Document ID: chunk:federal_register_of_legislation:F2023C00151:reg:15:p16
Version: federal_register_of_legislation:F2023C00151
Segment Type: reg
Provision Reference: reg 15 (pt 16/28)
Character Range: 369471–372474

consideration is whether it occurs on a more or less permanent basis or whether it occurs intermittently. If the condition occurs on an intermittent basis, the application of Chapter 15 (Intermittent Impairment) is to be considered.

For a more noticeable skin condition, consideration must also be given to whether it affects function or causes disfigurement. If the skin condition is responsible for a discrete loss of function in another system, the appropriate system-specific table is to be applied. For example, if there were loss of hand function as the result of a skin condition, Chapter 3 (Spine and Limbs) is to be applied.

For very severe skin conditions, loss of function is generally measured by reference to the whole person and may need to be rated under Table 16.2 in Chapter 16 (Activities of Daily Living).

Other Impairment (Table 11.1)

Table 11.1 lists specific impairment ratings for a variety of skin conditions based on inconvenience. One rating only is to be made from this table for any combination of conditions. When more than one criterion is applicable, that associated with the higher rating is chosen.

Impairment ratings from Table 11.1 are not to be combined with ratings from tables for loss of function for the same condition. If ratings can be made from more than one table the higher rating is to be chosen.

Reference to disfigurement is found in Chapter 17 (Disfigurement and Social Impairment).

Calculation of the impairment rating for skin conditions

Follow the steps below to calculate the impairment rating from accepted skin conditions:

(Each step is elaborated in the following pages.)

STEP 1  Establish whether the skin condition causes any loss of function.                                                          Page 159
STEP 2  (Omit this step if is there is no relevant functional impairment.)                                                         Page 159
        Calculate the total functional impairment due to any accepted skin condition.
STEP 3  Calculate the Other Impairment rating for the accepted skin condition by applying Table 11.1.                              Page 159
STEP 4  (Omit this step if there is no relevant functional impairment.)                                                            Page 159
        Compare the impairment rating obtained in Step 2 with the impairment rating obtained in Step 3.  Take the higher rating.

Step 1: Establish whether the skin condition causes any loss of function.

Skin conditions may cause loss of function of hands by interfering with movement or sensation.  They may cause loss of function of joints as a result of scarring and contractions which may limit or interfere with the movement at the joint. Skin conditions may cause conditions of the eyelids (for example, ectropion or entropion, or difficulties in closing or opening the eyes).

If any such effect of the accepted skin condition exists, this should be confirmed before applying Table 11.1.

Step