65 & 65 |
44 | 25 & 25 | 89 | 67 & 67 |
45 | 26 & 26 | 90 | 68 & 68 |
No age adjustment permitted for this table
SCALE
20.4
APPORTIONMENT
Apportioned Apportioned
Impairment | in Ratio | Impairment | in Ratio |
Rating | 2:1 | Rating | 2:1 |
1 | 1 & 0 | 46 | 35 & 17 |
2 | 1 & 1 | 47 | 35 & 18 |
3 | 2 & 1 | 48 | 36 & 18 |
4 | 3 & 1 | 49 | 37 & 19 |
5 | 3 & 2 | 50 | 38 & 19 |
6 | 4 & 2 | 51 | 39 & 20 |
7 | 5 & 2 | 52 | 40 & 20 |
8 | 5 & 3 | 53 | 41 & 21 |
9 | 6 & 3 | 54 | 42 & 21 |
10 | 7 & 3 | 55 | 43 & 21 |
11 | 7 & 4 | 56 | 44 & 22 |
12 | 8 & 4 | 57 | 45 & 22 |
13 | 9 & 4 | 58 | 46 & 23 |
14 | 9 & 5 | 59 | 47 & 23 |
15 | 10 & 5 | 60 | 48 & 24 |
16 | 11 & 6 | 61 | 49 & 24 |
17 | 12 & 6 | 62 | 49 & 25 |
18 | 13 & 6 | 63 | 50 & 25 |
19 | 13 & 7 | 64 | 52 & 26 |
20 | 14 & 7 | 65 | 53 & 26 |
21 | 15 & 7 | 66 | 54 & 27 |
22 | 15 & 8 | 67 | 55 & 27 |
23 | 16 & 8 | 68 | 56 & 28 |
24 | 17 & 9 | 69 | 57 & 29 |
25 | 18 & 9 | 70 | 58 & 29 |
26 | 19 & 9 | 71 | 59 & 30 |
27 | 19 & 10 | 72 | 60 & 30 |
28 | 20 & 10 | 73 | 61 & 31 |
29 | 21 & 10 | 74 | 62 & 31 |
30 | 21 & 11 | 75 | 63 & 32 |
31 | 22 & 11 | 76 | 64 & 32 |
32 | 23 & 12 | 77 | 66 & 33 |
33 | 24 & 12 | 78 | 67 & 34 |
34 | 25 & 12 | 79 | 68 & 34 |
35 | 25 & 13 | 80 | 69 & 35 |
36 | 26 & 13 | 81 | 70 & 35 |
37 | 27 & 14 | 82 | 72 & 36 |
38 | 28 & 14 | 83 | 73 & 37 |
39 | 29 & 14 | 84 | 74 & 37 |
40 | 29 & 15 | 85 | 76 & 38 |
41 | 30 & 15 | 86 | 77 & 39 |
42 | 31 & 16 | 87 | 78 & 39 |
43 | 32 & 16 | 88 | 80 & 40 |
44 | 33 & 17 | 89 | 82 & 41 |
45 | 34 & 17 | 90 | 83 & 42 |
No age adjustment permitted for this table
SCALE
20.5
APPORTIONMENT
Apportioned Apportioned
Impairment | in Ratio | Impairment | in Ratio |
Rating | 3:1 | Rating | 3:1 |
1 | 1 & 0 | 46 | 38 & 13 |
2 | 2 & 0 | 47 | 39 & 13 |
3 | 2 & 1 | 48 | 40 & 13 |
4 | 3 & 1 | 49 | 41 & 14 |
5 | 4 & 1 | 50 | 42 & 14 |
6 | 4 & 2 | 51 | 43 & 14 |
7 | 5 & 2 | 52 | 44 & 15 |
8 | 6 & 2 | 53 | 45 & 15 |
9 | 7 & 2 | 54 | 46 & 15 |
10 | 7 & 3 | 55 | 47 & 16 |
11 | 8 & 3 | 56 | 48 & 16 |
12 | 9 & 3 | 57 | 49 & 16 |
13 | 10 & 3 | 58 | 49 & 17 |
14 | 10 & 4 | 59 | 51 & 17 |
15 | 11 & 4 | 60 | 52 & 17 |
16 | 12 & 4 | 61 | 53 & 18 |
17 | 13 & 5 | 62 | 54 & 18 |
18 | 14 & 5 | 63 | 55 & 18 |
19 | 15 & 5 | 64 | 56 & 19 |
20 | 16 & 5 | 65 | 57 & 19 |
21 | 16 & 6 | 66 | 58 & 19 |
22 | 17 & 6 | 67 | 59 & 20 |
23 | 18 & 6 | 68 | 60 & 20 |
24 | 19 & 6 | 69 | 61 & 20 |
25 | 19 & 7 | 70 | 62 & 21 |
26 | 20 & 7 | 71 | 63 & 21 |
27 | 21 & 7 | 72 | 64 & 21 |
28 | 22 & 8 | 73 | 66 & 22 |
29 | 23 & 8 | 74 | 67 & 22 |
30 | 24 & 8 | 75 | 68 & 23 |
31 | 25 & 8 | 76 | 69 & 23 |
32 | 25 & 9 | 77 | 70 & 23 |
33 | 26 & 9 | 78 | 71 & 24 |
34 | 27 & 9 | 79 | 72 & 24 |
35 | 28 & 10 | 80 | 73 & 25 |
36 | 29 & 10 | 81 | 75 & 25 |
37 | 30 & 10 | 82 | 76 & 25 |
38 | 31 & 10 | 83 | 77 & 26 |
39 | 32 & 11 | 84 | 78 & 26 |
40 | 33 & 11 | 85 | 80 & 27 |
41 | 34 & 11 | 86 | 81 & 27 |
42 | 34 & 12 | 87 | 82 & 27 |
43 | 35 & 12 | 88 | 84 & 28 |
44 | 36 & 12 | 89 | 85 & 28 |
45 | 37 & 12 | 90 | 86 & 29 |
No age adjustment permitted for this table
SCALE
20.6
APPORTIONMENT
Apportioned Apportioned
Impairment | in Ratio | Impairment | in Ratio |
Rating | 4:1 | Rating | 4:1 |
1 | 1 & 0 | 46 | 40 & 10 |
2 | 2 & 0 | 47 | 41 & 10 |
3 | 2 & 1 | 48 | 42 & 11 |
4 | 3 & 1 | 49 | 43 & 11 |
5 | 4 & 1 | 50 | 44 & 11 |
6 | 5 & 1 | 51 | 45 & 11 |
7 | 6 & 1 | 52 | 46 & 12 |
8 | 6 & 2 | 53 | 47 & 12 |
9 | 7 & 2 | 54 | 48 & 12 |
10 | 8 & 2 | 55 | 49 & 12 |
11 | 9 & 2 | 56 | 50 & 12 |
12 | 10 & 2 | 57 | 51 & 13 |
13 | 10 & 3 | 58 | 52 & 13 |
14 | 11 & 3 | 59 | 53 & 13 |
15 | 12 & 3 | 60 | 54 & 14 |
16 | 13 & 3 | 61 | 55 & 14 |
17 | 14 & 4 | 62 | 56 & 14 |
18 | 15 & 4 | 63 | 57 & 14 |
19 | 16 & 4 | 64 | 58 & 15 |
20 | 17 & 4 | 65 | 59 & 15 |
21 | 18 & 4 | 66 | 60 & 15 |
22 | 18 & 5 | 67 | 61 & 15 |
23 | 19 & 5 | 68 | 62 & 16 |
24 | 20 & 5 | 69 | 63 & 16 |
25 | 21 & 5 | 70 | 64 & 16 |
26 | 22 & 5 | 71 | 65 & 16 |
27 | 22 & 6 | 72 | 66 & 17 |
28 | 23 & 6 | 73 | 68 & 17 |
29 | 24 & 6 | 74 | 69 & 17 |
30 | 25 & 6 | 75 | 70 & 18 |
31 | 26 & 7 | 76 | 71 & 18 |
32 | 27 & 7 | 77 | 72 & 18 |
33 | 28 & 7 | 78 | 73 & 18 |
34 | 29 & 7 | 79 | 74 & 19 |
35 | 30 & 7 | 80 | 75 & 19 |
36 | 30 & 8 | 81 | 76 & 19 |
37 | 32 & 8 | 82 | 78 & 20 |
38 | 33 & 8 | 83 | 79 & 20 |
39 | 34 & 8 | 84 | 80 & 20 |
40 | 34 & 9 | 85 | 81 & 20 |
41 | 35 & 9 | 86 | 82 & 21 |
42 | 36 & 9 | 87 | 84 & 21 |
43 | 37 & 9 | 88 | 85 & 21 |
44 | 38 & 10 | 89 | 86 & 22 |
45 | 39 & 10 | 90 | 87 & 22 |
No age adjustment permitted for this table
SCALE
20.7
APPORTIONMENT
Apportioned Apportioned
Impairment | in Ratio | Impairment | in Ratio |
Rating | 5:1 | Rating | 5:1 |
1 | 1 & 0 | 46 | 41 & 8 |
2 | 1 & 1 | 47 | 42 & 8 |
3 | 2 & 1 | 48 | 43 & 9 |
4 | 3 & 1 | 49 | 44 & 9 |
5 | 4 & 1 | 50 | 45 & 9 |
6 | 5 & 1 | 51 | 46 & 9 |
7 | 6 & 1 | 52 | 47 & 9 |
8 | 7 & 1 | 53 | 48 & 10 |
9 | 7 & 2 | 54 | 49 & 10 |
10 | 8 & 2 | 55 | 50 & 10 |
11 | 9 & 2 | 56 | 51 & 10 |
12 | 10 & 2 | 57 | 52 & 10 |
13 | 11 & 2 | 58 | 53 & 11 |
14 | 12 & 2 | 59 | 54 & 11 |
15 | 12 & 3 | 60 | 55 & 11 |
16 | 13 & 3 | 61 | 56 & 11 |
17 | 14 & 3 | 62 | 57 & 11 |
18 | 15 & 3 | 63 | 58 & 12 |
19 | 16 & 3 | 64 | 59 & 12 |
20 | 17 & 4 | 65 | 60 & 12 |
21 | 18 & 4 | 66 | 61 & 12 |
22 | 19 & 4 | 67 | 62 & 12 |
23 | 20 & 4 | 68 | 63 & 13 |
24 | 21 & 4 | 69 | 64 & 13 |
25 | 22 & 4 | 70 | 65 & 13 |
26 | 22 & 5 | 71 | 67 & 13 |
27 | 23 & 5 | 72 | 68 & 14 |
28 | 24 & 5 | 73 | 69 & 14 |
29 | 25 & 5 | 74 | 70 & 14 |
30 | 26 & 5 | 75 | 71 & 14 |
31 | 27 & 5 | 76 | 72 & 14 |
32 | 28 & 6 | 77 | 73 & 15 |
33 | 29 & 6 | 78 | 74 & 15 |
34 | 30 & 6 | 79 | 75 & 15 |
35 | 31 & 6 | 80 | 76 & 15 |
36 | 32 & 6 | 81 | 77 & 16 |
37 | 32 & 7 | 82 | 79 & 16 |
38 | 33 & 7 | 83 | 80 & 16 |
39 | 34 & 7 | 84 | 81 & 16 |
40 | 35 & 7 | 85 | 82 & 16 |
41 | 37 & 7 | 86 | 83 & 17 |
42 | 37 & 8 | 87 | 84 & 17 |
43 | 38 & 8 | 88 | 85 & 17 |
44 | 39 & 8 | 89 | 87 & 17 |
45 | 40 & 8 | 90 | 88 & 18 |
No age adjustment permitted for this table
SCALE
20.8
APPORTIONMENT
Apportioned Apportioned
Impairment | in Ratio | Impairment | in Ratio |
Rating | 3:2 | Rating | 3:2 |
1 | 1 & 0 | 46 | 32 & 21 |
2 | 1 & 1 | 47 | 32 & 22 |
3 | 2 & 1 | 48 | 33 & 22 |
4 | 2 & 2 | 49 | 34 & 23 |
5 | 3 & 2 | 50 | 35 & 23 |
6 | 3 & 3 | 51 | 36 & 24 |
7 | 4 & 3 | 52 | 37 & 24 |
8 | 5 & 3 | 53 | 37 & 25 |
9 | 5 & 4 | 54 | 38 & 25 |
10 | 6 & 4 | 55 | 39 & 26 |
11 | 7 & 4 | 56 | 40 & 27 |
12 | 7 & 5 | 57 | 41 & 27 |
13 | 8 & 5 | 58 | 42 & 28 |
14 | 9 & 6 | 59 | 43 & 28 |
15 | 10 & 6 | 60 | 43 & 29 |
16 | 10 & 7 | 61 | 44 & 30 |
17 | 11 & 7 | 62 | 45 & 30 |
18 | 11 & 8 | 63 | 46 & 31 |
19 | 12 & 8 | 64 | 47 & 32 |
20 | 13 & 8 | 65 | 48 & 32 |
21 | 13 & 9 | 66 | 49 & 33 |
22 | 14 & 9 | 67 | 50 & 33 |
23 | 14 & 10 | 68 | 51 & 34 |
24 | 15 & 10 | 69 | 53 & 35 |
25 | 16 & 11 | 70 | 53 & 36 |
26 | 17 & 11 | 71 | 54 & 36 |
27 | 17 & 12 | 72 | 56 & 37 |
28 | 18 & 12 | 73 | 57 & 38 |
29 | 19 & 12 | 74 | 58 & 39 |
30 | 20 & 13 | 75 | 59 & 39 |
31 | 20 & 14 | 76 | 60 & 40 |
32 | 21 & 14 | 77 | 61 & 41 |
33 | 22 & 14 | 78 | 62 & 41 |
34 | 22 & 15 | 79 | 63 & 42 |
35 | 23 & 15 | 80 | 65 & 43 |
36 | 24 & 16 | 81 | 66 & 44 |
37 | 25 & 16 | 82 | 68 & 45 |
38 | 25 & 17 | 83 | 69 & 46 |
39 | 26 & 17 | 84 | 70 & 47 |
40 | 27 & 18 | 85 | 72 & 48 |
41 | 28 & 18 | 86 | 73 & 49 |
42 | 28 & 19 | 87 | 74 & 49 |
43 | 29 & 20 | 88 | 75 & 50 |
44 | 30 & 20 | 89 | 78 & 52 |
45 | 31 & 21 | 90 | 79 & 53 |
No age adjustment permitted for this table
SCALE
20.9
APPORTIONMENT
Apportioned Apportioned
Impairment | in Ratio | Impairment | in Ratio |
Rating | 1:1:1 | Rating | 1:1:1 |
1 | 1 & 0 & 0 | 46 | 19 & 18 & 18 |
2 | 1 & 1 & 0 | 47 | 19 & 19 & 19 |
3 | 1 & 1 & 1 | 48 | 20 & 20 & 19 |
4 | 2 & 1 & 1 | 49 | 20 & 20 & 20 |
5 | 2 & 2 & 1 | 50 | 21 & 21 & 20 |
6 | 2 & 2 & 2 | 51 | 21 & 21 & 21 |
7 | 3 & 2 & 2 | 52 | 22 & 22 & 22 |
8 | 3 & 3 & 2 | 53 | 23 & 22 & 22 |
9 | 3 & 3 & 3 | 54 | 23 & 23 & 22 |
10 | 4 & 3 & 3 | 55 | 23 & 23 & 23 |
11 | 4 & 4 & 3 | 56 | 24 & 24 & 24 |
12 | 4 & 4 & 4 | 57 | 25 & 24 & 24 |
13 | 4 & 4 & 5 | 58 | 25 & 25 & 25 |
14 | 5 & 5 & 4 | 59 | 26 & 26 & 26 |
15 | 5 & 5 & 5 | 60 | 27 & 26 & 26 |
16 | 6 & 6 & 5 | 61 | 27 & 27 & 27 |
17 | 6 & 6 & 6 | 62 | 28 & 28 & 27 |
18 | 7 & 6 & 6 | 63 | 28 & 28 & 28 |
19 | 7 & 7 & 6 | 64 | 29 & 29 & 28 |
20 | 7 & 7 & 7 | 65 | 29 & 29 & 29 |
21 | 8 & 8 & 7 | 66 | 30 & 30 & 30 |
22 | 8 & 8 & 8 | 67 | 31 & 31 & 31 |
23 | 9 & 8 & 8 | 68 | 32 & 31 & 31 |
24 | 9 & 9 & 9 | 69 | 32 & 32 & 32 |
25 | 10 & 9 & 9 | 70 | 33 & 33 & 33 |
26 | 10 & 10 & 9 | 71 | 34 & 34 & 34 |
27 | 10 & 10 & 10 | 72 | 35 & 35 & 34 |
28 | 11 & 10 & 10 | 73 | 35 & 35 & 35 |
29 | 11 & 11 & 10 | 74 | 36 & 36 & 36 |
30 | 11 & 11 & 11 | 75 | 37 & 37 & 37 |
31 | 12 & 11 & 11 | 76 | 38 & 38 & 38 |
32 | 12 & 12 & 12 | 77 | 39 & 39 & 39 |
33 | 13 & 13 & 12 | 78 | 40 & 40 & 40 |
34 | 13 & 13 & 13 | 79 | 41 & 41 & 41 |
35 | 14 & 13 & 13 | 80 | 42 & 42 & 42 |
36 | 14 & 14 & 14 | 81 | 43 & 42 & 42 |
37 | 15 & 14 & 14 | 82 | 43 & 43 & 43 |
38 | 15 & 15 & 14 | 83 | 44 & 44 & 44 |
39 | 15 & 15 & 15 | 84 | 45 & 45 & 45 |
40 | 16 & 16 & 16 | 85 | 47 & 47 & 47 |
41 | 17 & 16 & 16 | 86 | 48 & 48 & 48 |
42 | 17 & 17 & 16 | 87 | 49 & 49 & 49 |
43 | 17 & 17 & 17 | 88 | 50 & 50 & 50 |
44 | 18 & 17 & 17 | 89 | 52 & 52 & 52 |
45 | 18 & 18 & 18 | 90 | 53 & 53 & 53 |
No age adjustment permitted for this table
SCALE
20.10
APPORTIONMENT
Apportioned Apportioned
Impairment | in Ratio | Impairment | in Ratio |
Rating | 2:1:1 | Rating | 2:1:1 |
1 | 1 & 0 & 0 | 46 | 27 & 14 & 14 |
2 | 1 & 1 & 0 | 47 | 28 & 14 & 14 |
3 | 1 & 1 & 1 | 48 | 29 & 14 & 14 |
4 | 2 & 1 & 1 | 49 | 29 & 15 & 15 |
5 | 3 & 1 & 1 | 50 | 30 & 15 & 15 |
6 | 3 & 2 & 1 | 51 | 31 & 16 & 16 |
7 | 3 & 2 & 2 | 52 | 32 & 16 & 16 |
8 | 4 & 2 & 2 | 53 | 33 & 16 & 16 |
9 | 5 & 2 & 2 | 54 | 34 & 17 & 17 |
10 | 5 & 3 & 2 | 55 | 35 & 17 & 17 |
11 | 5 & 3 & 3 | 56 | 35 & 18 & 17 |
12 | 6 & 3 & 3 | 57 | 36 & 18 & 18 |
13 | 7 & 3 & 3 | 58 | 37 & 19 & 18 |
14 | 7 & 4 & 3 | 59 | 37 & 19 & 19 |
15 | 7 & 4 & 4 | 60 | 38 & 19 & 19 |
16 | 8 & 4 & 4 | 61 | 39 & 20 & 20 |
17 | 9 & 5 & 4 | 62 | 40 & 20 & 20 |
18 | 9 & 5 & 5 | 63 | 41 & 21 & 21 |
19 | 10 & 5 & 5 | 64 | 42 & 21 & 21 |
20 | 11 & 6 & 5 | 65 | 43 & 22 & 21 |
21 | 11 & 6 & 6 | 66 | 44 & 22 & 22 |
22 | 12 & 6 & 6 | 67 | 45 & 23 & 22 |
23 | 13 & 6 & 6 | 68 | 46 & 23 & 23 |
24 | 13 & 7 & 6 | 69 | 47 & 24 & 23 |
25 | 13 & 7 & 7 | 70 | 48 & 24 & 24 |
26 | 14 & 7 & 7 | 71 | 49 & 25 & 24 |
27 | 15 & 7 & 7 | 72 | 50 & 25 & 25 |
28 | 15 & 8 & 8 | 73 | 52 & 26 & 26 |
29 | 16 & 8 & 8 | 74 | 53 & 26 & 26 |
30 | 17 & 8 & 8 | 75 | 54 & 27 & 27 |
31 | 17 & 9 & 9 | 76 | 55 & 27 & 27 |
32 | 18 & 9 & 9 | 77 | 56 & 28 & 28 |
33 | 19 & 9 & 9 | 78 | 57 & 29 & 29 |
34 | 19 & 10 & 10 | 79 | 58 & 29 & 29 |
35 | 20 & 10 & 10 | 80 | 60 & 30 & 30 |
36 | 21 & 10 & 10 | 81 | 61 & 31 & 31 |
37 | 21 & 11 & 10 | 82 | 62 & 31 & 31 |
38 | 21 & 11 & 11 | 83 | 63 & 32 & 32 |
