Document ID: chunk:federal_register_of_legislation:F2023L00188:clause:1_30
Version: federal_register_of_legislation:F2023L00188
Segment Type: clause
Provision Reference: sch 1 cl 30
Character Range: 30086–32917

30      There is an extreme functional impact on activities using upper limbs.

        (1)                The person has no function in both of their upper limbs or the person has no upper limbs.

Table 3 – Lower Limb Function

Introduction to Table 3

       * Table 3 is to be used to assess the functional impact of a diagnosed condition when performing activities requiring the use of lower limbs.

       * The diagnosis of the condition causing the impairment must be made by an appropriately qualified medical practitioner.

       * There must be corroborating evidence of the person's impairment.

       * Self-report of symptoms must be supported by corroborating medical evidence.

       * Examples of corroborating evidence for the purposes of this Table include, but are not limited to, the following:

         * a report from the person's treating doctor;

         * a report from a medical specialist confirming diagnosis of conditions associated with lower limb impairment (such as arthritis or other condition affecting lower limb joints, paralysis or loss of strength or sensation resulting from stroke or other brain or nerve injury, cerebral palsy or other condition affecting lower limb coordination, inflammation or injury of the muscles or tendons of the lower limbs, chronic pain affecting the lower limbs, amputation or absence of whole or part of lower limb, lymphoedema, or peripheral neuropathy);

         * a report from an allied health practitioner (such as physiotherapist, occupational therapist or exercise physiologist) confirming the functional impairment;

         * results of diagnostic tests (such as X-Rays or other imagery);

         * results of physical tests or assessments showing impaired function of the lower limbs.

       * For the purposes of this Table lower limbs extend from the hips to the toes.

       * The functional impact on lower limbs resulting from lumbar spine conditions, such as nerve pain or weakness in the lower limbs, is to be assessed under Table 3.

       * When determining whether a descriptor applies that involves a person performing an activity, the descriptor applies if that person can do the activity when they would be expected to do so and not only once or rarely.

       * When assessing episodic or fluctuating impairments and conditions (such as chronic pain), a rating must be assigned which reflects the overall functional impact of those impairments, taking into account the severity, duration and frequency of the episodes or fluctuations as appropriate.

       * The examples used in descriptors are not an exhaustive list and are to be used only as a guide.

       * Assistance means assistance from another person rather than any aids or equipment the person may use, unless specified otherwise.

Points  Descriptors