Document ID: chunk:federal_register_of_legislation:F2023C00151:reg:54:p7
Version: federal_register_of_legislation:F2023C00151
Segment Type: reg
Provision Reference: reg 54 (pt 7/36)
Character Range: 90295–93601

the method of intermittent impairment (Chapter 15). Asthma can also be rated, if there is minimal loss of function, from Table 1.10.

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 1  Establish whether any target organ damage is present.                                                           Page 30
STEP 2  (Omit this step if  there is no target organ damage.)                                                           Page 31
        Calculate the total functional impairment for any accepted target organ damage
STEP 3  Calculate the Other Impairment rating for the accepted hypertension by applying Table 2.1.1.                    Page 32
STEP 4  (Omit this step if  there is no target organ damage.)                                                           Page 32
        Compare the rating obtained in Step 2 with the rating 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