39 | 22 & 11 & 11 | 84 | 64 & 32 & 32 |
40 | 23 & 12 & 12 | 85 | 66 & 33 & 33 |
41 | 24 & 12 & 12 | 86 | 68 & 34 & 34 |
42 | 25 & 12 & 12 | 87 | 69 & 35 & 35 |
43 | 25 & 13 & 13 | 88 | 70 & 35 & 35 |
44 | 26 & 13 & 13 | 89 | 73 & 37 & 37 |
45 | 27 & 14 & 13 | 90 | 74 & 37 & 37 |
No age adjustment permitted for this table
SCALE
20.11
APPORTIONMENT
Apportioned Apportioned
Impairment | in Ratio | Impairment | in Ratio |
Rating | 2:2:1 | Rating | 2:2:1 |
1 | 1 & 0 & 0 | 46 | 22 & 22 & 11 |
2 | 1 & 1 & 0 | 47 | 23 & 22 & 11 |
3 | 1 & 1 & 1 | 48 | 24 & 23 & 12 |
4 | 2 & 1 & 1 | 49 | 24 & 24 & 12 |
5 | 2 & 2 & 1 | 50 | 25 & 24 & 12 |
6 | 3 & 2 & 1 | 51 | 25 & 25 & 13 |
7 | 3 & 3 & 1 | 52 | 26 & 26 & 13 |
8 | 3 & 3 & 2 | 53 | 27 & 26 & 13 |
9 | 4 & 3 & 2 | 54 | 28 & 27 & 14 |
10 | 4 & 4 & 2 | 55 | 28 & 28 & 14 |
11 | 5 & 4 & 2 | 56 | 29 & 28 & 14 |
12 | 5 & 5 & 2 | 57 | 29 & 29 & 14 |
13 | 5 & 5 & 3 | 58 | 30 & 30 & 15 |
14 | 6 & 5 & 3 | 59 | 31 & 30 & 15 |
15 | 6 & 6 & 3 | 60 | 31 & 31 & 16 |
16 | 7 & 6 & 3 | 61 | 32 & 32 & 16 |
17 | 7 & 7 & 4 | 62 | 33 & 33 & 16 |
18 | 8 & 8 & 4 | 63 | 34 & 34 & 17 |
19 | 9 & 8 & 4 | 64 | 35 & 34 & 17 |
20 | 9 & 9 & 4 | 65 | 35 & 35 & 17 |
21 | 9 & 9 & 5 | 66 | 36 & 36 & 18 |
22 | 10 & 9 & 5 | 67 | 37 & 36 & 18 |
23 | 10 & 10 & 5 | 68 | 38 & 37 & 19 |
24 | 11 & 10 & 5 | 69 | 38 & 38 & 19 |
25 | 11 & 11 & 5 | 70 | 39 & 39 & 20 |
26 | 11 & 11 & 6 | 71 | 40 & 40 & 20 |
27 | 12 & 11 & 6 | 72 | 41 & 41 & 21 |
28 | 12 & 12 & 6 | 73 | 42 & 42 & 21 |
29 | 13 & 13 & 7 | 74 | 43 & 42 & 21 |
30 | 14 & 13 & 7 | 75 | 43 & 43 & 22 |
31 | 14 & 14 & 7 | 76 | 44 & 44 & 22 |
32 | 15 & 14 & 7 | 77 | 46 & 45 & 23 |
33 | 15 & 15 & 7 | 78 | 46 & 46 & 23 |
34 | 15 & 15 & 8 | 79 | 48 & 48 & 24 |
35 | 16 & 16 & 8 | 80 | 49 & 49 & 24 |
36 | 17 & 16 & 8 | 81 | 50 & 50 & 25 |
37 | 17 & 17 & 9 | 82 | 51 & 51 & 26 |
38 | 18 & 17 & 9 | 83 | 52 & 52 & 26 |
39 | 18 & 18 & 9 | 84 | 54 & 53 & 27 |
40 | 19 & 18 & 9 | 85 | 54 & 54 & 27 |
41 | 19 & 19 & 10 | 86 | 56 & 56 & 28 |
42 | 20 & 20 & 10 | 87 | 58 & 58 & 29 |
43 | 21 & 20 & 10 | 88 | 59 & 59 & 30 |
44 | 21 & 21 & 10 | 89 | 60 & 60 & 30 |
45 | 22 & 21 & 11 | 90 | 62 & 62 & 31 |
No age adjustment permitted for this table
SCALE
20.12
APPORTIONMENT
Apportioned Apportioned
Impairment | in Ratio | Impairment | in Ratio |
Rating | 3:2:1 | Rating | 3:2:1 |
1 | 1 & 0 & 0 | 46 | 28 & 18 & 9 |
2 | 1 & 1 & 0 | 47 | 28 & 19 & 9 |
3 | 2 & 1 & 0 | 48 | 29 & 19 & 10 |
4 | 2 & 1 & 1 | 49 | 29 & 20 & 10 |
5 | 2 & 2 & 1 | 50 | 30 & 20 & 10 |
6 | 3 & 2 & 1 | 51 | 31 & 20 & 10 |
7 | 4 & 2 & 1 | 52 | 32 & 21 & 11 |
8 | 4 & 3 & 1 | 53 | 32 & 22 & 11 |
9 | 5 & 3 & 1 | 54 | 33 & 22 & 11 |
10 | 5 & 3 & 2 | 55 | 34 & 22 & 11 |
11 | 5 & 4 & 2 | 56 | 35 & 23 & 12 |
12 | 6 & 4 & 2 | 57 | 36 & 24 & 12 |
13 | 7 & 4 & 2 | 58 | 37 & 24 & 12 |
14 | 7 & 5 & 2 | 59 | 37 & 25 & 12 |
15 | 7 & 5 & 3 | 60 | 38 & 26 & 13 |
16 | 8 & 5 & 3 | 61 | 39 & 26 & 13 |
17 | 9 & 6 & 3 | 62 | 40 & 26 & 13 |
18 | 10 & 6 & 3 | 63 | 41 & 27 & 14 |
19 | 10 & 7 & 3 | 64 | 42 & 28 & 14 |
20 | 11 & 7 & 4 | 65 | 43 & 28 & 14 |
21 | 11 & 8 & 4 | 66 | 44 & 29 & 15 |
22 | 12 & 8 & 4 | 67 | 44 & 30 & 15 |
23 | 13 & 8 & 4 | 68 | 45 & 30 & 15 |
24 | 13 & 9 & 4 | 69 | 47 & 31 & 16 |
25 | 13 & 9 & 5 | 70 | 47 & 31 & 16 |
26 | 14 & 9 & 5 | 71 | 48 & 32 & 16 |
27 | 14 & 10 & 5 | 72 | 49 & 33 & 17 |
28 | 15 & 10 & 5 | 73 | 51 & 34 & 17 |
29 | 16 & 11 & 5 | 74 | 52 & 35 & 17 |
30 | 17 & 11 & 6 | 75 | 53 & 36 & 18 |
31 | 17 & 12 & 6 | 76 | 54 & 36 & 18 |
32 | 18 & 12 & 6 | 77 | 56 & 37 & 19 |
33 | 19 & 12 & 6 | 78 | 57 & 38 & 19 |
34 | 19 & 13 & 6 | 79 | 58 & 38 & 19 |
35 | 20 & 13 & 7 | 80 | 59 & 40 & 20 |
36 | 20 & 14 & 7 | 81 | 60 & 40 & 20 |
37 | 21 & 14 & 7 | 82 | 61 & 40 & 20 |
38 | 22 & 14 & 7 | 83 | 63 & 42 & 21 |
39 | 22 & 15 & 7 | 84 | 65 & 44 & 22 |
40 | 23 & 16 & 8 | 85 | 66 & 44 & 22 |
41 | 24 & 16 & 8 | 86 | 67 & 44 & 22 |
42 | 25 & 16 & 8 | 87 | 69 & 46 & 23 |
43 | 25 & 17 & 8 | 88 | 70 & 46 & 23 |
44 | 26 & 18 & 9 | 89 | 72 & 48 & 24 |
45 | 27 & 18 & 9 | 90 | 74 & 50 & 25 |
No age adjustment permitted for this table
SCALE
20.13
APPORTIONMENT
Apportioned Apportioned
Impairment | in Ratio | Impairment | in Ratio |
Rating | 1:1:1:1 | Rating | 1:1:1:1 |
1 | 1 & 0 & 0 & 0 | 46 | 15 & 14 & 14 & 14 |
2 | 1 & 1 & 0 & 0 | 47 | 15 & 15 & 14 & 14 |
3 | 1 & 1 & 1 & 0 | 48 | 15 & 15 & 15 & 15 |
4 | 1 & 1 & 1 & 1 | 49 | 16 & 15 & 15 & 15 |
5 | 2 & 1 & 1 & 1 | 50 | 16 & 16 & 16 & 16 |
6 | 2 & 2 & 1 & 1 | 51 | 17 & 17 & 16 & 16 |
7 | 2 & 2 & 2 & 1 | 52 | 17 & 17 & 17 & 16 |
8 | 2 & 2 & 2 & 2 | 53 | 17 & 17 & 17 & 17 |
9 | 3 & 2 & 2 & 2 | 54 | 18 & 17 & 17 & 17 |
10 | 3 & 3 & 2 & 2 | 55 | 18 & 18 & 18 & 18 |
11 | 3 & 3 & 3 & 2 | 56 | 19 & 18 & 18 & 18 |
12 | 3 & 3 & 3 & 3 | 57 | 19 & 19 & 19 & 19 |
13 | 4 & 3 & 3 & 3 | 58 | 20 & 20 & 19 & 19 |
14 | 4 & 4 & 3 & 3 | 59 | 20 & 20 & 20 & 20 |
15 | 4 & 4 & 4 & 3 | 60 | 21 & 20 & 20 & 20 |
16 | 4 & 4 & 4 & 4 | 61 | 21 & 21 & 21 & 21 |
17 | 5 & 5 & 4 & 4 | 62 | 22 & 22 & 22 & 21 |
18 | 5 & 5 & 5 & 4 | 63 | 22 & 22 & 22 & 22 |
19 | 5 & 5 & 5 & 5 | 64 | 23 & 23 & 22 & 22 |
20 | 6 & 6 & 5 & 5 | 65 | 23 & 23 & 23 & 23 |
21 | 6 & 6 & 6 & 5 | 66 | 24 & 24 & 24 & 23 |
22 | 6 & 6 & 6 & 6 | 67 | 24 & 24 & 24 & 24 |
23 | 7 & 6 & 6 & 6 | 68 | 25 & 25 & 25 & 24 |
24 | 7 & 7 & 6 & 6 | 69 | 25 & 25 & 25 & 25 |
25 | 7 & 7 & 7 & 6 | 70 | 26 & 26 & 26 & 26 |
26 | 7 & 7 & 7 & 7 | 71 | 27 & 27 & 26 & 26 |
27 | 8 & 8 & 8 & 7 | 72 | 27 & 27 & 27 & 27 |
