Document ID: chunk:federal_register_of_legislation:F2016L01332:front:0:p5
Version: federal_register_of_legislation:F2016L01332
Segment Type: other
Provision Reference: 
Character Range: 15440–18318

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 only 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.

 Whole person impairment

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

 Functional loss

 Medical impairment is measured chiefly by loss of vital functions, addressed in twelve system specific chapters, as follows:

 + Cardiorespiratory Impairment
+ Hypertension and Non-Cardiac Vascular Conditions
+ Impairment of Spine and Limbs
+ Emotional and Behavioural
+ Neurological Impairment
+ Gastrointestinal Impairment
+ Ear, Nose, and Throat Impairment
+ Visual Impairment
+ Renal and Urinary Tract Function
+ Sexual Function, Reproduction, and Breasts
+ Skin Impairment
+ Endocrine and Haemopoietic Impairment

 Functional loss is to be rated against criteria in Functional Loss tables. Each functional loss associated with an accepted condition is to be identified and rated individually. In most cases a single condition gives rise to a single functional loss.

 If there is a multisystem condition in which a single condition gives rise to multiple functional losses, then such a single condition is to be rated using several Functional Loss tables. The separate ratings are only to be combined with each other in the final combining of all ratings from all accepted conditions. If two or more conditions contribute to the same functional loss, a single rating only is to be given for that functional loss.

Other Impairment

    Other Impairment is the physical loss of, or disturbance to, any body part or system. This concept is extended in some chapters to include discomfort, pain, poor prognosis and other, less tangible, effects of accepted conditions. It is to be rated against criteria in Other Impairment tables.

    As a general rule, ratings from Other Impairment and Functional Loss tables are not to be combined for the same condition. Exceptions to this rule are expressly indicated in particular chapters. When ratings from both types of table can be applied, the higher rating is to be