Document ID: chunk:federal_register_of_legislation:F2023C00151:reg:15:p19
Version: federal_register_of_legislation:F2023C00151
Segment Type: reg
Provision Reference: reg 15 (pt 19/28)
Character Range: 377947–381146

diverse and include control of growth, of sexual function, of calcium metabolism and of the uptake of glucose by body cells.

Part 12.2 is to be applied to assess loss of haemopoietic function. The haemopoietic system consists of all the tissues, such as bone marrow and lymph nodes, that produce blood cells.

PART 12.1: THE ENDOCRINE SYSTEM

Many endocrine conditions will affect various other body systems. Hence, loss of endocrine function is established by assessing the effect of the condition on those other body systems. In very severe cases, where many body systems are affected, Table 16.2 in Chapter 16 (Activities of Daily Living) is to be applied to rate the loss of function.

In many cases, an endocrine condition will be under therapeutic control as a result of the use of continuous replacement therapy or the like. In these cases, the effect on other body systems may be minimal and the veteran's principal inconvenience is that of undergoing the continuous therapy. This is to be assessed by applying the Other Impairment tables.

Calculation of the impairment rating for loss of endocrine function

Follow the steps below to calculate the impairment rating due to accepted loss of endocrine function.

(Each step is elaborated in the following pages.)

STEP 1  Establish which body systems are affected by the accepted endocrine condition.                                                                                                  Page 162
STEP 2  Determine an impairment rating for functional impairment of the affected body systems.                                                                                          Page 162
STEP 3  Determine an Other Impairment rating for the accepted endocrine condition.                                                                                                      Page 162
STEP 4  Compare the total functional impairment rating of the affected body systems with the rating obtained in Step 3. Take the higher rating.                                         Page 162
STEP 5  If recognisable episodes of increased impairment are superimposed on the underlying condition, also assess the endocrine condition under Chapter 15 (Intermittent Impairment).  Page 162

Step 1: Establish which body systems are affected by the accepted endocrine condition.

Many of the effects of loss of endocrine function are separate and recognisable diseases. For example, diabetes mellitus may lead to ischaemic heart disease. Such diseases, though quite possibly a consequence of the loss of endocrine function, are to be separately assessed under this Guide and are not to be taken into account in the calculation of the impairment rating for loss of endocrine function.

Step 2: Determine an impairment rating for functional impairment of the affected body systems.

Use the appropriate Functional Loss tables from other chapters in this Guide to determine the impairment rating.

Step 3: Determine an Other Impairment rating for the accepted endocrine condition.

There are two Other Impairment tables for loss of endocrine function. Table 12.1.1 is to be applied if assessing diabetes mellitus, while Table 12.1.2 is