1996 FL Impairment Rating Schedule

1996
Florida
Uniform
Permanent
Impairment
Rating
Schedule
1996 FLORIDA UNIFORM PERMANENT IMPAIRMENT RATING SCHEDULE
ii

This impairment rating guide was adopted by the three-member panel, in cooperation with the Florida
Division of Workers Compensation as mandated by Section 440.15(3)(a)2, Florida Statutes, as amended.
Three-Member Panel 1992
Tom Gallagher, Treasurer and Insurance Commissioner
Marty Urra, Employee Representative
Mary Ann Stiles, Employer Representative
Three-Member Panel - 1994
Tom Gallagher, Treasurer and Insurance Commissioner
Marty Urra, Employee Representative
John Fareed, Employer Representative
Advisory Committee to the Three-Member Panel
Stanley S. Kaplan, D.C.
Dorothy Clay Sims, J.D.
Kevin M. McCarty, J.D.
Lawrence S. Cohen, M.D.
Al Frierson, J.D.
Jim McConnaughhay, J.D.
Advisory Committee to the Division of Workers Compensation
James K. Conn, M.D.
Oregon K. Hunter, M.D.
Pat M. J. Hutton, M.d.
Stankey S. Kaplan, D.C.
Paul Lincolnol, J.D.
J. Earle Makant, D.O., M.D.
Dorothy Clay Sims, J.D.
Janet Osgood, R.N.
Lee Weaver
Lawrence S. Cohen, M.D.
The 1996 Florida Uniform Permanent Impairment Rating Schedule

is a public document adopted for use by the State of Florida
Published by CHOICE Medical Management Services
1408 Westshore Blvd. #700, Tampa, FL 33607
1996 FLORIDA UNIFORM PERMANENT IMPAIRMENT RATING SCHEDULE iii
1996 Florida Uniform

Permanent Impairment Rating
Table of Contents
INTRODUCTION TO THE 1996 FLORIDA UNIFORM PERMANENT IMPAIRMENT RATING
SCHEDULE .................................................................................................................................................................1
BACKGROUND ............................................................................................................................................................................... 1
PHILOSOPHY AND CONCEPTS ......................................................................................................................................................... 2
EVALUATION PROCESS .................................................................................................................................................................. 2
THE BASIC RULES ......................................................................................................................................................................... 3
SECTION 1: MUSCULOSKELETAL THE SPINE ...........................................................................................5

EVALUATION OF THE SPINE ........................................................................................................................................................... 5
FRACTURES ................................................................................................................................................................................... 5
INTERVERTEBRAL DISC OR OTHER SOFT TISSUE LESIONS .............................................................................................................. 6
SPONDYLOLYSIS AND SPONDYLOLISTHESIS, UNOPERATED ............................................................................................................. 7
SPINAL STENOSIS AND SEGMENTAL INSTABILITY ........................................................................................................................... 7
SPINAL STENOSIS, SEGMENTAL INSTABILITY, OR SPONDYLOLISTHESIS, OPERATED ........................................................................ 7
ANKYLOSIS ................................................................................................................................................................................... 8
PELVIS ........................................................................................................................................................................................ 13
SECTION 2: INTRODUCTION TO MUSCULOSKELETAL THE EXTREMITIES .................................14

SPECIFIC DISORDERS ................................................................................................................................................................... 14
PREFERRED OR NONPREFERRED EXTREMITY ................................................................................................................................ 14
ADDITIONAL RATABLE DISORDERS OF THE EXTREMITIES............................................................................................................. 15
SECTION 3: MUSCULOSKELETAL UPPER EXTREMITIES ....................................................................16

THUMB ....................................................................................................................................................................................... 16
FINGERS ...................................................................................................................................................................................... 20
WRIST JOINT ............................................................................................................................................................................... 24
ELBOW JOINT .............................................................................................................................................................................. 27
SHOULDER JOINT ......................................................................................................................................................................... 29
DISORDERS OF THE UPPER EXTREMITY ........................................................................................................................................ 33
BONE AND JOINT DEFORMITIES ................................................................................................................................................... 34
UPPER EXTREMITYCONVERSION TABLES .......................................................................................................................... 39
AMPUTATIONFINGER, THUMB, HAND, UPPER EXTREMITY ....................................................................................................... 41
SECTION 4: MUSCULOSKELETAL LOWER EXTREMITIES ..................................................................42

GREAT TOE ................................................................................................................................................................................. 42
2ND THROUGH 5TH TOES............................................................................................................................................................. 43
METATARSOPHALANGEAL JOINT OF 4TH AND 5TH TOES............................................................................................................... 44
ANKLE (HIND FOOT) ................................................................................................................................................................... 45
OTHER DISORDERS OF THE ANKLE AND FOOT .............................................................................................................................. 46
KNEE JOINT ................................................................................................................................................................................. 47
HIP JOINT .................................................................................................................................................................................... 48
LOWER EXTREMITY CONVERSION TABLES................................................................................................................................... 50
AMPUTATIONTOE, FOOT, LOWER EXTREMITY ......................................................................................................................... 51
SECTION 5: NERVOUS SYSTEM .........................................................................................................................52

INTRODUCTION ............................................................................................................................................................................ 52
1996 FLORIDA UNIFORM PERMANENT IMPAIRMENT RATING SCHEDULE iv
CENTRAL NERVOUS SYSTEM (BRAIN AND SPINAL CORD) ............................................................................................................ 52

SKULL DEFECTS .......................................................................................................................................................................... 54
SKULL FRACTURES ...................................................................................................................................................................... 55
HEADACHES ................................................................................................................................................................................ 55
CRANIAL NERVES........................................................................................................................................................................ 55
SPINAL NERVE IMPAIRMENT AFFECTING HEAD AND NECK .......................................................................................................... 56
THORACIC NERVES...................................................................................................................................................................... 56
SPINAL NERVES AFFECTING INGUINAL REGION AND PERINEUM ................................................................................................... 56
UNILATERAL SPINAL NERVE ROOT AFFECTING THE UPPER EXTREMITY ....................................................................................... 56
UNILATERAL BRACHIAL PLEXUS DISORDERS ............................................................................................................................... 57
SPECIFIC UNILATERAL SPINAL NERVE AFFECTING THE UPPER EXTREMITY .................................................................................. 57
UPPER EXTREMITY DUE TO ENTRAPMENT NEUROPATHY ............................................................................................................. 58
UNILATERAL SPINAL NERVE ROOT AFFECTING THE LOWER EXTREMITY ..................................................................................... 58
UNILATERAL LUMBOSACRAL PLEXUS .......................................................................................................................................... 58
SPECIFIC UNILATERAL SPINAL NERVE AFFECTING THE LOWER EXTREMITY ................................................................................. 59
DETERMINATION OF PAIN OR LOSS OF SENSATION ....................................................................................................................... 60
DETERMINATION OF STRENGTH (POWER) AND/OR MOTOR DEFICIT .............................................................................................. 60
SECTION 6: MENTAL AND BEHAVIORAL DISORDERS...............................................................................61

INTRODUCTION ............................................................................................................................................................................ 61
DIAGNOSIS AND IMPAIRMENT ..................................................................................................................................................... 61
EVIDENCE OF MENTAL IMPAIRMENT ........................................................................................................................................... 61
SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS .......................................................................................................................................................... 62
ASSESSING IMPAIRMENT SEVERITY.............................................................................................................................................. 62
SECTION 7: RESPIRATORY SYSTEM................................................................................................................65

CRITERIA FOR EVALUATING PERMANENT IMPAIRMENT RELATED TO THE RESPIRATORY SYSTEM ................................................. 65
CRITERIA FOR EVALUATING IMPAIRMENT NOT DIRECTLY RELATED TO LUNG FUNCTION ............................................................. 72
SECTION 8: CARDIOVASCULAR SYSTEM ......................................................................................................73

SYMPTOMATIC LIMITATION ......................................................................................................................................................... 73
EXERCISE TESTING ...................................................................................................................................................................... 73
VALVULAR HEART DISEASE ........................................................................................................................................................ 76
CORONARY HEART DISEASE ........................................................................................................................................................ 77
CONGENITAL HEART DISEASE ..................................................................................................................................................... 78
HYPERTENSIVE CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASE ................................................................................................................................ 79
CARDIOMYOPATHIES ................................................................................................................................................................... 80
PERICARDIAL HEART DISEASE ..................................................................................................................................................... 81
ARRHYTHMIAS ............................................................................................................................................................................ 82
VASCULAR DISORDERS OF THE UPPER EXTREMITY ...................................................................................................................... 83
VASCULAR DISORDERS OF THE LOWER EXTREMITY ..................................................................................................................... 84
SECTION 9: THE HEMATOPOIETIC SYSTEM ................................................................................................86

ANEMIA ...................................................................................................................................................................................... 86
WHITE BLOOD CELL DISEASES OR ABNORMALITIES .................................................................................................................... 87
PLATELET AND/OR BLEEDING DISORDERS.................................................................................................................................... 87
SECTION 10: VISUAL SYSTEM ...........................................................................................................................88

INTRODUCTION ............................................................................................................................................................................ 88
LOSS OF VISION........................................................................................................................................................................... 88
PRIMARY COORDINATE FACTORS ................................................................................................................................................ 88
MEASURE AND COMPUTATION OF LOSS ....................................................................................................................................... 89
IMPAIRMENT OF THE EYE ............................................................................................................................................................. 90
WHOLE BODY IMPAIRMENT DUE TO VISION LOSS ....................................................................................................................... 90
SECTION 11: EAR, NOSE, THROAT, AND RELATED STRUCTURES .........................................................92

SECTION 11: EAR, NOSE, THROAT, AND RELATED STRUCTURES .........................................................93
INTRODUCTION ............................................................................................................................................................................ 93
HEARING LOSS ............................................................................................................................................................................ 93
EQUILIBRIUM .............................................................................................................................................................................. 95
DISORDERS OF THE FACE ............................................................................................................................................................. 95
RESPIRATION............................................................................................................................................................................... 96
MASTICATION AND DEGLUTITION ................................................................................................................................................ 97
OLFACTION AND TASTE ............................................................................................................................................................... 97
DYSARTHRIA ............................................................................................................................................................................... 97
TEMPOROMANDIBULAR JOINT DISORDERS ................................................................................................................................. 100
SECTION 12: DIGESTIVE SYSTEM ..................................................................................................................101

