Document ID: chunk:federal_register_of_legislation:F2023L00223:clause:1_332
Version: federal_register_of_legislation:F2023L00223
Segment Type: clause
Provision Reference: sch 1 cl 332
Character Range: 256289–258427

332     If the employee suffers an injury that results in migraine or tension headache, the assessment of the degree of the permanent impairment of the employee resulting from that injury (to the extent the injury results in migraine or tension headache) is to be made in accordance with Chapter 18 of the AMA5.

Steps in assessing a chronic pain condition

Step 1  Assess whether there is objective evidence of impairment and subjective experience of pain in the affected upper extremity.
Step 2  Assess the sensory deficits and pain in the affected upper extremity according to the grade that best describes the severity of interference with activities as described in Figure 9-D: Grading system. Use clinical judgment to select the appropriate severity grade from Figure 9-D and explain the reasons for that selection. The maximum value is not automatically applied.
Step 3  Using the assessments obtained from Step 1 and Step 2, assess the WPI rating for the chronic pain condition using Table 9.13.3: Chronic pain conditions. Use clinical judgment to select the appropriate WPI rating from Table 9.13.3 and explain the reasons for that selection.
Step 4  If the WPI rating obtained from Step 3 is greater than 5%, assess the WPI rating for the affected upper extremity resulting from loss of motion of each affected joint using the tables in Section 9.8.1 (Abnormal motion of digits), Section 9.9 (Wrists), Section 9.10 (Elbows) and Section 9.11 (Shoulders) as appropriate. (For lower extremity impairment, use the tables in Section 9.1 (Feet and toes), Section 9.2 (Ankles), Section 9.3 (Knees) and Section 9.4 (Hips) as appropriate.)
Step 5  Combine the WPI rating obtained from Step 3 with the WPI rating obtained from Step 4 (if any). The maximum WPI rating for the affected extremity is 60%.

Table 9.13.3: Chronic pain conditions
%WPI   Criteria                                                                                                                               Grade (see Figure 9-D)
       Continuing pain that is disproportionate to any inciting event.
       and
       Evidence of at least one of the following: