Document ID: chunk:federal_register_of_legislation:F2023C00151:reg:54:p10
Version: federal_register_of_legislation:F2023C00151
Segment Type: reg
Provision Reference: reg 54 (pt 10/36)
Character Range: 100279–103025

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Step 9   If the comparison made in Step 8 shows that the impairment rating obtained in Step 6 is greater than the impairment rating obtained in Step 7, then the ratings obtained in Steps 3 and 4 are the final impairment ratings for the vascular condition.                      Page 36
Step 10  If the comparison made in Step 8 shows that the impairment rating obtained in Step 7 is greater than the impairment rating obtained in Step 6, then the separate ratings that have been combined in Step 5 are the final impairment rating(s) for the vascular condition.   Page 37

Step 1: Establish whether any effect on lower limb function is present.

Lower limb function may be affected by peripheral vascular disease. If  peripheral vascular disease is present, the veteran's walking distance is likely to be reduced as a result of intermittent claudication (cramplike pain in the calves of the legs).

Step 2: Establish whether any effect on the skin is present.

Varicose veins can affect the skin of the lower limbs. They may cause discolouration or pruritus (itching). Excoriations (scratch marks) may be present.

Step 3: (Omit this step if there is no effect on lower limb function.) Determine the impairment rating for the effects on lower limb function.

Lower Limb Function is to be assessed by applying Chapter 3 (Impairment of Spine And Limbs) ­— Part 3.2. If other conditions affecting lower limb function are present, they must be allowed for by applying Chapter 20 (Apportionment) or Chapter 19 (Partially Contributing Impairment) as appropriate.

The effects of vascular conditions of the lower limbs on lower limb function are taken to be symptoms or manifestations of the condition. Hence, they are to be assessed as part of the vascular condition of the lower limbs.

Step 4: (Omit this step if there is no effect on the skin.) Determine the impairment rating for the effects on the skin.

Skin conditions are to be assessed by applying Chapter 11 (Skin Impairment). If other conditions affecting the skin are present, they must be allowed for by applying Chapter 20 (Apportionment) or Chapter 19 (Partially Contributing Impairment) as appropriate.

The effects of vascular conditions of the lower limbs on the skin of the lower limbs are taken to be symptoms or manifestations of the condition. Hence, they are to be assessed as part of the vascular condition of the lower limb.

Step 5: Determine the Other Impairment rating for the vascular conditions of the lower limbs by applying Tables 2.2.1, 2.2.2, and 2.2.3.

There are three Other Impairment tables relating to the effects of vascular conditions of the lower limbs. A condition may be rated under more than one table if appropriate. However,