INTRODUCTION .......................................................................................................................................................................... 101
UPPER DIGESTIVE TRACT (ESOPHAGUS, STOMACH, DUODENUM, SMALL INTESTINE AND PANCREAS) ........................................ 102
COLON AND RECTUM ................................................................................................................................................................ 103
ENTEROCUTANEOUS FISTULAS OF THE GASTROINTESTINAL TRACT, BILIARY TRACT, OR PANCREAS .......................................... 104
ANUS ........................................................................................................................................................................................ 104
HEPATOBILIARY SYSTEM........................................................................................................................................................... 104
UPPER URINARY TRACT ............................................................................................................................................................ 106
URINARY DIVERSION................................................................................................................................................................. 106
URINARY BLADDER ................................................................................................................................................................... 107
URETHRA .................................................................................................................................................................................. 107
MALE REPRODUCTIVE ORGANS ................................................................................................................................................. 107
FEMALE REPRODUCTIVE ORGANS.............................................................................................................................................. 108
SECTION 13: ENDOCRINE SYSTEM ................................................................................................................110

INTRODUCTION .......................................................................................................................................................................... 110
HYPOTHALAMIC PITUITARY AXIS .............................................................................................................................................. 110
THYROID STRUCTURE OR FUNCTION .......................................................................................................................................... 110
PARATHYROID STRUCTURE OR FUNCTION .................................................................................................................................. 111
STRUCTURAL OR FUNCTIONAL DISORDERS OF THE ADRENAL CORTEX ....................................................................................... 111
STRUCTURAL OR FUNCTIONAL DISORDERS OF THE ADRENAL MEDULLA .................................................................................... 111
STRUCTURAL OR FUNCTIONAL DISORDERS OF THE ENDOCRINE PANCREAS (ISLETS OF LANGERHANS)........................................ 112
HYPOGLYCEMIA ........................................................................................................................................................................ 112
GONADS .................................................................................................................................................................................... 112
MAMMARY GLANDS.................................................................................................................................................................. 112
METABOLIC BONE DISEASE ....................................................................................................................................................... 113
SECTION 14: SKIN DISORDERS ........................................................................................................................114

SECTION 15: COMBINED VALUES CHART ...................................................................................................116
SECTION 16: DEFINITIONS................................................................................................................................118
1996 FLORIDA UNIFORM PERMANENT IMPAIRMENT RATING SCHEDULE 1
Introduction to the 1996 Florida Uniform Permanent

Impairment Rating Schedule
BACKGROUND
Section 440.15(3)(a)2, Florida Statutes, as amended, requires that the State of Florida establish a
guide for use in the evaluation of permanent impairments for the calculation of impairment benefits
payable and to establish the permanent impairment necessary for wage-loss benefits payable under
Section 440.15(3)(a)3, Florida Statutes, as amended. Moreover, This schedule must be based on
medically or scientifically demonstrable findings as well as the systems and criteria set forth in the
American Medical Associations Guides to the Evaluation of Permanent Impairment; the Snellen Charts,
published by the American Medical Association Committee for Eye Injuries; and the Minnesota
Department of Labor and Industry Disability Schedules. This schedule should be based upon objective
findings. The schedule shall be more comprehensive than the AMA Guides to the Evaluation of
Permanent Impairment and shall expand the areas already addressed and address additional areas not
currently contained in the guides.
This Guide, known also as the schedule, is established by the three-member panel, set forth in Section
440.13(12)(a), working in cooperation with the Division of Workers Compensation. In establishing this
Guide, the three-member panel and the Division were assisted by an advisory panel of representative
health care specialties and by a member of the Florida Bar.
Evaluation or rating of permanent disability has long been recognized as an important and complex
subject. In the past much confusion has resulted from inadequate understanding by physicians and others
of the scope of medical responsibility in the evaluation of permanent disability and the difference between
permanent disability and permanent impairment.
It is vitally important for every physician to be aware of his or her proper role in the evaluation of
permanent disability under any private or public program for the disabled. It is equally important that
physicians have the necessary authoritative material to assist them in competently fulfilling their
particular responsibilitythe evaluation of permanent impairment. It is the purpose of this book to
correct a past confusion of terms and to provide a series of practical guides to the evaluation of various
types of permanent impairments.
The following explanation of generally used terms in programs for the disabled is provided.
(1) Permanent ImpairmentThis is a purely medical condition. Permanent impairment is any anatomic
or functional abnormality or loss after maximal medical improvement has been achieved, which
abnormality or loss the physician considers stable or non-progressive at the time evaluation is made.
It is always a basic consideration in the evaluation of permanent disability.
(2) Permanent DisabilityThis is not a purely medical condition. A patient is permanently disabled or
under a permanent disability when his/her actual or presumed ability to engage in gainful activity is
reduced or absent because of impairment which, in turn, may or may not be combined with other
factors. A permanent condition is found to exist if no fundamental or marked change can be expected
in the future.
(3) Evaluation (Rating) of Permanent ImpairmentThis is a function that physicians alone are
competent to perform. Evaluation of permanent impairment defines the scope of medical
responsibility and therefore represents the physicians role in the evaluation of permanent disability.
Evaluation of permanent impairment is an appraisal of the nature and extent of the patients illness or
injury as it affects his personal efficiency in one or more of the activities of daily living. These
activities are self-care, communication, normal living postures, ambulation, elevation, traveling and
non-specialized hand activities.
(4) Evaluation (Rating) of Permanent DisabilityIn the last analysis, this is an administrative and not
solely a medical responsibility and function. Evaluation of permanent disability is an appraisal of the
patients present and future ability to engage in gainful activity as it is affected by such diverse factors
as age, sex, education, economic and social environment, in addition to the definite medical factorpermanent impairment. The first group of factors has proved extremely difficult to measure. For this
reason, permanent impairment is in fact the sole or real criterion of permanent disability far more
often than is readily acknowledged. In actual practice, however, the final determination of permanent
disability is an administrative decision as to the patients entitlement. Under no circumstances shall
this guide be used to determine disability. This guide is intended to be used solely for the purpose of
rating impairments. Competent evaluation of permanent impairment requires an adequate and
complete medical examination, and the avoidance of subjective impressions and such factors, as age,
sex, or employability.
(5) Maximum Medical Improvement or Date of Maximum Medical Improvementthe date after which
further recovery from, or lasting improvement to, an injury or disease can no longer reasonably be
anticipated, based upon reasonable medical probability.
PHILOSOPHY AND CONCEPTS

Section 440.02(19), Florida Statutes, as amended, states that a Permanent impairment means any
anatomic or functional abnormality or loss determined as a percentage of the body as a whole, existing
after the date of maximum medical improvement, which results from the injury.
An organ-system approach is used for organization in this Guide, each section representing an organ
system where impairment values will be found for providing a rating for diseases or disorders within that
system.
The whole-person concept is used in that specific impairments within a region or organ system have
an affect on the entire physical and mental status, affecting the whole person, and are thus expressed as
whole-person impairment.
Impairments are expressed in terms of the whole person, and a conversion process with appropriate
tables is used for converting specific regional impairments to the whole person when indicated. These
conversion tables will be found in the specific organ system sections. Also, a Combined Values Chart is
provided in Section 15 for determining whole-person impairments when more than one impairment value
is present.
The overall final impairment rating sustained by the individual shall be the result of the physicians
evaluation of permanent impairment as found in this Guide. If a permanent impairment is covered by this
Guide, no assignment or rating of that permanent impairment at variance with this Guide is permissible. If
a category applicable to the impairing condition cannot be found in this guide, then the category most
closely resembling the impairment or the degree of impairment based on analogy should be chosen.
Except as provided for in evaluating the spine when considering residual signs for ankylosis and spinal
cord/or spinal injury, where a category represents the impairing condition, the impairment determination
shall not be based on the cumulation of lesser included categories.
EVALUATION PROCESS
An evaluation for permanent impairment shall be performed by a physician as defined in Section
440.13(l)(r), Florida Statutes. Physician means a physician licensed under Chapter 458 an osteopath
licensed under Chapters 458 and 459, a chiropractor licensed under Chapter 460, a podiatrist licensed
under Chapter 461, an optometrist licensed under Chapter 463, or a dentist licensed under Chapter 466. In
no case, however, may a physician as defined above give a permanent impairment rating for a condition
for which that physician cannot professionally treat.
The evaluation for permanent impairment, including the assignment of any rating, shall not be
determined before the date of maximum medical improvement. Furthermore, pursuant to Section
440.15(3)(a)4, Florida Statutes, an evaluation may occur up to six weeks before the end of temporary
indemnity benefits.
The evaluation should be inclusive of a complete history of the condition under evaluation, including
reference to treatment, response to treatment, and preexisting conditions or aggravating factors when
present. The evaluation shall include a thorough physical examination of the body system or systems
involved. Objective findings (appropriate to the specific organ involved) should include observation,
palpation, auscultation, and measurements where indicated for neuromusculoskeletal conditions. This
should include observation of postural and structural abnormalities, palpation of neuromuscular structures
and note of tender areas found in consistent clinical distribution corresponding to subjective complaint.
Rigidity, spasm or loss of range-of-motion of joints should be noted if present.
Range of motion should be determined by using a measuring device such as a goniometer or
inclinometer for extremities. Consistency and validity are necessary for determining the values obtained
in joint range-of-motion evaluation. Joint measurements should be performed twice and produce
comparable figures varying less than ten percent of the maximum value for the involved part.
In order for an opinion of no impairment for joint range of motion, the evaluator must record the
specified ranges of motion of the involved joint.
THE BASIC RULES

The following rules are provided in order for the evaluator to properly execute an impairment rating
based on the 1996 Florida Uniform Permanent Impairment Rating Schedule. These rules can be applied
to all systems of the body.
1. The final impairment value, whether the result of a single or combined impairment, shall be rounded
off to the nearest whole number.
2. Only upper extremities have a preferred or dominant side. When the non-preferred side is evaluated,
10% of the upper-extremity rating is subtracted before conversion to whole person.
Example:
40% impairment of left (non-preferred) upper extremity
10% of 40% = 4%
40% minus 4% = 36%
36% upper extremity = 22% whole person
For evaluation purposes, the lower extremities do not have a preferred side.
3. All impairments for one extremity are combined before conversion to whole person.
4. Ankylosiswith fixed loss of motion in more than one plane for the same joint or area, the largest
value is used for rating impairment.
5. Adding vs. Combining
With range of motion loss in multiple planes of the same joint the impairment ratings are added.
When dealing with multiple hand values, the values are added.
Everything else is combined!
NOTE: When combining is necessary, use the Combined Values Chart found in Section 15.
Combining the largest figure with the next largest, and so on, is a good rule to follow.
Example:
To combine 35, 40, and 10:
40 combined with 35 = 61
61 combined with 10 = 65
6. Pre-existing conditions may not be rated unless there is objectively documented evidence of an
increased loss of function to the affected area as a result of the industrial injury.
7. For those permanent impairments that are subject to confirmation only through the administration of
diagnostic tests and procedures that although characterized as subjective in nature, are generally
accepted and used in the medical discipline involved, the injured employee is entitled to an
impairment rating of 2% of the body as a whole. This rating cannot be added or combined to another
impairment for a condition provided for in other sections of this Guide. For example, if an injured
worker has a back injury and in addition has headaches as determined by subjective complaints, the
headaches are not ratable since they are included in the rating allowed for the back injury and the
impairment rating is only as determined by evaluating the back injury alone.
8. Employees shall be rated for a permanent impairment, if any, as of the date of maximum medical
improvement or six weeks before the expiration of 104 weeks of temporary benefits, whichever
occurs first, as provided for in Section 440.15(3)(a)4.
Section 1: Musculoskeletal The Spine

EVALUATION OF THE SPINE
For evaluation purposes, the spine is divided into three sections; cervical, thoracic, and lumbosacral.
Each section must be evaluated individually and then combined, using the Combined Values Chart found
in Section 15.
The Specific Disorders of the Spine Table serves as the basis upon which, after a diagnosis has been
established, an impairment can be formulated. The table serves as a basis for numerous spinal disorders
ranging from fractures to herniated intervertebral discs; soft tissue injuries to spondylolisthesis.
After determination of the impairment from a spinal disorder has been obtained that value must be
combined with the appropriate value of residual objective signs for ankylosis, and spinal cord and/or
spinal nerve injury.
SPECIFIC DISORDERS OF THE SPINE TABLE
FRACTURES
Disorder
1.
Impairment of the Whole Person
Compression of one vertebral body

1-25% .....................................................................................................................C=4%
26-50% ...................................................................................................................C=6%
51%+.......................................................................................................................C=10%
T=2%
T=3%
T=5%
L=5%
L=7%
L=12%
When two or more compression fractures are present, COMBINE.

Pre-existing compression fractures should be rated only when there has been aggravation by a new injury shown
by objective radiological findings. These values should be addressed in the report as a preexisting factor.
2.
Fracture of the Posterior Elements of the Vertebra (pedicles, laminae, or articular processes)
Cervical ................................................................................................................................................................4%
Thoracic ...............................................................................................................................................................2%
Lumbar.................................................................................................................................................................5%
This may include nonunion or mal-union.
Values given are the same whether it is a single or multiple fracture in the SAME vertebra. Fractures of the body
and the posterior elements in the same vertebra are to be COMBINED.
At MMI if the fracture is healed and causes no functional impairment, it is not ratable.
3.
Healed vertebral odontoid, Jefferson, and slice fractures ....................................................................................5%

Malunion or non-union .......................................................................................................................................10%
4.
Dislocation
Dislocation reduced without fusion.......................................................................................................................5%
Dislocation reduced with surgical fusion ............................................................................................................10%
Dislocation unreduced ................................................................................................................................... 5-15%
Additional segments: Combine with value from appropriate section of the spine where applicable.
INTERVERTEBRAL DISC OR OTHER SOFT TISSUE LESIONS

Disorder
1. Unoperated with no objective residual signs of injury ..........................................................................................0%
2.
Pain associated with rigidity (loss of motion or postural abnormality) and chronic muscle spasm. The chronic
muscle spasm and rigidity is substantiated by objective clinical findings but without associated demonstrable
degenerative changes
Cervical ................................................................................................................................................................3%
Thoracic ...............................................................................................................................................................3%
Lumbar.................................................................................................................................................................3%
3.
Unoperated, with medically documented* injury and associated with minimal post traumatic changes on
diagnostic tests (including disc lesions with the exception of HNP)
Cervical ................................................................................................................................................................4%
Thoracic ...............................................................................................................................................................3%
Lumbar.................................................................................................................................................................5%
4.
Herniated intervertebral disc single vertebral level, not surgically treated.

Diagnostic imaging studies specifically positive for herniated disc; with or without resolution of objective
neurological findings**
Cervical ................................................................................................................................................................5%
Thoracic ...............................................................................................................................................................4%
Lumbar.................................................................................................................................................................6%
5.
Surgically treated disc lesion with or without objective finding** neurological

Cervical ................................................................................................................................................................6%
Thoracic ...............................................................................................................................................................5%
Lumbar.................................................................................................................................................................7%
*
Medically documented: e.g., records which shall include history, physical exam findings, and appropriate
diagnostic studies.
** If there are no residuals, there are no values to be combined with these numbers. With objective neurologic
findings the neurologic impairment must be rated in accordance with Section 5 of this Guide.
Patient should not be evaluated for permanency until the patient has reached MMI. Objective clinical findings
as used in these guides means examination results which are reproducible and consistent. Examples of
objective clinical findings are involuntary muscle spasms, consistent postural abnormalities, and changes in deep
tendon reflexes. Postural abnormality means a deviation from normal posture caused by injury as found on
anterior/posterior or lateral x-rays that involves the spine and pelvis or segments of the spine or pelvis, such as
kyphosis, lordosis, or scoliosis.
6.
Multiple levels of disc involvement with or without operation and

with or without objective residual signs of injury................................................................................... Add 1% level
7.
Multiple operations with or without residual signs of injury

A. Second operation .................................................................................................................................... Add 2%
B. Third or subsequent operation................................................................................................. Add 2%/operation
8.
With surgically treated disc lesion including a surgical spinal fusion, increase the impairment by 1% per vertebral
level fused.
SPONDYLOLYSIS AND SPONDYLOLISTHESIS, UNOPERATED

Disorder
1.
Spondylolysis or Grade 1 (1%25% slippage), or Grade II (26%50% slippage) Spondylolisthesis,

accompanied by objective studies documenting injury
Cervical ................................................................................................................................................................7%
Thoracic ...............................................................................................................................................................4%
Lumbar.................................................................................................................................................................8%
2.
Grade III (51%75% slippage) or Grade IV (76%100% slippage) Spondylolisthesis, accompanied by objective
studies documenting injury
Cervical ................................................................................................................................................................9%
Thoracic ...............................................................................................................................................................5%
Lumbar...............................................................................................................................................................10%
SPINAL STENOSIS AND SEGMENTAL INSTABILITY

1.
Unoperated with objective signs of injury

Cervical ................................................................................................................................................................5%
Thoracic ...............................................................................................................................................................5%
Lumbar.................................................................................................................................................................5%
2.
Unoperated, multiple levels.................................................................................................................. Add 1%/level
SPINAL STENOSIS, SEGMENTAL INSTABILITY, OR SPONDYLOLISTHESIS,

OPERATED
NOTE: List impairments separately for cervical, thoracic and lumbar regions.
1.
Single level operation without objective residual signs of injury

Cervical ................................................................................................................................................................8%
Thoracic ...............................................................................................................................................................4%
Lumbar.................................................................................................................................................................9%
2.
Single level operation with residual objective signs of injury

Cervical ..............................................................................................................................................................10%
Thoracic ...............................................................................................................................................................5%
Lumbar...............................................................................................................................................................12%
3.
Multiple levels, operated, with or without residual objective signs of injury .......................................... Add 1%/level
4.
Multiple operations with residual, objective signs of injury

A. Second operation .................................................................................................................................... Add 2%
B. Third or subsequent operation................................................................................................. Add 2%/operation
NOTE: All impairments listed in Specific Disorders of the Spine should be combined with only the following
appropriate values of residual signs:
a.
Ankylosis secondary to surgery or injury in the spinal area (see Ankylosis table).
b.
Spinal cord or spinal nerve root injuries, with neurologic impairment (see neurological section).
c.
Any combination of the above using the Combined Values Chart.
ANKYLOSIS
The following techniques for determining impairment ratings for Ankylosis and the use of the
goniometer is for the purpose of determining the degree of Ankylosis clinically rather than
radiographically. In determining the impairment for this condition, loss of motion shall not be used. An
alternate method for determining impairment can be based on radiographic methods as hereinafter
provided. Diagrams for performing testing to determine impairment ratings are as follows:
1. Cervical RegionFlexion-Extension Technique of Measurement
a. Place goniometer base as if measuring the neutral position (Figure 1). Measure the deviation from
neutral position with the goniometer arm and record the reading.
b. Consult the table below to determine the impairment of the whole person.
Example: Cervical region with ankylosed at 30 degrees flexion is equivalent to 23% impairment of
the whole person.
OR
c. Determine number and position of ankylosed vertebrae by appropriate x-ray methods. (Consult
Table 1)
Figure 1 Placement of Goniometer in Neutral
Position of Cervical Spine: Flexion/Extension
Impairment Due To Ankylosis of Cervical RegionFlexion/Extension
Region ankylosed at:

0 (neutral position)
15
30
45 (full flexion)
% Impairment
of Whole Person
14%
19%
23%
35%

15
30
45 (full extension)
14%
19%
23%
60%
2. Cervical RegionLateral Flexion Technique of Measurement

a. Place goniometer base as if measuring the neutral position Figure 2). Measure the deviation from
the neutral position with the goniometer arm and record the reading.
b. Consult the table below for the cervical region to determine the impairment of the whole person.
Example: A cervical region with ankylosis at 30 right lateral flexion is equivalent to 25%
impairment of the whole person.
OR
c. Determine number and position of ankylosed vertebrae by appropriate x-ray methods. (Consult
Table 1)

Position of Cervical Spine: Lateral Flexion
Impairment Due To Ankylosis Of The Cervical Region

Lateral Flexion

15
30
45 (full right/left lateral flexion)
% Impairment
of Whole
Person
15%
20%
25%
30%
3. Cervical RegionRotation Technique of Measurement

a. Place the patient in the neutral position (Figure 3) while supine; place the goniometer in the
coronal plane at the crown of the head.
b. Estimate by the position of the chin the angle at which the cervical region is ankylosed.
c. Consult the table below to determine the impairment of the whole person.
Example: A cervical region ankylosed at 20 right rotation is equivalent to 17% impairment of the
whole person.
OR
d. Determine number and position of ankylosed vertebrae by appropriate x-ray methods. (Consult
Table 1)
Position of Thoracolumbar: Flexion/Extension
Impairment Due To Ankylosis Of The Cervical Region Rotation

20
40
60
80 (full right/left rotation)
% Impairment
of Whole Person
14%
17%
21%
25%
28%
4. Dorsolumbar RegionFlexion Extension Technique of Measurement

a. Place the patient in the neutral position (Figure 4).
b. Place the goniometer base as if measuring neutral position (Figure 4). Measure the deviation from
the neutral position with the goniometer arm and record the reading.
c. Consult table below to determine the impairment of the whole person.
Example: A thoracolumbar region ankylosed at 20 flexion is equivalent to 24% impairment of the
whole person.
OR
Table 1.

Position of Thoracolumbar: Flexion/Extension

10
20
30
40
50
60
70
80
90 (full flexion)
10
20
30 (full flexion)
% Impairment
of Whole Person
20%
22%
24%
27%
29%
31%
34%
36%
38%
40%
20%
27%
34%
40%
5. Dorsolumbar RegionLateral Flexion (Lateral Bending) Technique of Measurement

a. Place the patient in the neutral position (Figure 5).
b. Place the goniometer base as if measuring the neutral position (Figure 5). Measure the deviation
from the neutral position with the goniometer arm and record the reading.
c. Consult the table below to determine the impairment of the whole person.
Example: A thoracolumbar region with ankylosis at 10 right lateral flexion is equivalent to 27%
impairment of the whole person.
OR
Table 1)
Position of Thoracolumbar: Lateral Flexion
Impairment Due To Ankylosis Of The Lumbosacral Region

Lateral Flexion
% Impairment
of Whole Person
20%
10
27%
20
34%
30 (full right/left lateral flexion)
40%
Ankylosis in the lumbosacral spine has significance only if immobility occurs in both the hips and the
lumbar spine region, so that the neutral position cannot be attained in the sagittal plane. This is a very rare
event. Isolated fusions of either a hip or two to three spinal levels place additional stresses on adjacent
segments, but do not lead to biomechanical failure of the functional unit. Thus, impairment related to
fusion of part of the lumbar/hip motion complex are treated only by radiographic methods Table.
6. Dorsolumbar RegionRotation Technique of Measurement
Determine number and position of ankylosed vertebrae by appropriate x-ray methods.
(Consult Table 1)
Impairment Due To Ankylosis Of The Thoracic Region Rotation
% Impairment of Whole
Person
20%
10
27%
20
30 (full right/left rotation)
34%
40%
7. Spinal RegionWhen Two or More Ranges of Motion Are Involved

a. Calculate separately and record impairment contributed by ankylosis in each position of the
spinal region.
b. The largest ankylosis impairment value is the impairment of the whole person contributed by
spinal region.
% Impairment of Whole Person
Example: Cervical Region ankylosed at:

20 degrees FLEXION................................................................................................................................................33%
10 degrees RIGHT ROTATION.................................................................................................................................27%
The largest ankylosis impairment value is 33%; therefore, the whole person is 33% impaired by
ankylosed cervical region.
TABLE 1
IMPAIRMENT OF CERVICAL, THORACIC AND LUMBAR REGIONS DUE TO ANKYLOSIS,
DETERMINED BY RADIOGRAPHIC METHODS
Favorable (Neutral)
Position
Any 2 cervical
Any 3 cervical
Any 4 cervical
Any 5 cervical
Any 6 cervical
Any 7 cervical
C7 and T1
Any 2 thoracic
Any 3 thoracic
Any 4 thoracic
Any 5 thoracic
Any 6 thoracic
Any 7 thoracic
Any 8 thoracic
Any 9 thoracic
Any 10 thoracic
Any 11 thoracic
Any 12 thoracic
T12 and L1
Any 2 lumbar
Any 3 lumbar
Any 4 lumbar
Any 5 lumbar
C1-C7
T1-T12
L1-L5
C1-T12
L1-L5
C1-L5
% Impairment of Whole
Person
2
5
7
9
12
14
2
1
2
3
4
5
5
6
7
8
9
12
3
3
6
9
12
14
10
12
23
21
32
Unfavorable Position
Any 2 cervical
Any 3 cervical
Any 4 cervical
Any 5 cervical
Any 6 cervical
Any 7 cervical
C7 and T1
Any 2 thoracic
Any 3 thoracic
Any 4 thoracic
Any 5 thoracic
Any 6 thoracic
Any 7 thoracic
Any 8 thoracic
Any 9 thoracic
Any 10 thoracic
Any 11 thoracic
Any l2 thoracic
T12 and L1
Any 2 lumbar
Any 3 lumbar
Any 4 lumbar
Any 5 lumbar
C1-C7
T1-T12
L1-L5
C1-T12
T1-L5
C1-L5
%Impairment of Whole
Person
4
10
14
18
24
28
4
2
4
5
7
9
11
13
15
16
18
20
6
6
12
18
24
28
20
24
28
39
56
This table should not be used if there are specific disorders of the spine that already have been used to
determine an impairment.
PELVIS
The following shows impairment values associated with conditions of the pelvis.
Disorder
1.
Healed fracture without displacement or residuals 0%
2.
Healed fracture with displacement, without residuals involving:

a. Single ramus.................................................................................................................... 0%
b. Rami, bilateral.................................................................................................................. 0%
c. Ilium................................................................................................................................. 0%
d. Innominate....................................................................................................................... 0%
e. Symphysis pubis, without separation............................................................................... 5%
f. Sacrum ............................................................................................................................ 5%
g. Coccyx............................................................................................................................. 0%
3.
Healed fracture with displacement, deformity and residuals:

a. Single ramus.................................................................................................................... 0%
b. Rami, bilateral.................................................................................................................. 5%
c. Ilium................................................................................................................................. 2%
d. Innominate, displaced 1 inch or more............................................................................ 10%
e. Symphysis pubis, displaced or separated ..................................................................... 15%
f. Sacrum, into sacroiliac joint ........................................................................................... 10%
g. Coccyx, non-union or excision......................................................................................... 5%
h. Fracture into acetabulum; evaluate on basis of restricted motion of hip joint.
The impairment value for hemipelvectomy is 50% of the whole person.
Section 2: Introduction to Musculoskeletal The Extremities

There are a few basic rules to follow when determining impairment ratings for the upper and lower
extremities. When evaluating range of motion of a specific joint such as the wrist, elbow, shoulder, ankle,
knee, or hip, the values are added. When multiple joints are involved (i.e., shoulder and elbow or hip and
knee), the total value from each joint must be combined using the Combined Values Chart.
SPECIFIC DISORDERS
Upper extremitySpecific disorders of the upper extremity (i.e., persistent joint subluxation, joint
swelling, etc.) are converted to impairment of upper extremity and then combined with all other upperextremity values.
Lower extremitySpecific disorders of the lower extremity (i.e., hip disorders, specific disorders of
the knee, etc.) are combined with all other lower- extremity values.
Using the specific guidelines for motor and sensory impairment, these values will also be determined
separately and combined with all other values of the involved extremity.
The evaluator is cautioned to combine all the values of one extremity before conversion to whole
person. (Only one conversion to whole person should be done per extremity.)
When both upper and lower extremities are involved, each extremity should be evaluated separately
and converted to whole person. Then the two whole-person values (both the upper and lower extremities)
should be combined to produce a single whole-person rating.
PREFERRED OR NONPREFERRED EXTREMITY

Since the basic tasks of everyday living are more dependent upon the preferred upper extremity than
the nonpreferred one, dysfunction of the nonpreferred extremity results in less impairment. Therefore,
when an impairment of an upper extremity has been determined, the value should be reduced by 10% if
the impairment is of the nonpreferred extremity.
Example:
40% of the (upper) nonpreferred extremity

10% of 40% = 4%
40% minus 4% = 36% upper extremity
There is no dominant or preferred lower extremity. Most conditions of the lower extremity relative to
the dominant side refer to the employability of the patient and determine disability, not physical
impairment.
Ankylosis
Ankylosis is defined as absence of joint motion. Since no joint motion can be measured, ankylosis
cannot be considered range of motion. Therefore ankylosis values are combined with all other values of
the extremity. Since there can be many planes of movement of a joint, there can be multiple ankyloses.
When multiple ankyloses occur in the same joint, the evaluator should utilize the largest value for
impairment rating.
Example:
Wrist joint ankyloses at 20 degrees palmar flexion and 10 degrees ulnar deviation.
20 degrees palmar flexion ankylosed = 47% upper-extremity impairment
10 degrees ulnar deviation ankylosed = 50% upper-extremity impairment
SOLUTION: 50% impairment for upper extremity (higher value).

Example:
Hip joint ankyloses at 20 degrees flexion and 10 degrees internal rotation

20 degrees flexion ankylosed = 54% lower-extremity impairment
10 degrees internal rotation ankylosed = 78% lower-extremity impairment
SOLUTION: 78% impairment for lower extremity (higher value).
ADDITIONAL RATABLE DISORDERS OF THE EXTREMITIES

Painful Organic Syndrome A musculoskeletal condition characterized by pain with use of the
affected member, which may or may not limit the voluntary active range of motion, with or without any
limitation of passive range of motion, and attributed to a lesion in the soft tissues (capsule, ligament,
tendon, fascia, muscle), and documented by clinical findings.
Upper Extremity
Shoulder.............................. 3% U E
Elbow .................................. 3% U E
Wrist/Hand .......................... 3% U E
Lower Extremity
Hip........................................4% L E
Knee.....................................4% L E
Ankle/Foot ............................4% L E
Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy A condition characterized by disproportionate pain, disuse and

apprehension associated with changes to bone and soft tissue documented by multiple diagnostic studies.
Upper Extremity ................................................ 15%25%
Lower Extremity .................................................. 5%25%
This condition must not be rated for at least one year after onset and should not be explained by any
other ratable diagnoses.
These conditions (P.O.S. and R.S.D.) should not be rated until MMI and should not be secondary to
any other ratable diagnosis.
These values must be combined with all other values.
Section 3: Musculoskeletal Upper Extremities

THUMB
TABLE 1
IMPAIRMENT DUE TO ABNORMAL MOTION AND ANKYLOSIS
OF THE INTERPHALANGEAL JOINT OF THE THUMB
Abnormal Motion
Average range of FLEXION-EXTENSION is 80 degrees
Value to total range of joint motion is 100%
Flexion from neutral
position ( 0) to:
Degrees of Joint Motion

LOST
RETAINED
% Impairment
of Thumb
0 .................................80....................................... 0..................................................................45
10 .................................70...................................... 10.................................................................39
20 ................................60...................................... 20.................................................................34
30 .................................50...................................... 30.................................................................28
40 .................................40...................................... 40.................................................................23
50 .................................30...................................... 50.................................................................17
60 .................................20...................................... 60.................................................................11
70 .................................10...................................... 70...................................................................6
80 ..................................0....................................... 80...................................................................0
Ankylosis
Joint ankylosed at:
0.(neutral position) ....................................................................................................................45
10................................................................................................................................................43
20................................................................................................................................................40
30................................................................................................................................................38
*40................................................................................................................................................35
50................................................................................................................................................45
60................................................................................................................................................55
70................................................................................................................................................65
80.(full flexion).............................................................................................................................75
*position of function
TABLE 2
IMPAIRMENT DUE TO
ABNORMAL MOTION AND ANKYLOSIS OF THE
METACARPOPHALANGEAL JOINT OF THE THUMB
Abnormal Motion
position ( 0) to:

LOST
RETAINED
% Impairment
of Thumb
0 .................................60....................................... 0..................................................................55
10 .................................50...................................... 10.................................................................46
20 .................................40...................................... 20.................................................................37
30 .................................30...................................... 30.................................................................27
40 .................................20...................................... 40.................................................................18
40 .................................10...................................... 50...................................................................9
60 ..................................0....................................... 60...................................................................0
Ankylosis
Joint ankylosed at:
0 (neutral position) ....................................................................................................................55
10................................................................................................................................................49
*20................................................................................................................................................43
30................................................................................................................................................52
40................................................................................................................................................61
50................................................................................................................................................70
60 (full flexion).............................................................................................................................80
TABLE 3
IMPAIRMENT DUE TO
ABNORMAL MOTION AND ANKYLOSIS OF THE
CARPOMETACARPAL JOINT OF THE THUMB
Abnormal Motion
position ( 0) to:

LOST
RETAINED
% Impairment
of Thumb
0 .................................15....................................... 0..................................................................15
10 ..................................5....................................... 10...................................................................5
15 ..................................0....................................... 15...................................................................0
Extension From Neutral
Position (0) to:
0 .................................30....................................... 0..................................................................15
10 .................................20...................................... 10.................................................................10
20 .................................10...................................... 20...................................................................5
30 ..................................0....................................... 30...................................................................0
Ankylosis
Joint Ankylosed At:
10................................................................................................................................................55
15(full Extension) ........................................................................................................................80
Joint Ankylosed At:
0 (neutral Position)....................................................................................................................30
10................................................................................................................................................47
20................................................................................................................................................63
30 (full Extension) .......................................................................................................................80
TABLE 4
RELATIONSHIP OF IMPAIRMENT OF
THE THUMB TO IMPAIRMENT OF THE HAND*
% Impairment of
Thumb
Hand
01
0
23
1
46
2
78
3
911
4
1213
5
1416
6
1718
7
1921
8
2223
9
2426
10
2728
11
2931
12
3233
13
3436
14
3738
15
3941
16
4243
17
4446
18
4748
19
% Impairment of
Thumb
Hand
4951
20
5253
21
5456
22
5758
23
5961
24
6263
25
6466
26
6768
27
6971
28
7273
29
7476
30
7778
31
7981
32
8283
33
8486
34
8788
35
8991
36
9293
37
9496
38
9798
39
99100
40
*Impairment of the hand contributed by the thumb may be rounded to the nearest 5 percent only when it is the sole
impairment involved.
Consult Table 18 for converting hand impairment to upper-extremity impairment.
FINGERS
TABLE 5
IMPAIRMENT DUE TO ABNORMAL
MOTION AND ANKYLOSIS OF THE DISTAL
INTERPHALANGEAL JOINT OF ANY FINGER
Abnormal Motion
position ( 0) to:

LOST
RETAINED
% Impairment
of Finger
0 .................................70....................................... 0..................................................................45
10 .................................60...................................... 10.................................................................38
20 .................................50...................................... 20.................................................................32
30 .................................40...................................... 30.................................................................26
40 .................................30...................................... 40.................................................................19
50 .................................20...................................... 50.................................................................13
60 .................................10...................................... 60...................................................................6
70 ..................................0....................................... 70...................................................................0
Ankylosis
Joint ankylosed at:
10................................................................................................................................................41
20................................................................................................................................................38
30................................................................................................................................................34
*40................................................................................................................................................30
50................................................................................................................................................35
60................................................................................................................................................40
70 (full flexion).............................................................................................................................45
TABLE 6
MOTION AND ANKYLOSIS OF THE PROXIMAL
INTERPHALANGEAL JOINT OF ANY FINGER
Abnormal Motion
position ( 0) to:

LOST
RETAINED
% Impairment
of Finger
0 ................................100...................................... 0..................................................................60
10 .................................90...................................... 10.................................................................54
20 .................................80...................................... 20.................................................................48
30 .................................70...................................... 30.................................................................42
40 .................................60...................................... 40.................................................................36
50 .................................50...................................... 50.................................................................30
60 .................................40...................................... 60.................................................................24
70 .................................30...................................... 70.................................................................18
80 .................................20...................................... 80.................................................................12
90 .................................10...................................... 90...................................................................6
100 ..................................0...................................... 100..................................................................0
Ankylosis
Joint ankylosed at:
10................................................................................................................................................58
20................................................................................................................................................55
30................................................................................................................................................53
*40................................................................................................................................................50
50................................................................................................................................................55
60................................................................................................................................................60
70................................................................................................................................................65
80................................................................................................................................................70
90................................................................................................................................................75
100 (full flexion).............................................................................................................................80
TABLE 7
MOTION AND ANKYLOSIS OF THE
METACARPOPHALANGEAL JOINT OF ANY FINGER
Abnormal Motion
position ( 0) to:

LOST
RETAINED
% Impairment
of Finger
0 .................................90....................................... 0..................................................................55
10 .................................80...................................... 10.................................................................49
20 .................................70...................................... 20.................................................................43
30 .................................60...................................... 30.................................................................37
40 .................................50...................................... 40.................................................................31
50 .................................40...................................... 50.................................................................24
60 .................................30...................................... 60.................................................................18
70 .................................20...................................... 70.................................................................12
80 .................................10...................................... 80...................................................................6
90 ..................................0....................................... 90...................................................................0
Ankylosis
Joint ankylosed at:
10................................................................................................................................................52
20................................................................................................................................................48
30................................................................................................................................................45
*40................................................................................................................................................54
50................................................................................................................................................63
60................................................................................................................................................72
70................................................................................................................................................82
80................................................................................................................................................91
90 (full flexion)........................................................................................................................... 100
TABLE 8
RELATIONSHIP OF IMPAIRMENT OF THE DIGITS
TO IMPAIRMENT OF THE HAND
% Impairment of
Thumb
Hand
% Impairment of
Index or Middle
Finger
Hand
01
23
46
79
9 11
12 13
14 16
17 18
19 21
22 23
24 26
27 28
29 31
32 33
=
=
=
=
=
=
=
=
=
=
=
=
=
=
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
02
37
8 12
13 17
18 22
23 27
28 32
33 37
38 42
43 47
48 52
53 57
58 62
63 67
=
=
=
=
=
=
=
=
=
=
=
=
=
=
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
34 36
37 38
39 41
42 43
44 46
47 48
49 51
52 53
54 56
57 58
59 61
62 63
64 66
67 68
69 71
72 73
74 76
77 78
79 81
82 83
84 86
87 88
89 91
92 93
94 96
97 98
99 100
=
=
=
=
=
=
=
=
=
=
=
=
=
=
=
=
=
=
=
=
=
=
=
=
=
=
=
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
33
34
35
36
37
38
39
40
68 72
73 77
78 82
83 87
88 92
93 97
98 100
=
=
=
=
=
=
=
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
% Impairment of
Ring or Little
Finger
Hand
0-4
5 - 14
15 - 24
25 - 34
35 - 44
45 - 54
55 - 64
65 - 74
75 - 84
85 - 94
95 - 100
=
=
=
=
=
=
=
=
=
=
=
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
Note: Impairment of the hand contributed by a digit may be rounded to the nearest 5 percent only when it is the sole
impairment involved.
WRIST JOINT
TABLE 9
IMPAIRMENT DUE TO ABNORMAL MOTION AND
ANKYLOSIS OF THE WRIST JOINTEXTENSION
Abnormal Motion
Average range of EXTENSION-FLEXION is 130 degrees
Extension from neutral
position ( 0) to:

LOST
RETAINED
% Impairment of
Upper Extremity
0 .................................60....................................... 0..................................................................10
10 .................................50...................................... 10...................................................................8
20 .................................40...................................... 20...................................................................6
30 .................................30...................................... 30...................................................................5
40 .................................20...................................... 40...................................................................3
50 .................................10...................................... 50...................................................................2
60 ..................................0....................................... 60...................................................................0
Ankylosis
Joint ankylosed at:
100 .................................................................................................................................................28
20................................................................................................................................................27
*30................................................................................................................................................25
40................................................................................................................................................47
50................................................................................................................................................68
60 (full extension)........................................................................................................................90
TABLE 10
IMPAIRMENT DUE TO ABNORMAL MOTION
AND ANKYLOSIS OF THE WRIST JOINTFLEXION
Abnormal Motion
Average range of EXTENSION-FLEXION is 130 degrees
position ( 0) to:

LOST
RETAINED
% Impairment of
Upper Extremity
0 .................................70....................................... 0..................................................................11
10 .................................60...................................... 10.................................................................10
20 .................................50...................................... 20...................................................................8
30 .................................40...................................... 30...................................................................6
40 .................................30...................................... 40...................................................................5
50 .................................20...................................... 50...................................................................3
60 .................................10...................................... 60...................................................................2
70 ..................................0....................................... 70...................................................................0
Ankylosis
Joint ankylosed at:
10................................................................................................................................................39
20................................................................................................................................................47
30................................................................................................................................................56
40................................................................................................................................................64
50................................................................................................................................................73
60................................................................................................................................................81
70 (full flexion).............................................................................................................................90
TABLE 11
AND ANKYLOSIS OF THE WRIST JOINTRADIAL/ULNAR DEVIATION
Abnormal Motion
Average range of RADIAL-ULNAR DEVIATION (adduction-abduction) is 50 degrees
Radial deviation from
neutral position ( 0) to:

