Document ID: chunk:federal_register_of_legislation:F2023L00364:reg:4:p10
Version: federal_register_of_legislation:F2023L00364
Segment Type: reg
Provision Reference: reg 4 (pt 10/13)
Character Range: 29480–32320

impairment.

         Note: The scores are then combined using Table 14.1 (Combined values chart). See also Double assessment.

    Multiple injuries
    49 Where there is an initial injury which results in impairment, and a second injury which results in impairment to the same bodily system or function occurs, the pre-existing impairment must be disregarded when assessing the degree of impairment of the second injury. The second injury should be assessed by reference to the functional capacities of a normal healthy person.

Double assessment
    50 The possibility of double assessment for a single loss of function must be guarded against. For example, it would be inappropriate to assess a lower limb amputation by reference to both Table 9.3 (Amputations and/or total loss of function) and Table 9.2 (Lower extremity).
    51 Where an employee suffers from more than one impairment arising from the same injury (see Combined impairments (multiple impairments)), the values are not added but are combined using Table 14.1 (Combined values chart).
    52 The purpose of Table 14.1 (Combined values chart) is to give the total effect of all impairments, according to a formula, as a percentage value of the employee's whole bodily system or function.

Fingers and toes
    53 Impairment relating to the loss or injury to a finger or toe refers not only to amputation or total loss of efficient use of the whole digit, but also to partial loss of efficient use of a digit.

Exceptions to Division 1
    54 In the event that an impairment is of a kind that cannot be assessed in accordance with the provisions of Division 1, the relevant authority may direct that the assessment be made in accordance with the AMA5, and the assessment must accordingly be so made.

Interim assessments
    55 To ensure that the possibility of entitlement to a permanent impairment payment does not impede the rehabilitation process, provision is made under subsection 25(1) of the DRCA for interim assessment and payment of compensation.
    56 Assessment for an interim payment will apply mainly in cases undergoing active treatment where the final outcome of the treatment is not known but a minimum permanent impairment can be measured.
    57 Care should be taken to ensure that further treatment will not reduce the impairment, which must be at least 10%.
    58 Interim payment will generally not apply where the impairment has stabilised or where the only change in impairment would be due to progressive degeneration.

Likelihood of reduction in degree of impairment
    59 The relevant authority must have regard to medical opinion concerning the nature and effect (including possible effect) of the injury and the extent (if any) to which impairment resulting from the injury or non-economic loss resulting from the injury or impairment,