Document ID: chunk:federal_register_of_legislation:F2023C00151:front:0:p8
Version: federal_register_of_legislation:F2023C00151
Segment Type: other
Provision Reference: 
Character Range: 18560–21387

functional loss as a basis for assessment. It is measured by reference to an individual's performance efficiency compared with an average, healthy person of the same age and sex, in a set of defined vital functions. This is a means of compensating for the loss of ability to perform everyday functions.

Each table contains benchmark values, generally at intervals of five points. In some cases the range between nil and five includes a rating of two points. In some other cases intervals are greater than five points because lesser increments of impairment cannot be distinguished.

Each benchmark is a threshold value, that is, the rating applies only if the threshold is achieved or exceeded. Ratings are not to be rounded up to the next benchmark. Similarly, ratings between benchmark values contained in the tables are not to be interpolated.

In some tables more than one criterion is stated opposite a benchmark value. The different criteria are marked by dot points. Where more than one criterion is stated for a particular value, the condition being assessed has to satisfy one of the criteria in order to attract the impairment rating of that value.

Each chapter contains step-by-step instructions to be followed in the use and application of the tables.

Determining compensation payable

This Guide specifies the only way of determining the amount of compensation payable is by reference to the maximum compensation that can be paid. The maximum is specified in the Act as a weekly amount. It becomes payable only when a person's impairment rating reaches 80 points.

The Guide includes tables that will give a compensation factor for different impairment and lifestyle ratings. Different tables are used for warlike and non-warlike service and for peacetime service. The maximum compensation is multiplied by the compensation factor to give the weekly amount of compensation payable.

Medical impairment

Under this Guide medical impairment has two components:

    (a) physical loss of, or disturbance to, any body part or system; and

    (b) the resultant functional loss.

Whole person impairment

Medical impairment is expressed in impairment points, out of a maximum rating of 100. On this scale, zero corresponds to no impairment or negligible impairment from accepted conditions, and 100 points corresponds to death. Effectively, impairment points are percentages of the impairment of the whole person.

Loss of hearing, loss of taste, loss of smell, loss of a finger or of a toe as impairment for a single condition can be compensated for under this Guide only if a threshold value of 5 impairment points is reached. Any combination of loss from conditions that delivers a combined impairment of 10 or more will attract compensation.

Example
Loss of taste rated at 5 impairment points and