Document ID: chunk:federal_register_of_legislation:F2023C00151:reg:54:p31
Version: federal_register_of_legislation:F2023C00151
Segment Type: reg
Provision Reference: reg 54 (pt 31/36)
Character Range: 169342–172289

followed twice (if applicable): once for the cervical spine and once for the thoraco-lumbar spine.

(Each step is elaborated in the following pages.)

STEP 1  Calculate the functional impairment due to restriction of range of movement of the spine as a result of accepted conditions.                            Page 60
STEP 2  (Omit this step if you are not assessing an impairment of the thoraco-lumbar spine.)                                                                    Page 61
        Determine the impairment rating applicable to the thoraco-lumbar spine by applying Table 3.3.2.
STEP 3  (Omit this step if you are not assessing an impairment of the thoraco-lumbar spine.)                                                                    Page 63
        Compare the rating obtained in Step 1 in respect of impairment of the thoraco-lumbar spine with the rating obtained in Step 2. Take the higher rating.
STEP 4  Make any applicable age adjustment to the functional impairment rating for the spine by applying Table 3.6.1.                                           Page 63
STEP 5  Determine if any Other Impairment rating applies to the spine.                                                                                          Page 63
STEP 6  Compare the impairment rating obtained in Step 4 with the impairment rating obtained in Step 5. Take the higher rating.                                 Page 64

Step 1: Calculate the functional impairment due to restriction of range of movement of the spine as a result of accepted conditions.

Table 3.3.1 is to be applied to rate spinal function. It is based on range of movement of the spine. Two ratings may be given from this table — one for the cervical spine and one for the thoraco-lumbar spine. Only one rating is to be given for the cervical spine for any condition or combination of conditions which contribute to the loss of range of movement of the cervical spine. Only one rating is to be given for the thoraco-lumbar spine for any condition or combination of conditions that contribute to the loss of range of movement of the thoraco-lumbar spine.

It is not practicable to measure range of movement of the thoracic spine independently of that of the lumbar spine. If only the thoracic spine is to be rated, all movements are to be measured, but emphasis is given to rotation. If only the lumbar spine is to be rated, all movements are to be measured, but emphasis is given to forward flexion. However, even if conditions of both the thoracic and lumbar spine are to be assessed, only one rating is to be made from the thoraco-lumbar spine column of Table 3.3.1.

The loss of range of movement should be estimated to the nearest quarter of the normal range of movement.

The loss of range of movement will usually be provided as a fractional loss of range of movement and such data can be used directly in Table 3.3.1. However, sometimes, the measured movements