LOST
RETAINED
% Impairment of
Upper Extremity
0 .................................20....................................... 0....................................................................4
10 .................................10...................................... 10...................................................................2
20 ..................................0....................................... 20...................................................................0
Ulnar deviation from
neutral position (0) to:
0 .................................30....................................... 0....................................................................5
10 .................................20...................................... 10...................................................................4
20 .................................10...................................... 20...................................................................2
30 ..................................0....................................... 30...................................................................0
Ankylosis
Joint ankylosed at:
*0 (neutral position)......................................................................................................................30
10................................................................................................................................................60
20 (full radial deviation) ...............................................................................................................90
Joint ankylosed at:
*0 (neutral position) ....................................................................................................................30
10................................................................................................................................................50
20................................................................................................................................................70
30 (full ulnar deviation)................................................................................................................90
ELBOW JOINT
TABLE 12
OF THE ELBOW JOINTFLEXION/EXTENSION
Abnormal Motion
Retained Active
Flexion of:
% Impairment of
Upper Extremity
0 ...............................................................................................................39
10 ...............................................................................................................36
20 ...............................................................................................................34
30 ...............................................................................................................31
40 ...............................................................................................................29
50 ...............................................................................................................26
60 ...............................................................................................................23
70 ...............................................................................................................21
80 ...............................................................................................................18
90 ...............................................................................................................16
100 ...............................................................................................................13
110 ...............................................................................................................10
120 .................................................................................................................8
130 .................................................................................................................5
140 .................................................................................................................3
150 .................................................................................................................0
Extension to:
0 (neutral position).......................................................................................0
10 .................................................................................................................2
20 .................................................................................................................4
30 .................................................................................................................6
40 .................................................................................................................8
50 ...............................................................................................................10
60 ...............................................................................................................12
70 ...............................................................................................................14
80 ...............................................................................................................16
90 ...............................................................................................................18
100 ...............................................................................................................20
110 ...............................................................................................................22
120 ...............................................................................................................24
130 ...............................................................................................................26
140 ...............................................................................................................28
150 ...............................................................................................................30
Ankylosis
Joint ankylosed at:
0 (neutral position).....................................................................................65
10 ...............................................................................................................64
20 ...............................................................................................................62
30 ...............................................................................................................61
40 ...............................................................................................................59
50 ...............................................................................................................58
60 ...............................................................................................................56
70 ...............................................................................................................55
80 ...............................................................................................................53
90 ...............................................................................................................52
100 ...............................................................................................................50
110 ...............................................................................................................59
120 ...............................................................................................................68
130 ...............................................................................................................77
140 ...............................................................................................................86
150 (full flexion) .............................................................................................95
In the case of bilateral ankylosis of the elbows, position of function would not necessarily be the same for
both elbows; however, the corresponding impairment of the whole person can be computed by using the
above figures and the conversion figures on UPPER EXTREMITY Conversion Tables.
TABLE 13
OF THE ELBOW JOINTPRONATION/SUPINATION
Abnormal Motion
Average range of ROTATION is 160 degrees
Pronation from

LOST
RETAINED
% Impairment of
Upper Extremity
0 .................................80....................................... 0..................................................................13
10 .................................70...................................... 10.................................................................11
20 .................................60...................................... 20.................................................................10
30 .................................50...................................... 30...................................................................8
40 .................................40...................................... 40...................................................................7
50 .................................30...................................... 50...................................................................5
60 .................................20...................................... 60...................................................................3
70 .................................10...................................... 70...................................................................2
80 ..................................0....................................... 80...................................................................0
Supination from
0 .................................80....................................... 0..................................................................13
10 .................................70...................................... 10.................................................................11
20 .................................60...................................... 20.................................................................10
30 .................................50...................................... 30...................................................................8
40 .................................40...................................... 40...................................................................7
50 .................................30...................................... 50...................................................................5
60 .................................20...................................... 60...................................................................3
70 .................................10...................................... 70...................................................................2
80 ..................................0....................................... 80...................................................................0
Ankylosis
Joint ankylosed at:
10................................................................................................................................................69
20................................................................................................................................................73
30................................................................................................................................................76
40................................................................................................................................................80
50................................................................................................................................................84
60................................................................................................................................................88
70................................................................................................................................................91
80 (full pronation/supination).......................................................................................................95
SHOULDER JOINT
Flexion/Extension
TABLE 14
IMPAIRMENT DUE TO ABNORMAL MOTION AND ANKYLOSIS OF THE
SHOULDER JOINTFLEXION
Abnormal Motion
Average range of FLEXION/EXTENSION is 190 degrees
position ( 0) to:

LOST
RETAINED
% Impairment of
Upper Extremity
0 ................................150...................................... 0..................................................................16
10 ................................140..................................... 10.................................................................15
20 ................................130..................................... 20.................................................................14
30 ................................120..................................... 30.................................................................13
40 ................................110..................................... 40.................................................................12
50 ................................100..................................... 50.................................................................11
60 .................................90...................................... 60...................................................................9
70 .................................80...................................... 70...................................................................8
80 .................................70...................................... 80...................................................................7
90 .................................60...................................... 90...................................................................6
100 .................................50..................................... 100..................................................................5
110 .................................40..................................... 110..................................................................4
120 .................................30..................................... 120..................................................................3
130 .................................20..................................... 130..................................................................2
140 .................................10..................................... 140..................................................................1
150 ..................................0...................................... 150..................................................................0
Ankylosis
Joint ankylosed at:
10................................................................................................................................................53
20................................................................................................................................................47
*30................................................................................................................................................40
40................................................................................................................................................45
50................................................................................................................................................50
60................................................................................................................................................55
70................................................................................................................................................60
80................................................................................................................................................65
90................................................................................................................................................70
100................................................................................................................................................75
110................................................................................................................................................80
120................................................................................................................................................85
130................................................................................................................................................90
140................................................................................................................................................95
150 (full flexion)........................................................................................................................... 100
TABLE 15
AND ANKYLOSIS OF THE SHOULDER JOINTEXTENSION
Abnormal Motion
Average range of FLEXION/EXTENSION is 190 degrees
position ( 0) to:

LOST
RETAINED
% Impairment of
Upper Extremity
0 .................................40....................................... 0....................................................................4
10 .................................30...................................... 10...................................................................3
20 .................................20...................................... 20...................................................................2
30 .................................10...................................... 30...................................................................1
40 ..................................0....................................... 40...................................................................0
Ankylosis
Joint ankylosed at:
10................................................................................................................................................70
20................................................................................................................................................80
30................................................................................................................................................90
40 (full extension)...................................................................................................................... 100
TABLE 16
OF THE SHOULDER JOINTABDUCTION-ADDUCTION
Abnormal Motion
Average range of ABDUCTION-ADDUCTION is 180 degrees
Abduction from neutral
position ( 0) to:

LOST
RETAINED
% Impairment of
Upper Extremity
0 ................................150...................................... 0..................................................................17
10 ................................140..................................... 10.................................................................16
20 ................................130..................................... 20.................................................................14
30 ................................120..................................... 30.................................................................13
40 ................................110..................................... 40.................................................................12
50 ................................100..................................... 50.................................................................11
60 .................................90...................................... 60.................................................................10
70 .................................80...................................... 70...................................................................9
80 .................................70...................................... 80...................................................................8
90 .................................60...................................... 90...................................................................7
100 .................................50..................................... 100..................................................................6
110 .................................40..................................... 110..................................................................4
120 .................................30..................................... 120..................................................................3
130 .................................20..................................... 130..................................................................2
140 .................................10..................................... 140..................................................................1
150 ..................................0...................................... 150..................................................................0
Adduction from neutral Position (0) to:
0 .................................30....................................... 0....................................................................3
10 .................................20...................................... 10...................................................................2
20 .................................10...................................... 20...................................................................1
30 ..................................0....................................... 30...................................................................0
Ankylosis
Joint ankylosed at:
0................................................................................................................................................60
10................................................................................................................................................56
20................................................................................................................................................51
30................................................................................................................................................47
40................................................................................................................................................42
45................................................................................................................................................40
50................................................................................................................................................43
60................................................................................................................................................49
70................................................................................................................................................54
80................................................................................................................................................60
90................................................................................................................................................66
100................................................................................................................................................71
110................................................................................................................................................77
120................................................................................................................................................83
130................................................................................................................................................89
140................................................................................................................................................94
150 (full abduction) ..................................................................................................................... 100
Joint ankylosed at:
10................................................................................................................................................73
20................................................................................................................................................87
30 (full adduction) ..................................................................................................................... 100
Internal/External Rotation
TABLE 17
OF THE SHOULDER JOINTROTATION
Abnormal Motion
Average range of ROTATION is 130 degrees
Value to total joint motion is 33%
Internal ROTATION from

LOST
RETAINED
% Impairment of
Upper Extremity
0 .................................40....................................... 0....................................................................6
10 .................................30...................................... 10...................................................................5
20 .................................20...................................... 20...................................................................3
30 .................................10...................................... 30...................................................................2
40 ..................................0....................................... 40...................................................................0
External rotation from
0 .................................90....................................... 0..................................................................14
10 .................................80...................................... 10.................................................................12
20 .................................70...................................... 20.................................................................11
30 .................................60...................................... 30...................................................................9
40 .................................50...................................... 40...................................................................8
50 .................................40...................................... 50...................................................................6
60 .................................30...................................... 60...................................................................5
70 .................................20...................................... 70...................................................................3
80 .................................10...................................... 80...................................................................2
90 ..................................0....................................... 90...................................................................0
Ankylosis
Joint ankylosed at:
10................................................................................................................................................70
20................................................................................................................................................80
30................................................................................................................................................90
40 (full internal rotation) ............................................................................................................ 100
Joint ankylosed at:
10................................................................................................................................................50
*20................................................................................................................................................40
30................................................................................................................................................49
40................................................................................................................................................57
50................................................................................................................................................66
60................................................................................................................................................74
70................................................................................................................................................83
80................................................................................................................................................91
90 (full external rotation)............................................................................................................. 100
DISORDERS OF THE UPPER EXTREMITY