28 | 8 & 8 & 8 & 8 | 73 | 28 & 28 & 28 & 28 |
29 | 9 & 8 & 8 & 8 | 74 | 29 & 29 & 28 & 28 |
30 | 9 & 9 & 8 & 8 | 75 | 29 & 29 & 29 & 29 |
31 | 9 & 9 & 9 & 8 | 76 | 30 & 30 & 30 & 30 |
32 | 10 & 9 & 9 & 9 | 77 | 31 & 31 & 31 & 31 |
33 | 10 & 10 & 9 & 9 | 78 | 32 & 31 & 31 & 31 |
34 | 10 & 10 & 10 & 10 | 79 | 32 & 32 & 32 & 32 |
35 | 11 & 10 & 10 & 10 | 80 | 33 & 33 & 33 & 33 |
36 | 11 & 11 & 10 & 10 | 81 | 34 & 34 & 34 & 34 |
37 | 11 & 11 & 11 & 10 | 82 | 35 & 35 & 35 & 35 |
38 | 11 & 11 & 11 & 11 | 83 | 36 & 36 & 36 & 36 |
39 | 12 & 11 & 11 & 11 | 84 | 37 & 37 & 37 & 37 |
40 | 12 & 12 & 12 & 12 | 85 | 38 & 38 & 38 & 38 |
41 | 13 & 13 & 12 & 12 | 86 | 39 & 39 & 39 & 39 |
42 | 13 & 13 & 13 & 12 | 87 | 40 & 40 & 40 & 40 |
43 | 13 & 13 & 13 & 13 | 88 | 41 & 41 & 41 & 41 |
44 | 14 & 14 & 14 & 13 | 89 | 43 & 42 & 42 & 42 |
45 | 14 & 14 & 14 & 14 | 90 | 43 & 43 & 43 & 43 |
No age adjustment permitted for this table
NOTES
INTRODUCTION
The paired organs policy recognises that impairment of the function of only one of a pair of organs can place greater importance on the proper function of the other organ, impairment of which is therefore more disabling than it would otherwise have been.
The policy is to be applied only if the maximum possible impairment from the loss of both organs is more than double the maximum possible impairment from the loss of one organ; and the accepted conditions impair the function of only one organ of a pair. Thus it is applied to hearing, vision, renal function, and the function of testes, ovaries, and adrenals. It is not to be applied to limbs, since the loss of functional unity of the limbs has been allowed for in the impairment ratings of Chapter 3. Chapter 21 is not to be used for hearing loss, as the steps for applying the paired organs policy to hearing loss are contained in Chapter 7 (Ear, Nose, and Throat Impairment).
Applying the paired organs policy
Follow the steps below to calculate the degree of impairment under the paired organs policy.
STEP
1
Multiply by 2 the impairment rating for the impairment due to the accepted condition to which the paired organs policy applies.
STEP
2
STEP
3
Find the total impairment rating for the relevant paired organs.
Compare the ratings obtained in Steps 1 and 2. Take the lesser rating. This is the final impairment rating for the paired organ.
Example
A veteran has a combined monocular assessment of 20 points for an accepted condition of the left eye, and a binocular impairment rating of 35. In Step 1 the
20 points are multiplied by two to get 40 points. This is compared with the binocular
impairment rating, and the lesser taken. The veteran therefore gets 35 points after application of the paired organs policy, instead of the 20 points which would have been given if the policy had not applied.
Lifestyle Effects
INTRODUCTION
This chapter is to be used to assess lifestyle effects of accepted conditions.
What is a lifestyle effect?
A lifestyle effect is a disadvantage, resulting from an accepted condition, that limits or prevents the fulfilment of a role that is normal for a veteran of the same age without the accepted condition.
Optional methods of assessment
There are three optional methods of assessing lifestyle effects. The veteran may choose which of these methods is to be used for his or her assessment. Except where otherwise indicated, the determining authority is to make its assessment on the basis of the last choice made by the veteran and notified to the determining authority. Where no option has been or can be chosen, the determining authority is to determine a lifestyle rating by following the procedure described under "Option
2" below.
Option 1 allows a veteran to self-assess the effects of the accepted conditions on his or her lifestyle. The veteran must complete a Lifestyle Rating Self Assessment Form. The form covers the four key components of lifestyle (personal relationships, mobility, recreational and community activities, and employment and domestic activities) and is in accord with Tables 22.1 to 22.5.
The self-assessed rating should not usually be queried although further information may be requested if necessary. It is expected that the self-assessed lifestyle rating would be broadly consistent with the level of impairment. A determining authority may reject a self-assessment of lifestyle rating because it overestimates, or underestimates, the level of rating that is broadly consistent with the level of impairment from accepted conditions.
If a determining authority rejects a veteran's self-assessment on the ground that it is an underassessment, the determining authority is to substitute its own lifestyle rating for the one chosen by the veteran, provided that the new rating is higher than the original self-assessed rating.
If a determining authority rejects a veteran's self-assessment on the ground that it is an overassessment, the veteran is to be given a second opportunity to complete a Lifestyle Questionnaire. If after having been given the opportunity the veteran completes a Lifestyle Questionnaire, the determining authority is to determine a new lifestyle rating by following the procedure described under "Option 3" below. If after having been given the opportunity the veteran does not complete a Lifestyle Questionnaire, the determining authority is to determine a new lifestyle rating by following the procedure described under "Option 2" below.
