Document ID: chunk:federal_register_of_legislation:F2016L01332:reg:3:p1
Version: federal_register_of_legislation:F2016L01332
Segment Type: reg
Provision Reference: reg 3 (pt 1/8)
Character Range: 444958–447880

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