Document ID: chunk:federal_register_of_legislation:F2023C00151:reg:15:p3
Version: federal_register_of_legislation:F2023C00151
Segment Type: reg
Provision Reference: reg 15 (pt 3/28)
Character Range: 320359–323070

set of ten graytones in the key accompanying the field map. The number of dots so counted is to be taken as the monocular assessment of the field loss of that eye.

If the field has been defined by a computerised method other than the Humphrey method, a transparency of the appropriate Esterman grid is placed over the graytone field map of the eye being assessed. The graytones represent varying degrees of diminished response to visual stimuli. Count those dots that fall wholly or partly within the area of the graytone field map corresponding to the equivalent of 10dB or less of the intensities of the set of ten graytones in the key accompanying the field map. The number of dots so counted is to be taken as the monocular assessment of the field loss of that eye.

Step 3: Determine the monocular assessment for each eye from Table 8.1.2 as the result of any accepted condition.

Only one criterion is to be selected from Table 8.1.2. If more than one criterion could be selected, the criterion resulting in the higher or highest monocular assessment is to be chosen. The single assessment is then included in both monocular assessments. (See below.)

As the criteria in Table 8.1.2 refer to binocular functions, the assessment is included in both monocular assessments. For example, the assessment for unilateral aphakia is to be included in both monocular assessments.

Step 4: For each eye separately, combine the ratings obtained in Steps 1, 2 and 3 by applying Chapter 18 (Combined Values Chart).

Having followed Steps 1, 2 and 3, up to three monocular assessments will have been obtained for each eye depending on the particular accepted visual conditions affecting the veteran.

For example, there may be for the right eye:
    an assessment for corrected visual acuity;
    an assessment for a visual field defect; and
    an assessment for a miscellaneous visual defect.

For each eye separately, these three assessments are to be combined as if they were impairment ratings, by applying Chapter 18 (Combined Values Chart) in accordance with the steps in that chapter. The resulting value is to be rounded to the nearest multiple of 5. This is known as the combined monocular impairment rating for that eye.

Step 5: Combine the two combined monocular impairment ratings obtained in Step 4 by applying Table 8.1.3.

Binocular impairment rating

After a combined monocular impairment rating has been made for each eye, the two ratings are to be combined by applying Table 8.1.3. The value obtained is known as the binocular impairment rating.

Figure 8a - ESTERMAN GRID: LEFT EYE

Figure 8b - ESTERMAN GRID: RIGHT EYE

Functional Loss Table 8.1.2
MISCELLANEOUS VISUAL FUNCTION