Option 2 is to be used if the veteran chooses not to self-assess or to complete a Lifestyle Questionnaire. Under this option the determining authority should generally allocate a lifestyle rating based on the level of medical impairment. This rating is not to be less than the higher of the ratings contained in the "shaded area" of Table 23.1 in Chapter 23 (Conversion To Degree Of Incapacity).
In unusual cases the determining authority may, in the light of information available to it, decide to allocate a rating in excess of the higher of the ratings contained in the "shaded area" of Table 23.1 in Chapter 23 (Conversion To Degree Of Incapacity).
Option 3 is to be used if the veteran completes a Lifestyle Questionnaire. The determining authority is to use the information in the completed Lifestyle Questionnaire, together with all other relevant information available to it, to allocate ratings in accordance with Tables 22.1 to 22.5. The ratings are to reflect the impact of the impairment from accepted conditions on the four key components of a person's lifestyle (personal relationships, mobility, recreational and community activities, and employment and domestic activities).
How are lifestyle effects assessed?
The effects of impairment on lifestyle are specific to a veteran and are determined by reference to four components of that veteran's life:
+ personal relationships,
+ mobility,
+ recreational and community activities, and
+ employment and domestic activities. All are of equal weight.
Pain, suffering, impaired memory or concentration, or interference with sleep or sleeping arrangements, that result from the accepted conditions must be taken into account. The rating that best accommodates the veteran's circumstances is to be selected from the descriptions in Tables 22.1 to 22.5.
The criteria in the Lifestyle Rating Self-Assessment Form are the same as the criteria in Tables 22.1 to 22.5. Ratings are based on a progressive scale of 0-7 (with the exception of Table 22.5 in which the scale ranges from 0-5). A zero rating indicates that a veteran's lifestyle is only negligibly affected by the accepted conditions. A
rating of 7 indicates that the effect of the accepted conditions on a veteran's lifestyle is of the utmost severity.
Calculation of lifestyle rating
Follow the steps below to calculate the lifestyle rating, except in those cases where the veteran has made a self-assessment that has been accepted..
STEP Determine the lifestyle rating from each of Tables 22.1, 22.2, 22.3,
1 22.4 and 22.5.
STEP Compare the lifestyle ratings obtained from Tables 22.4 and 22.5.
2 Take the higher rating.
STEP Add together the lifestyle ratings from Tables 22.1, 22.2, 22.3 and
3 the lifestyle rating obtained in Step 2.
STEP Divide the number obtained in Step 3 by four. The result of the
4 division is to be rounded to the nearest integer. The fraction of 0.5 is
to be rounded up. This is the final lifestyle rating to be used in the
assessment.
PERSONAL RELATIONSHIPS
"Personal relationships" refers to the veteran's ability to take part in and maintain customary social, sexual and interpersonal relationships.
To determine the effect on personal relationships, it is necessary to establish how the physical and psychological effects of accepted conditions affect the veteran's ability to interact socially with others.
NOTES
Lifestyle Effects
Table 22.1
PERSONAL RELATIONSHIPS
Ratings Criteria
NIL No or negligible effect on personal and social relationships. Relationships are satisfying, with full participation in accustomed social and personal activities.
ONE Personal and social relationships are fairly satisfying.
Intermittent disadvantages may inhibit, but not prevent participation in accustomed range of social and personal activities.
TWO Mildly affected personal and social relationships.
Social contacts and activities are reduced, veteran's participation in the accustomed range of activities is restricted.
THREE Moderately affected personal and social relationships.
Relationships usually confined to family, close friends, colleagues and neighbours. Unable to relate to casual acquaintances.
FOUR Markedly affected relationships. Most relations are unsatisfying, maintenance of usual relations with relatives, friends, neighbours and colleagues is difficult. Much less time is spent socialising than was the case formerly.
FIVE Severely affected relationships. Able to relate only to particular, or few people, eg spouse or children. These remaining relationships are strained and of low quality.
SIX Extreme difficulty in relating to anyone, for example:
- difficulties in relating because of psychosis; or
- social interaction limited to carer(s) due to confinement; or
- ability to communicate is restricted due to stroke or other effect of accepted conditions.
SEVEN Unable to relate to anyone. All relationships are prevented.
One rating from this table is to be selected.
No age adjustment permitted for this table
MOBILITY
The mobility rating measures the effects of the accepted conditions on the veteran's mobility. "Mobility" refers to the veteran's ability to move about effectively in carrying out the ordinary activities of life. It allows for the veteran's ability to use available forms of transport. Lack of public transport is not to be taken into account.
Both physical and psychological impediments to mobility are to be taken into account when applying Table 22.2. Restrictions on mobility due to mental health factors (e.g. agoraphobia, claustrophobia, dementia, anxiety, confusion, etc), or sensory deficit (e.g. hearing loss, or reduced vision) should be rated in the same way as the more obvious restrictions due to physical impairment.
NOTES
Lifestyle Effects
Table 22.2 MOBILITY Ratings Criteria
NIL No or minimal restrictions of mobility, ie full mobility. ONE Intermittent or periodic effects on mobility:
- mobility affected only when impairment eg migraine, angina, sciatica, or panic attack, is present. Between attacks there are no restrictions;
- if there is permanent impairment, eg night blindness, the effect is only sporadically limiting.
TWO Mild effects on mobility, eg slowing of pace in some circumstances, or need for a walking stick.
THREE Moderately reduced mobility:
- mobility curtained or diminished because of frailty, lack of confidence; or moderate agoraphobia;
- travel as a passenger, in private and public transport, possible in most circumstances without undue difficulty ('undue difficulty' not being the need for a break in travel or for special seating arrangements);
- dependent on a walking stick or similar device. Independent in leaving home and reaching destination, but has some difficulty.
FOUR Markedly reduced mobility:
- assistance is needed to cope with public or private transport;
- there is considerable difficulty in travelling from home to destination;
- restricted in the use of at least two forms of public transport.
FIVE Major impediments to mobility:
- dependent upon others, or mechanical devices such as wheelchairs;
- unable to use most forms of public transport;
- able to drive a car only in a situation of emergency and then only for a short distance.
SIX Severe impediments to mobility:
- restricted to home and immediate vicinity, unless door to door transport and assistance from others are provided;
- unable to drive a car in any circumstances whatever.
SEVEN Restricted to room or chair:
- severe agoraphobia permanently confines veteran to home;
- dependent upon others, or hoists or similar appliances, for getting in and out of bed.
No age adjustment permitted for this table
One rating from this table is to be selected.
RECREATIONAL AND COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES
This refers to the ability to take part in any activities of the veteran's choosing.
A recreational rating is based on the veteran's normal recreational and community activities and measures the limitation placed by the accepted conditions on the ability to continue those activities. The table takes into account the veteran's need to modify recreational pursuits or to seek alternatives. Community activities include welfare work in a voluntary capacity.
NOTES
Lifestyle Effects
Table 22.3
RECREATIONAL AND COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES
Ratings Criteria
NIL Able to undertake the full range of usual recreational pursuits and community activities.
ONE Intermittent interference with recreational pursuits and
community activities. Between episodes is able to continue with the range of accustomed recreational pursuits and community activities.
TWO Mild but constant interference with accustomed recreational
pursuits and community activities, but is able to continue with them – even if less frequently – or to enjoy alternatives.
THREE Unable to continue some accustomed recreational pursuits and community activities, for example:
- competition sporting activities (golf, tennis, bowls, etc) but is still able to enjoy most other activities (camping out, hobbies, going visiting, watching sport, etc);
- unable to perform some community or voluntary activities involving physical activity (eg working bees) but is still able to participate in most other activities including welfare work, fund raising work etc.
FOUR Unable to take part in formerly favoured recreational pursuits,
leisure and community activities, but less physical activities are possible, for example:
- restricted to generally non-active interests (eg music, art, stamp or coin collecting, attending clubs, etc); and
- unable to participate in accustomed activities (eg camping, going for long walks, fishing, voluntary activities such as meals on wheels).
FIVE Greater reduction in the number and kind of recreational
activities which can be undertaken; some assistance is needed to undertake those which are still possible, for example:
- can only visit or go out if taken to and from destination;
- finds doing a hobby or relaxing (for example, stamp collecting, art & crafts, playing or listening to music, playing cards, etc.) difficult to enjoy due to pain, suffering, or loss of dexterity.
SIX Able to engage in only a very few satisfying recreational
activities. Restricted to a few passive activities such as watching
TV, listening to radio, reading or receiving visitors. SEVEN Unable to take part in any recreational activities.
One rating from this table is to be selected.
No age adjustment permitted for this table
DOMESTIC AND EMPLOYMENT ACTIVITIES
There are two tables for this lifestyle component. A lifestyle rating is to be selected from each table, where applicable, and the higher of the two lifestyle ratings is to be chosen as the lifestyle rating for domestic and employment activities.
Domestic Activities
"Domestic activity" refers to the veteran's ability to sustain effective routines in a domestic environment. Only the impact of accepted conditions on the ability to engage in domestic activity is to be taken into account: the veteran's inability to do domestic work for some other reason (for example, choice, habit, inexperience, lack of skill) is not to be taken into account.
NOTES
Lifestyle Effects
Table 22.4
DOMESTIC ACTIVITIES
Ratings Criteria
NIL Able to sustain any usual activities.
