Document ID: chunk:federal_register_of_legislation:F2016L01332:reg:51:p4
Version: federal_register_of_legislation:F2016L01332
Segment Type: reg
Provision Reference: reg 51 (pt 4/4)
Character Range: 94147–96002

Joint Pain
 Part 3.5    Ranges of Joint Movement
 Part 3.6    Spine and Limbs Age Adjustment

INTRODUCTION

    This chapter is used to assess the motor function of the spine and limbs. Sensory loss is to be assessed under Chapter 5 (Neurological Impairment).

    Loss of limbs is also mentioned in Chapter 24 (Degree of Incapacity for Specific
Disabilities) of this Guide, and in Section 27 of the Act.

    Impairment of limbs

    When a previously-accepted condition is later removed by an amputation that is also an accepted condition, the rating is to be based on the amputation or the resulting functional deficit, whichever results in the higher impairment rating. The previously accepted condition is not to be given an impairment rating.

    PART 3.1: UPPER LIMBS

    Functional impairment is to be calculated separately for each upper limb. Thus one functional impairment rating may be calculated for the right upper limb and another for the left upper limb.

Calculation of the impairment rating for conditions of each upper limb

 Follow the steps below to calculate the impairment rating for accepted conditions of each upper limb:

 (Steps 2-8 are elaborated in the following pages.)

 STEP If accepted condition(s) affect only the right upper limb, follow steps
   1 2-8.

          If accepted condition(s) affect only the left upper limb, follow steps
2-8 substituting "left" for "right" in the instructions.

          If accepted condition(s)  affect both upper limbs, follow steps 2-8 to assess the right upper limb, and then, to assess the left upper limb, repeat steps 2-8 substituting "left" for "right" in the instructions.

 STEP Establish which joints in the right upper limb, if any, Page
2 have some restriction of movement   as a result of 55 accepted conditions affecting the right upper limb.

 STEP