Document ID: chunk:federal_register_of_legislation:F2016L01332:reg:73:p2
Version: federal_register_of_legislation:F2016L01332
Segment Type: reg
Provision Reference: reg 73 (pt 2/6)
Character Range: 120890–123606

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