ONE Intermittent effects of accepted disablement on usual activity.
TWO Able to carry out accustomed tasks, but has difficulty with some heavier tasks, for example:
- has difficulty with heavy gardening activities such
as digging, pruning trees etc.
THREE Unable to perform heavy activities, but able to carry out lighter household tasks, taking breaks during sustained activity, for example:
- mowing the lawn;
- washing the car;
- performing light maintenance or gardening activities if working at own pace, taking breaks as necessary.
FOUR Unable to carry out a full range of normal household activities, particularly some moderate tasks which require exertion. Needs assistance with some activities, for example:
- vacuuming carpets, cleaning floors, or mowing lawns;
- home repairs and maintenance, etc.
FIVE Limitation of household activity to a small range of light tasks, for example:
- watering the garden but has difficulty in weeding or pruning;
- able to do some light household activities but has
difficulty bending to make beds, or in putting out the rubbish bin;
- requires assistance with grocery shopping.
SIX Able to carry out only very limited domestic activities, usually a restricted range of indoor activities. May require supervision in carrying out such activities, for example:
- able to do very light tidying, dusting but unable to cook or prepare meals;
- has difficulty standing to set table or wash dishes.
SEVEN Total dependency upon others for domestic tasks.
One rating from this table is to be selected.
No age adjustment permitted for this table
DOMESTIC AND EMPLOYMENT ACTIVITIES
Employment Activities
"Employment activities" refers to the veteran's ability to work. An employment rating is based on the effects of the accepted conditions on the ability to work for remuneration. It should take into account any necessary changes or modifications to employment or the workplace.
Ratings from Table 22.5 do not confer on the veteran an earnings related benefit, but are intended to compensate for the adverse effects (other than loss of income) of unemployment, reduced employment, or diminished quality of working life.
There are only six criteria on Table 22.5.
Lifestyle Effects
Table 22.5
EMPLOYMENT ACTIVITIES
Ratings Criteria
NIL Able to engage in usual employment.
ONE Able to carry out usual employment that is affected intermittently.
TWO Able to follow accustomed employment but difficulty is experienced in carrying out full range of occupational activities.
THREE Unable to follow accustomed employment without modification to workplace, provision of aids or restructuring of tasks.
FOUR Either unable to work full time in normal occupation, or has had to change occupation or number of hours worked, or both, because of the accepted conditions.
FIVE Unable to work.
One rating from this table is to be selected.
No age adjustment permitted for this table
Degree of Incapacity
INTRODUCTION
After a Combined Impairment Rating has been obtained and rounded to the nearest
5 points (or to zero), and a Lifestyle Rating has also been obtained, the rounded Combined Impairment Rating and the Lifestyle Rating are to be combined to establish the degree of incapacity from all accepted conditions. Apply Table 23.1 to do this.
The degree of incapacity is expressed by a number which is a percentage (eg, "70" means "70 per cent").
A veteran's lifestyle rating is expected to be broadly consistent with the degree of medical impairment from accepted conditions as measured by the Combined Impairment Rating. In most cases a lifestyle rating that falls within the shaded area of Table 23.1 will satisfy the requirement of broad consistency. There may be exceptional cases and, in accordance with Chapter 22 of this Guide, a lifestyle rating outside the shaded area may be allocated.
Method of conversion to degree of incapacity
Follow the steps below to convert the impairment and lifestyle ratings to a degree of incapacity for all the conditions under assessment.
STEP
1
In the extreme left hand side column of Table 23.1, headed "Impairment", find the value of the impairment rating already obtained. The line on which this value is written is "The Row" for purposes of Step 3.
STEP
2
Under the heading "Lifestyle Ratings" in Table 23.1, there is a row of numbers from 0 to 7. Find the number which equals the lifestyle rating that was obtained using Chapter 22 (Lifestyle Effects). The column under this number is "The Column" for purposes of Step 3.
STEP
3
Find the intersection of The Row and The Column. The number at this intersection is the degree of incapacity.
SCALE
23.1
CONVERSION TO DEGREE OF INCAPACITY
Impairment Lifestyle Ratings
| 0 | 1 |
| 2 |
| 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 |
0 | 0 | 10 |
| 10 |
| 20 | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
5 | 10 | 10 |
| 20 |
| 30 | 40 | 40 | N/A | N/A |
10 | 10 | 20 |
| 30 |
| 30 | 40 | 50 | 60 | N/A |
15 | 20 | 30 |
| 30 |
| 40 | 50 | 60 | 60 | N/A |
20 | 20 | 30 |
| 40 |
| 50 | 50 | 60 | 70 | 80 |
25 | 30 | 40 |
| 40 |
| 50 | 60 | 70 | 70 | 80 |
30 | 40 | 40 |
| 50 |
| 60 | 70 | 70 | 80 | 80 |
35 | N/A | 50 |
| 60 |
| 60 | 70 | 80 | 90 | 90 |
40 | N/A | 50 |
| 60 |
| 70 | 80 | 80 | 90 | 100 |
45 | N/A | 60 |
| 70 |
| 80 | 80 | 90 | 100 | 100 |
50 | N/A | 70 |
| 70 |
| 80 | 90 | 100 | 100 | 100 |
55 | N/A | 70 |
| 80 |
| 90 | 90 | 100 | 100 | 100 |
60 | N/A | 80 |
| 90 |
| 90 | 100 | 100 | 100 | 100 |
65 | 100 | 100 |
| 100 |
| 100 | 100 | 100 | 100 | 100 |
70 | 100 | 100 |
| 100 |
| 100 | 100 | 100 | 100 | 100 |
75 | 100 | 100 |
| 100 |
| 100 | 100 | 100 | 100 | 100 |
80 | 100 | 100 |
| 100 |
| 100 | 100 | 100 | 100 | 100 |
85 | 100 | 100 |
| 100 |
| 100 | 100 | 100 | 100 | 100 |
90 | 100 | 100 |
| 100 |
| 100 | 100 | 100 | 100 | 100 |
No age adjustment permitted for this table
INTRODUCTION
The percentages of the degree of incapacity ascribed to the specific conditions listed in Table 24.1 are drawn from Schedule 4 of the former Repatriation Act 1920, and have not been arrived at by using the concepts in this Guide.
The percentages in column 2 are minimum final assessments regardless of the outcome of an assessment of the veteran's impairment and lifestyle effects. If a veteran has an accepted condition listed in column 1 of Table 24.1, the minimum degree of incapacity is the corresponding percentage appearing in column 2.
How to use Table 24.1
Follow the steps below to determine whether the degree of incapacity for specific conditions applies to a particular assessment.
STEP
1
Assess the veteran's degree of incapacity from all accepted conditions using this Guide. If the veteran does not have an accepted condition listed in column 1 of Table 24.1, then this is the final degree of incapacity.
STEP
2
If the veteran has an accepted condition listed in column 1 of Table
24.1, find the line on which it is listed. Take the percentage degree of incapacity listed in column 2 of Table 24.1 on the same line. (If the veteran has more than one condition listed in column 1 of Table
24.1, establish the corresponding percentage degree of incapacity
from column 2 of Table 24.1 for each, and take the highest.)
STEP
3
Compare the degrees of incapacity obtained in Steps 1 and 2. Take the higher degree. This is the final degree of incapacity.
SCALE
24.1
DEGREE OF INCAPACITY FOR SPECIFIC DISABILITIES
Column 1 Column 2
Description of Disability % Degree of Incapacity
Loss of two or more limbs 100
Loss of both eyes 100
Loss of one eye, together with loss of
leg, foot, hand or arm 100
Loss of both arms 100
Loss of both legs 100
Loss of both feet 100
Loss of both hands 100
Loss of hand and foot 100
Loss of all fingers and thumbs 100
Very severe facial disfigurement 100
Amputation of leg at hip, or right 100 for first 6 months*
arm at shoulder joint (if right-handed) then 80 thereafter or of left arm at shoulder joint
(if left-handed)
Severe facial disfigurement 80
Total loss of speech 100
Loss of leg or foot 100 for first 6 months*
then 80 thereafter
Loss of arm or hand 100 for first 6 months*
then 80 thereafter
Total deafness 100
Loss of vision in one eye 50
*The first six months immediately following the loss
For purposes of this table, a leg, foot, hand, arm or eye is deemed to be lost if it is rendered permanently and wholly useless.
