Document ID: chunk:federal_register_of_legislation:F2023C00151:reg:54:p17
Version: federal_register_of_legislation:F2023C00151
Segment Type: reg
Provision Reference: reg 54 (pt 17/36)
Character Range: 123834–126503

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.

Ratings from this table are age adjusted (see Table 3.6.1)

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