No age adjustment permitted for this table
INDEX
A
abdominal cramps ....................................... 122 abdominal pain ............................................ 122 ability to concentrate ..................................... 95 accepted condition
definition of ................................................ 2
Accepted Percentage Hearing Loss ............. 128
......................................... 133-134, 154-155 definition of ............................................ 128
Act
definition of ................................................ 1
Activities of Daily Living ............. 115, 169-170
........................ 172, 189, 190, 193, 197, 219 add
definition of ................................................ 2 age adjustment .......................... 8, 9, 54, 58, 65
................ 70, 77, 80, 85, 129, 137-138, 145 agoraphobia ......................................... 267-268 agraphia ............................................... 109-110 air conduction ............... 128, 131-132, 134-138 definition of ............................................ 128 alopecia ....................................................... 192
Alzheimer's disease .................................... 114
Amenorrhoea ............................................... 185 amputation ........... 49, 52, 60-61, 63, 70, 73-75 anaemia .......................................... 17, 197-198 hydrochromic .......................................... 197 pernicious ............................................... 197 refractory ................................................ 198 anal fissure .................................................. 122 angina ...................................................... 21, 39 angina pectoris .............................................. 39 angiogram ..................................................... 39 ankle .............................................................. 66
ankylosis
ankle .................................................... 68-69 elbow ........................................................ 57 hip ........................................................ 68-69 knee ..................................................... 68-69 shoulder .................................................... 57 spine ......................................................... 78 thumb ....................................................... 57 toe ........................................................ 68-69 wrist .......................................................... 57
anticoagulant medication .............................. 40 anxiety .......................................................... 92 aortic sclerosis .............................................. 40 aphakia ................................................ 162, 164
APHL .... See Accepted Percentage hearing Loss apportionment .............................. iv, 10, 38, 42
................... 44, 48-49, 60, 75, 116, 191, 205
................................. 207, 211, 222, 241-245 apraxia ........................................ 55, 58, 66, 70 arrhythmia ..................................................... 40 arthritis .............................................. 17, 20, 75 assessment
elements of ................................................. 5 subject of .................................................... 5 asthma ................................................... 41, 209 atherosclerosis ......................................... 41, 52 atrial fibrillation ............................................ 40 audiogram ..... 129, 131-134, 145-146, 153-157 criteria of reliability ................................ 131
avoidance
definition of ............................................ 226 avoided activities ........................................ 215
B
bilateral conductive deafness .............. 127, 131
........................................ 136, 152, 154, 156 bilateral conductive deafness with right
sensorineural deafness ............................ 131 bilateral mixed deafness ...................... 131, 152 bilateral sensorineural deafness ........... 152, 153 binocular impairment rating ................ 162, 259 blepharoconjunctivitis ................................. 167 blindness ..................................................... 159 bone conduction .... 131-132, 134-138, 153-155 definition of ............................................ 128 breast .......................................................... 187 bronchilator medication ................................ 41 bronchodilation ............................................. 25 bursts of anger .............................................. 93
C
calcaneal spurs .............................................. 76 cancer .................................................. 187, 204 cardiac failure ........................... See heart failure cardiorespiratory impairment ...... 17, 19, 36, 42 cataract ........................................................ 164 cataracts ...................................................... 159 cerebrovascular disease ......................... 52, 114 cervical incompetence ................................. 185
cervical spine ................................................ 77 chemotherapy ............................... 181, 204-205 cholecystectomy .......................................... 124 chondromalacia patellae ................................ 66 chronic airways obstruction .......................... 41 chronic bronchitis .......................................... 19 chronic obstructive respiratory disease ......... 19 circumcision ................................................ 179 claustrophobia ............................................. 268 claw toes ....................................................... 76 climax
inability to achieve .................................. 181 clinical features
definition of ................................................ 2 clitoridectomy ............................................. 181 cognitive function ................................. 103-104 colostomy ............................................ 119, 204 combine
definition of ................................................ 2 combined impairment rating .... 11, 20, 204-205
.................. 210-211, 228, 231-233, 242-243
Combined Values Chart .... iv, 2, 11, 44, 91, 103
................ 114, 124, 149, 160, 162, 173-174
................ 187, 198, 205, 211, 214, 231, 241 communication .................................... 103, 107 comprehension ............................................ 107 compulsive gambling .................................... 93 condition
definition of ................................................ 2 conjunctivitis ............................................... 159 constipation ......................................... 119, 122 contraceptive pill ......................................... 177 side effects of .......................................... 177 coronary artery disease .................................. 39 coronary bypass surgery ................................ 19 corrected visual acuity .................. 159-160, 162
cough
chronic ...................................................... 41 counselling .................................................... 99 cranial nerves .............................................. 112 creatinine clearance ..................................... 171 crush fractures of the vertebrae ..................... 70 cycle .............................................................. 22 cystitis ......................................................... 176
D
defence-caused disease
definition of ................................................ 2 defence-caused injury
definition of ................................................ 2 degree of incapacity .............. vi, 5, 11, 277-279 dementia ............................................ 9, 20, 219 depression ..................................................... 92 diabetes mellitus ......................................... 196 diarrhoea ..................................................... 122 disease
definition of ................................................ 2 disfigurement ............................... 189, 225-228 disfiguring condition
definition of ............................................ 226
objective component ............................... 227 subjective component ............................. 227 dislocation of shoulder ............................. 60-61 disorders of the anus and rectum ................. 119 disorders of the large and small bowel ........ 119 diverticulosis ............................................... 122 domestic and employment activities ..... 272-273
domestic situation
in psychiatric conditions ........................... 96 dressing ............................................... 219, 221 driving a car
in a Grand Prix ......................................... 22 sedately ..................................................... 22 dumping syndrome ...................................... 121 dysgraphia ............................................ 109-110 dysmenorhoea ............................................. 177 dyspepsia .............................................. 89, 119 non-ulcer ................................................. 120 dysphagia .................................................... 117 dysphasia .................................................... 112 dyspnoea ....................................................... 21
E
ears ....................................................... 149-150
ECT .............................................................. 99 ectopic beats
atrial ......................................................... 40 ventricular ................................................. 40 ectropion ............................................. 167, 190 eczema ........................................................ 192 effects of past gastric surgery ...................... 119 effort tolerance ... 18-22, 32, 34, 36, 40, 43, 198 elbow ............................................................. 55 embarrassment ............................... 98, 225-227 employment and domestic activities ..... 263-264 encephalopathy ........................................... 123 endocrine condition .............................. 193-195 endometriosis .............................................. 186 entropion ............................................. 167, 190 epilepsy ....................................................... 114 epiphora ...................................................... 167
Esterman grid ............................... 161-162, 168 exercise tolerance ......................... 17-27, 40-41 females ..................................................... 27 males ........................................................ 26 exfoliative skin disorders ............................ 226 expression ................................................... 107
F
facial scarring .............................................. 226 faecal incontinence ...................................... 119 fatigue ............................................... 21, 58, 70 feeding ................................................ 219, 221
FEV1 ........................................... 17, 25, 32, 42 fingers ........................................................... 55 flail joint
definition of .............................................. 56
flashbacks ..................................................... 92 fractured neck of femur ................................. 66 functional effects
in psychiatric conditions ........................... 94 functional loss
definition .................................................... 5 how measured ............................................. 6
FVC ............................................ 17, 25, 32, 42
G
gait
disorders of ............................................. 226 gall bladder ................................. 115, 119, 124 gastric surgery ............................................. 121 gastrointestinal impairment ......................... 115 gastrostomy ................................................. 118 gaze defects ................................................. 164 genu valgum .................................................. 76 genu varum ................................................... 76 glaucoma ..................................... 159, 161, 164 glomerulonephritis ...................................... 171 glycosuria .................................................... 195 grotesque involuntary bodily movements .... 226 group therapy ................................................ 99
Guide
definition of ................................................ 2 gynaecomastia ............................................. 188
H
haemodialysis .............................................. 170 haemopoietic system ........................... 193, 197 haemorrhoids .............................................. 122 halitosis ....................................................... 120 hallucinations ................................................ 92 hallux valgus ................................................. 76 hammer toes .................................................. 76 headache ........................................................ 89 hearing loss .......................... 107, 127, 129-132
......... 134-136, 145-149, 152, 153, 154, 259 types of ................................................... 130
Hearing Threshold Level ..................... 128, 131 definition of ............................................ 128 heart failure ......................... 18, 36, 39, 50, 219 hemianopia .................................................. 112 hemifacial spasm ......................................... 114
hemiparesis
following stroke ........................................ 20 lower limb ............................................... 112 upper limb .............................................. 112 hemiplegia ............................................... 20, 36 hepatitis ....................................................... 123
hernia
abdominal wall ....................................... 126 hiatus ...................................................... 120 inguinal ................................................... 126 ventral ..................................................... 126
heterophoria ................................................ 164 hip ........................................................... 66, 70 hip replacement ............................................. 74 hospitalisation ............................................... 99 hydrocele ..................................................... 184 hydronephrosis ............................................ 171 hyperglycaemia ........................................... 195 hyperglycaemics, oral .................................. 195 hypertension ....................................... 17, 43-46 hypertensive cardiac disease ......................... 44 hypertensive cerebral haemorrhage .............. 44 hypertensive nephropathy ............................ 44 hypertensive retinopathy .............................. 44 hypnotics ....................................................... 99 hysterectomy ............................................... 185
I
ileostomy ..................................................... 118
Impairment of speech .................................. 150 impairment rating
definition of ................................................ 2 impotence ............................... 89, 179, 183-184
Inability to concentrate .................................. 98 inappropriate actions ..................................... 93 incapacity
definition of ................................................ 2 incontinence ................................................ 175 infertility
females ................................................... 182 males ...................................................... 182
injury
definition of ................................................ 2 instructions
impossible to follow ................................... 9 resolving inconsistency ............................... 9 to be followed ............................................. 6
intermittent attack duration ......................... 213 intermittent attack severity .......................... 212 intermittent condition ..................... 17, 209-214 intermittent grading code ............. 210, 213-214 intermittent impairment ......................... iv, 8, 17
............... 40-41, 89, 113, 115, 121, 123-124
150-151, 173-174, 177, 186, 189, 190, 194-
195, 201, 219
intrusive thoughts .......................................... 92 involuntary facial expressions ..................... 226 irritable bowel ............................................. 122 ischaemic heart disease ...................... 19, 37-38
.......................................... 44, 194, 241, 243
J
jejunostomy ................................................. 118 joints
average range of movements .................... 67 replacements ............................................. 73
K
knee ............................ 17, 66, 68-69, 74-75, 83 knee replacement ........................................... 74
L
left conductive deafness .............. 127, 130, 137
................................................. 137-138, 152 left mixed deafness ............................. 131, 152 left sensorineural deafness ................... 130-131 leisure activities
in psychiatric conditions ........................... 98 leukaemia .................................................... 197 life expectancy
general .................................................... 223 malignant condition ................................ 206 lifestyle effect ........................... 5, 263-264, 279 lifestyle effects ............................................ 5, 7
Lifestyle Questionnaire ............................... 264
Lifestyle Rating Self Assessment Form ............
......................................................... 263-264 liver ............................................................. 119 locomotion .......................................... 219, 221 loss of balance ............................................. 150 loss of concentration ..................................... 92 loss of co-ordination
lower limbs ............................................... 66 loss of gastrointestinal function
faecal excretion ....................................... 116 ingestion of food ..................................... 116 maintenance of nutrition ......................... 116 loss of smell ................................................ 150 loss of speech .............................................. 109 loss of taste ................................................. 150 lower limbs .................................. 20, 41, 47-49
........................................... 65-66, 70-75, 83 lower respiratory tract conditions .................. 37 lumpectomy ................................................. 188 lung function ............................... 17, 20, 25, 32
M
monocular impairment rating ...... 160, 162, 164 motor neurone disease ................................. 114 movement in bed ................................. 219, 221 multiple sclerosis ........................................ 114 muscle weakness ......................... 55, 58, 66, 70 myocardial infarct ......................................... 39
N
nasal conditions ........................................... 151 need to wear corrective lenses ..................... 160 negligible impairment ............................. 6, 201 nephrectomy ................................................ 171 nervous sweating ........................................... 93 neurological conditions 55, 58, 66, 70, 103, 113 neurological impairment ............................. 103 nightmares ................................................ 92-93 nomogram .............................. 25, 28-29, 33, 35 non-accepted conditions ......... 18-19, 37, 56, 58
............... 67, 70, 80, 117-118, 149, 198, 205
................................. 211, 223, 228, 237-238 definition of ................................................ 2 non-cardiac vascular conditions .............. 17, 43 non-system specific assessments .................... 8 nystagmus ................................................... 164
O
obesity ................................................. 115, 126 occupation
in psychiatric conditions ........................... 95 oedema .................................................... 47, 49 oesophagitis ................................................ 120 oesophagostomy .......................................... 118 oral cavity and oesophagus ......................... 119 ordinary public places
definition of ............................................ 226 osteoarthritis ........................................... 17, 75
Other Impairment
definition .................................................... 5 how measured ............................................. 7
malabsorption ............................................. 118 male pattern baldness .................................. 192 malignant condition ..................... iv, 8, 115, 182
................................. 187, 197, 203-207, 219 mammary discharge .................................... 188 manic behaviour ............................................ 93 manifest distress ................................... 93, 100 mastectomy .......................................... 187-188 medical impairment ......................................... 5
MEF 25-75 ................................. 17, 25, 32, 42 menorrhagia ................................................ 185
METs ....................... 17, 21-24, 32, 37, 42, 241 mitral valve prolapse ..................................... 40 mobility ................................ 263-264, 267-268 monocular assessment .......... 160-162, 164, 259
P
pain
how assessed .............................................. 9 in joints ..................................................... 83 sciatic ............................................. 71-72, 83 paired organs policy ............... 11, 129, 147-148
........................................ 155, 157, 166, 259 palpitations ................................................... 21 pancreas ...................................................... 119 pancreatic disease ........................................ 123 pancreatitis .................................................. 123 partially contributing impairment .............. iv, 18
...... 19, 37, 42, 44, 48-49, 56, 58, 67, 70, 73
.......... 78-81, 84, 89-91, 149, 191, 198, 205,
......................... 211, 222, 225, 228, 237-238
penis ............................................................ 179 percentage bilateral loss of hearing due
to age .......................................................... 146 percentage loss of weight ............................ 117 percentage unilateral loss of hearing due
to age .......................................................... 146 peripheral neuropathy .................................. 111 peripheral vascular disease ........... 44, 47-49, 75 peritoneal dialysis ....................................... 170 perseveration ................................................. 93 personal hygiene ........................... 94, 219, 221 personal relationships ...... 96-97, 264, 266-267 pes planus ..................................................... 76
Peyronie's disease ....................................... 179 photophobia ................................................ 167 pleural plaques .............................................. 41 polycythaemia ............................................. 197 position of function
definition of .............................................. 56 post ejaculatory pain ................................... 179 posture
disorders of ............................................. 226 precluded activities ..................................... 215 premenstrual tension ................................... 177 premorbid weight ........................................ 117 preoccupation ................................................ 93 presbyacusis ................. 128, 145-146, 153-155 definition of ............................................ 128 pressured speech ........................................... 93 pruritus ........................................................ 192 pruritus ani .................................................. 122 psoriasis ...................................................... 192 psychiatric conditions .............................. 89-91 ptosis ........................................................... 167 pyelonephritis .............................................. 171
right sensorineural deafness ......... 130-131, 152
Rinne's test ................................................. 132 rowing machines ........................................... 22
S
salpingitis .................................................... 185 sedatives ........................................................ 99 self assessment of lifestyle rating ................ 263 sensory function ........................... 103, 111-112 sensory loss ............................................ 82, 111 sequelae
distinguished from conditions ..................... 8 sexual function ..................... 112, 178-182, 193 sexual sensation .......................................... 181 shoulder ............................................. 55, 60, 83 skin condition ............................... 189-191, 225 small airways disease .................................... 19 social impairment ........................................ 225 social interaction
in psychiatric conditions ........................... 97 solar skin lesions ......................................... 192 specific disabilities ... 11, 53, 109-110, 225, 279 spinal column ................................................ 77 spinal cord ..................................................... 77 spine ..................................... 53, 56, 77-82, 204 spirometry ........................... 10, 14, 20, 33, 241
Statement of Principles
definition of ................................................ 2 steatorrhoea ................................................. 123 steroids .......................................................... 41 subjective distress ................................. 92, 100 substance abuse ............................................. 90 suffering
how assessed .............................................. 9
Q
quadriplegia .................................................. 20
R
radiotherapy ......................... 182, 187, 204-205 range of movement ............................. 54-56, 58
........................................... 65-67, 70, 77-84 recreational and community activities
......................................... 263-264, 270-271 reduced fertility
females ................................................... 183 males ...................................................... 183 reflux ........................................................... 120 refractive error ..................................... 159-161 renal function ............................... 169-170, 259 renal stones ................................................. 171 renal transplant ........................................... 171 restless pacing ............................................... 93 right conductive deafness .................... 127, 130
................................................. 136-138, 152 right mixed deafness ........................... 131, 152
T
tables
age adjustment ............................................ 8 gender indicators ........................................ 8 impairment rating values ............................ 6 numbering of .............................................. 7 types of ....................................................... 7 use of .......................................................... 6 target organ damage ................................. 43-46 tarsorrhaphy ................................................ 167
testes
loss of ..................................................... 184 thoraco-lumbar spine ......................... 77-80, 82
Threshold of Reliability ....................... 135-136 thumb ...................................................... 55, 64 tibial osteotomy ............................................. 74 tic douloureux ............................................. 114 time reference
in assessments .......................................... 10 in tests ...................................................... 10 tinea ............................................................ 192 tinnitus ................................................ 127, 149 toes ................................................................ 66
torn medial meniscus ..................................... 66
Total Bilateral Hearing Loss
definition of ............................................ 128 transfer
activities of daily living .......................... 221 activities of daily living, definition of ..... 219 lower limb function, definition of ............. 70 transfers .............................................. 219, 221 transient ischaemia ........................................ 39 treadmill ........................................................ 22
treatment
side effects, permanent ............................. 10 side effects, persistent ............................... 10 tremor .................................... 55, 58, 66, 70, 93 tubal ligation ............................................... 185
U
ulcer
duodenal ................................................. 119 gastric ..................................................... 119 peptic .............................................. 119, 121
unfavourable position
definition of .............................................. 56 upper limb .......... 54-56, 58, 60, 63-64, 83, 113 upper respiratory tract conditions ............... 151 urethral stricture .......................................... 175 urinary diversion ......................................... 175 urinary tract .................................. 169, 173-174
definition of ................................................ 6 worksheet
cardiorespiratory ................................. 38, 42 definition of ................................................ 2 emotional and behavioural ............... 100-101 hearing loss, how to use .......................... 129 hearing loss, index .................................. 152 hearing loss, their use ............................. 129 intermittent impairment .......................... 217 spine and limbs ......................................... 87 visual impairment ................................... 168 visual impairment, how to use . 160, 165-166 wrist .............................................................. 55
V
vaginal intercourse
persistent inability to participate in ........ 180 valve replacement .......................................... 40 valvular heart disease .............................. 37, 40 varicocele .................................................... 184 varicose ulcers ............................................... 49 varicose veins .................................... 17, 47, 49 vascular conditions of the lower limbs .......... 43
............................................................. 47-49 vascular leg ulcers ......................................... 47 veteran
definition of ................................................ 2 vile odours ................................................... 226 visual acuity ......................... 159-162, 164, 168 visual field defect ................................. 159-162 visual field loss ........................................... 161 visual function .............................. 159-160, 164 vulvectomy .................................................. 181
w
war-caused disease
definition of ................................................ 2 war-caused injury
definition of ................................................ 2 whole person impairment
NOTES
NOTES