Derangements not previously described can contribute to impairments of the hand and upper
extremity and should be considered in the final impairment determination. These include bone and joint
disorders, presence of resection or implant arthroplasty, musculotendinous disorders, and loss of strength.
NOTE: It must be stressed that impairments secondary to these disorders are usually rated by other
parameters. The following disorders are to be rated only when other factors have not adequately rated
the extent of impairment. Whether to consider these disorders separately is left to the discretion of the
examiner.
Table 18 shows relative impairment values for loss of function of the digits, hand, wrist, elbow, and
shoulder due to the conditions described below and impairment values for the larger units. This table
differs from figures 1 and 2 (p. 41), which show values for amputation at these levels.
TABLE 18
RELATIVE IMPAIRMENT VALUES
Units and Joints
SHOULDER
Glenohumeral
Acromioclavicular
ELBOW
Entire elbow
Ulnohumeral
Proximal radioulnar
WRIST
Entire wrist
Radiocarpal
Distal radioulnar
ENTIRE HAND
THUMB
Entire thumb
CMC
MP
IP
INDEX OR MIDDLE
Entire finger
MP
PIP
DIP
RING OR LITTLE
Entire finger
MP
PIP
DIP
% Impairment of
Upper Extremity
Whole Person
Unit
Hand
60
30
36
18
70
50
20
42
30
12
100
60
40
20
90
36
24
12
54
100
75
10
15
40
30
4
6
36
27
4
5
22
16
2
3
100
100
80
45
20
20
16
9
18
18
14
8
11
11
8
5
100
100
80
45
10
10
8
4
9
9
7
4
5
5
4
2
BONE AND JOINT DEFORMITIES

Joint Crepitation with MotionJoint crepitation with motion can reflect synovitis or cartilage
degeneration. The impairment degree is multiplied by the relative value of the joint (Table 18).
The evaluator must use judgment and avoid duplication of impairments when other findings, such as
synovial hypertrophy, carpal collapse with arthritic changes, or limited motion are present. The latter
findings may indicate a greater severity of the same underlying pathological process and take precedence
over joint crepitation, which should not be rated in these instances.
Joint Crepitation Severity
% Joint Impairment*
Mild: Inconstant during active ROM** ................................................................. 10
Moderate: Constant during active ROM ............................................................. 20
Severe: Constant during passive ROM .............................................................. 30
*Use Table 18 (previous page) to find the relative value of each joint.
**ROM: Range of Motion
Joint Swelling due to Synovial HypertrophyThis condition would usually be rated through loss
of motion and is to be considered for impairment only when there is full range of motion of the joint. The
percent of impairment is multiplied by the relative value of the joint (Table 18).
Joint Swelling Due to Synovial Hypertrophy
% Joint Impairment*
Mild..................................................................................................................... 10
Moderate ............................................................................................................ 20
Severe ................................................................................................................ 30
*Use Table 18 to find the relative value of each joint.
Digit Lateral DeviationThe longitudinal alignment of each of the finger joints is measured in
degrees during maximum active extension. Since lateral deviation at any level affects the longitudinal
arch of the digit, deviation affects the entire digit. If lateral deviation is the sole impairment, it is
multiplied by the relative value of the digit to the hand to calculate hand impairment (Table 18). If the
digit has other impairments, the lateral deviation impairment value is combined with them using the
Combined Values Chart, in Section 15.
Ulnar or Radial Deviation
% Digit Impairment*
Mild: Less than 10 ............................................................................................. 10
Moderate: 10 to 30........................................................................................... 20
Severe: Greater than 30.................................................................................... 30
*Use Table 18 to find the relative value of each digit.
Digit Rotational DeformityRotational Deformity of the distal, middle, or proximal phalanx is

measured during maximum active flexion of the finger and expresses a malrotation of the normal axial
alignment of the phalanx. Rotational deformity at any level affects the function of the entire digit, and the
impairment percentage is applied to the entire digit. If other impairments of the same digit are present,
rotational-deformity impairment is combined with them using the Combined Values Chart.
Rotational Deformity
% Digit Impairment*
Mild: Less than 15 ............................................................................................. 20
Moderate: 15 to 30........................................................................................... 40
Persistent Joint Subluxation and DislocationWhen persistent joint subluxation or dislocation

results in restricted motion, impairment percentages are given for lack of motion in order to avoid
duplication in the rating. If there is no restricted motion, the following table is used to determine the
degree of joint impairment. The percentage of impairment is multiplied by the relative value of the joint
(Table 18).
Persistent Joint Subluxation or Dislocation
% Digit Impairment
Mild: Can be completely reduced manually ........................................................ 20
Moderate: Cannot be completely reduced manually........................................... 40
Severe: Cannot be reduced.................................................................................. 6
Joint InstabilityExcessive passive joint motion is evaluated by comparing it with normal joint
stability and graded according to the degree of severity. Then the percentage of impairment is multiplied
by the relative value of the joint (Table 18). If other impairments of the same joint are present, the values
are combined using the Combined Values Chart.
Joint Instability
% Joint Impairment
Mild: Less than 10 ............................................................................................. 20
Moderate: 10 to 20........................................................................................... 40
Wrist and Elbow Joint Lateral DeviationThese angles are measured with the wrist or elbow in
maximum active extension. The degree of severity is multiplied by the relative value of the joint to the
upper extremity to obtain upper extremity impairment due to lateral deviation (Table 18). If other
impairments of the same joint are present, they are combined using the Combined Values Chart. After all
impairments for either the wrist or elbow joint have been calculated, they are combined with any other
upper-extremity impairment using the Combined Values Chart.
Lateral Deviation Severity
% Joint Impairment*
Mild: Less than 20 ............................................................................................. 10
Moderate: 20 to 30........................................................................................... 20
*Use Table 18 to find the relative value of the wrist and elbow joints.
Carpal InstabilityCarpal instability patterns resulting from lunate or scaphoid pathology can be
classified as mild, moderate, or severe, based on the severity of the radiographic findings (Table 19,
below). The proximal carpal row represents half of the value of the wrist, or 30% of the upper extremity.
Therefore the grades of mild (20%), moderate (40%), and severe (60%) represent upper- extremity
impairments of 6%, 12%, and 18%, respectively. These values may be combined with other upperextremity impairments due to wrist abnormalities using the Combined Values Chart.
In using Table 19, apply only the greatest impairment value determined by the radiographic findings.
Do not combine or add the impairment values shown on Table 19. These radiographic parameters are to
be used only when all other factors including range of motion and grip strength are normal.
TABLE 19
IMPAIRMENT OF UPPER EXTREMITY
DUE TO CARPAL INSTABILITY PATTERNS
Radiographic Findings
Mild
(6%)
% Impairment of Upper Extremity

Moderate
Severe
(12%)
(18%)
Radioscaphoid angle
(scaphoid) ........................................................................... 4059....................... 6070......................... >70
Radiolunate angle
(lunate)....................................................................................... <10....................... 1030......................... >30
Carpal height collapse....................................................................... <5%.....................5% 10%........................>10%
Carpal translation ...............................................................................mild...................... moderate...................... severe
Arthritic changes ................................................................................mild...................... moderate...................... severe
ArthroplastySimple resection arthroplasty is given 40% impairment of the joint value due to loss
of function; implant arthroplasty is given 50% impairment of the joint value due to loss of function. Table
20 provides impairment ratings for the upper extremity for arthroplasty of specific joints, based on these
values.
TABLE 20
IMPAIRMENTS OF UPPER EXTREMITY FOLLOWING
ARTHROPLASTY OF SPECIFIC BONES OR JOINTS
Level of
Arthroplasty*
% Impairment of Upper Extremity

Resection
Implant
Arthroplasty
Arthroplasty
Shoulder
Total elbow
Radial head (isolated)
Total wrist
Ulnar head (isolated)
Proximal carpal row
Carpal bones
24
28
8
24
8
12
12
30
35
10
30
10
15
15
Thumb**
Carpometacarpal
Metacarpophalangeal
Interphalangeal
11
1
2
13
2
3
Index of middle fingers***

Metacarpophalangeal
Proximal interphalangeal
Distal interphalangeal
7
6
3
9
7
4
Ring or little fingers***

Metacarpophalangeal
Proximal Interphalangeal
Distal Interphalangeal
3
3
2
4
3
2
* If more than one level is involved, combine from distal to proximal using the Combined Values Chart.
** If more than one thumb joint is involved, add impairments.
*** If more than one joint is involved in the same finger, combine impairments using the Combined Values Chart. If
multiple digits are involved, add the impairment values for the digits.
Musculotendinous Impairments and Intrinsic TightnessIntrinsic tightness in the hand may be

demonstrated by a test described by Bunnell. Hyperextension of the metacarpophalangeal (MP) joint in a
normal hand still allows passive flexion of the proximal interphalangeal (PIP) joint. If the intrinsic
muscles are tight or contracted, the available stretch of these muscles is taken up by the hyperextended
position of the MP joint, and passive flexion of the PIP joint will be difficult.
If there is already restriction in active range of motion at the MP or PIP joint, then no additional
rating is given for intrinsic tightness.
Intrinsic tightness impairment is combined with other impairments of the same digit using the
Combined Values Chart. Finger impairment is converted to hand impairment using Table 21.
Intrinsic Tightness Severity

(Passive flexion of PIP Joint
% Digit
with MP Joints hyperextended)
Impairment*
Mild: PIP flexion 80 to 60 ................................................................................. 20
Moderate: PIP flexion 59 to 20 ........................................................................ 40
Severe: PIP flexion less than 20 ....................................................................... 60
Constrictive TenosynovitisImpairment due to constrictive tenosynovitis is combined with other

impairments of the digit using the Combined Values Chart. The digit impairment is converted to hand
impairment with Table 21.
If there is already restriction in active range of motion, no additional rating is given for constrictive
tenosynovitis.
Constrictive Tenosynovitis Severity
% Digit
Impairment*
Mild: inconstant triggering during active ROM** ................................................. 20
Moderate: Constant triggering during active ACM .............................................. 40
Severe: Constant triggering during passive ROM............................................... 60
**ROM: Range of Motion
Extensor Tendon Subluxation at MP JointThe severity of extensor tendon subluxation at the

metacarpophalangeal (MP) joint is combined with other impairments of the same digit using the
Combined Values Chart. The finger impairment is converted to hand impairment with Table 21.
When persistent extensor tendon subluxation results in restricted range of motion, impairment is
given only for lack of motion.
Extensor Tendon
% Digit
Subluxation Severity
Impairment*
Mild: Ulnar subluxation on MP joint flexion only.................................................. 10
Moderate: Reducible tendon subluxation in the intermetacarpal groove ............ 20
Severe: Nonreducible tendon subluxation in the intermetacarpal groove........... 30
UPPER EXTREMITYCONVERSION TABLES
TABLE 21Relationship of Impairment of the

Digits to Impairment of the Hand
% Impairment of
Thumb
Hand
01
23
46
79
9 11
12 13
14 16
17 18
19 21
22 23
24 26
27 28
29 31
32 33
34 36
37 38
39 41
42 43
44 46
47 48
49 51
52 53
54 56
57 58
59 61
62 63
64 66
67 68
69 71
72 73
74 76
77 78
79 81
82 83
84 86
87 88
89 91
92 93
94 96
97 98
99 100
=
=
=
=
=
=
=
=
=
=
=
=
=
=
=
=
=
=
=
=
=
=
=
=
=
=
=
=
=
=
=
=
=
=
=
=
=
=
=
=
=
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
33
34
35
36
37
38
39
40
% Impairment of
Index or
Middle
Finger
Hand
02 =
0
37 =
1
8 12 =
2
13 17 =
3
18 22 =
4
23 27 =
5
28 32 =
6
33 37 =
7
38 42 =
8
43 47 =
9
48 52 = 10
53 57 = 11
58 62 = 12
63 67 = 13
68 72 = 14
73 77 = 15
78 82 = 16
83 87 = 17
88 92 = 18
93 97 = 19
98 100 = 20
% Impairment of
Ring or
Little
Finger
Hand
0-4 =
0
5 - 14 =
1
15 - 24 =
2
25 - 34 =
3
35 - 44 =
4
45 - 54 =
5
55 - 64 =
6
65 - 74 =
7
75 - 84 =
8
85 - 94 =
9
95 - 100 = 10
TABLE 22Relationship of Impairment of the

Thumb to Impairment of the Hand
% Impairment of
Thumb
Hand
01
0
23
1
46
2
78
3
911
4
1213
5
1416
6
1718
7
1921
8
2223
9
2426
10
2728
11
2931
12
3233
13
3436
14
3738
15
3941
16
4243
17
4446
18
4748
19
% Impairment of
Thumb
Hand
4951
20
5253
21
5456
22
5758
23
5961
24
6263
25
6466
26
6768
27
6971
28
7273
29
7476
30
7778
31
7981
32
8283
33
8486
34
8788
35
8991
36
9293
37
9496
38
9798
39
99100
40
NOTE: Impairment of the hand contributed by the thumb may be

rounded to the nearest 5 percent only when it is the sole impairment
involved.
Consult Table 9 for converting hand impairment to upper-extremity
impairment.
Note: Impairment of the hand contributed

by a digit may be rounded to the nearest 5
percent only when it is the sole impairment
involved.
TABLE 23Relationship of Impairment of the Hand to Impairment of the Upper Extremity

Hand
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
Upper
Extremity
=
0
=
1
=
2
=
3
=
4
=
5
=
5
=
6
=
7
=
8
=
9
=
10
=
11
=
12
=
13
=
14
=
14
=
15
Hand
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
33
34
35
Upper
Extremity
=
16
=
17
=
18
=
19
=
20
=
21
=
22
=
23
=
23
=
24
=
25
=
26
=
27
=
28
=
29
=
30
=
31
=
32
Hand
36
37
38
39
40
41
42
43
44
45
46
47
48
49
50
51
52
53
Upper
Extremity
=
32
=
33
=
34
=
35
=
36
=
37
=
38
=
39
=
40
=
41
=
41
=
42
=
43
=
44
=
45
=
46
=
47
=
48
Hand
54
55
56
57
58
59
60
61
62
63
64
65
66
67
68
69
70
71
Upper
Extremity
=
49
=
50
=
50
=
51
=
52
=
53
=
54
=
55
=
56
=
57
=
58
=
59
=
59
=
60
=
61
=
62
=
63
=
64
Hand
72
73
74
75
76
77
78
79
80
81
82
83
84
85
86
87
88
89
Upper
Extremity
=
65
=
66
=
67
=
68
=
68
=
69
=
70
=
71
=
72
=
73
=
74
=
75
=
76
=
77
=
77
=
78
=
79
=
80
Hand
90
91
92
93
94
95
96
97
98
99
100
Upper
Extremity
=
81
=
82
=
83
=
84
=
85
=
86
=
86
=
87
=
88
=
89
=
90
NOTE: Impairment of the upper extremity contributed by the hand may be rounded to the nearest 5 percent only when it is the sole impairment
involved. Consult Table 20 for converting upper extremity impairment to whole person impairment.
TABLE 24Relationship of Impairment of the Upper Extremity to Impairment of the Whole Person
% Impairment of
Upper
Whole
Extremity
Person
% Impairment of
Upper
Whole
Extremity
Person
% Impairment of
Upper
Whole
Extremity
Person
0
1
2
3
4
=
=
=
=
=
0
1
1
2
2
35
36
37
38
39
=
=
=
=
=
21
22
22
23
23
70
71
72
73
74
=
=
=
=
=
42
43
43
44
44
5
6
7
8
9
=
=
=
=
=
3
4
4
5
5
40
41
42
43
44
=
=
=
=
=
24
25
25
26
26
75
76
77
78
79
=
=
=
=
=
45
46
46
47
47
10
11
12
13
14
=
=
=
=
=
6
7
7
8
8
45
46
47
48
49
=
=
=
=
=
27
28
28
29
29
80
81
82
83
84
=
=
=
=
=
48
49
49
50
50
15
16
17
18
19
=
=
=
=
=
9
10
10
11
11
50
51
52
53
54
=
=
=
=
=
30
31
31
32
32
85
86
87
88
89
=
=
=
=
=
51
52
52
53
53
20
21
22
23
24
=
=
=
=
=
12
13
13
14
14
55
56
57
58
59
=
=
=
=
=
33
34
34
35
35
90
91
92
93
94
=
=
=
=
=
54
55
55
56
56
25
26
27
28
29
=
=
=
=
=
15
16
16
17
17
60
61
62
63
64
=
=
=
=
=
36
37
37
38
38
95
96
97
98
99
=
=
=
=
=
57
58
58
59
59
30
31
32
33
34
=
=
=
=
=
18
19
19
20
20
65
66
67
68
69
=
=
=
=
=
39
40
40
41
41
100
60
NOTE: Impairment of the whole person contributed by the upper extremity may be rounded to the nearest 5 percent
only when it is the sole Impairment involved.
AMPUTATIONFINGER, THUMB, HAND, UPPER EXTREMITY
Figure 1. Impairment of upper extremity from

amputation at various levels.
Figure 3. Impairment of finger due to amputation at

various lengths (top scale) and total transverse
sensory loss impairments correspond to 50% of
amputation impairments.
Figure 4. Impairment of thumb due to amputation at

various levels (top scale) or total transverse sensory
loss (bottom scale). Total transverse sensory loss
impairments correspond to 50% amputation values.
Figure 2. Impairments of the digits (percents outside

digits and of hand (percents inside digits) for
amputations at various levels.
Section 4: Musculoskeletal Lower Extremities

GREAT TOE
Table 1. Impairment due to amputation, abnormal motion
and ankylosis of the Interphalangeal Joint of the Great
Toe

and ankylosis of the Metatarsophalangeal Joint of the
Great Toe Dorsi-flexion
Amputation
% Impairment of
Great Toe
Amputation
% Impairment of
Great Toe
At Joint
75
At Joint
100
Abnormal Motion
Abnormal Motion
Average range of Flexion-Extension is 30

Degrees of
position (0) to:
Joint Motion
Lost
Retained
0
30
0
10
20
10
20
10
20
30
0
30
Average range of Dorsi-Plantar-Flexion is 80

Dorsi-flexion
Degrees of
from neutral
Joint Motion
position (0) to:
Lost
Retained
0
50
0
10
40
10
20
30
20
30
20
30
40
10
40
50
0
50
% Impairment of
Great Toe
45
30
15
0
Ankylosis
Joint Ankylosed at:
*10
20
30 (full flexion)
% Impairment of
Great Toe
45
55
65
75
* Position of function

Great Toe Plantar-flexion
Amputation
% Impairment of
Great Toe
At Joint
100
Abnormal Motion
Average range of Dorsi-Plantar-Flexion is 80
Plantar-flexion
Degrees of
from neutral
Joint Motion
position (0) to:
Lost
Retained
0
30
0
10
20
10
20
10
20
30
0
30
% Impairment of
Great Toe
21
14
7
0
Ankylosis
Joint Ankylosed at:
10
20
30 (full plantar flexion)
% Impairment of
Great Toe
55
70
85
100
% Impairment of
Great Toe
34
28
21
14
7
0
Ankylosis
Joint Ankylosed at:
*10
20
30
40
50 (full dorsi-flexion)
% Impairment of
Great Toe
55
49
62
74
87
100
Arthroplasty at joint: 25%, combined with impairment value for either

ankylosis, or loss of range of motion, if present.
Patients position for evaluation of toes
2ND THROUGH 5TH TOES

and ankylosis of the Distal Interphalangeal Joint of the
2nd through 5th toe Dorsi-Plantar flexion
Table 6. Impairment due to amputation, abnormal

motion and ankylosis of the Proximal Interphalangeal
Joint of the 2nd through 5th toe Dorsi-Plantar flexion
Amputation
% Impairment
of Toe
Amputation
% Impairment
of Toe
At Joint
45
At Joint
80
Abnormal Motion
Abnormal Motion
No functional value
No functional value
Ankylosis
Joint Ankylosed in:
Dorsi-flexion
* Neutral position
Plantar-flexion (hammer toe)
Ankylosis
% Impairment of
Great Toe
45
30
45
Joint Ankylosed in:

Dorsi-flexion
* Neutral position
Plantar-flexion
% Impairment
of Toe
80
45
80

Second Toe Dorsi-Plantar-flexion

Third Toe Dorsi-Plantar-flexion
Amputation
% Impairment of
Second Toe
Amputation
% Impairment of
Third Toe
At Joint
100
At Joint
100
Abnormal Motion
Abnormal Motion
Average range of Dorsi-Plantar Flexion is 70

Dorsi-flexion
Degrees of
from neutral
Joint Motion
position (0) to:
Lost
Retained
0
40
0
10
30
10
20
20
20
30
10
30
40
0
40
Plantar-flexion from
Neutral position (0) to:
0
30
0
10
20
10
20
10
20
30
0
30

Dorsi-flexion
Degrees of
from neutral
Joint Motion
position (0) to:
Lost
Retained
0
30
0
10
20
10
20
10
20
30
0
30
0
20
0
10
10
10
20
0
20
% Impairment of
Second Toe
29
21
14
7
0
21
14
7
0
Ankylosis
Joint Ankylosed at:
(Dorsi-flexion)
* 0 (neutral position)
10
20
30
Joint Ankylosed at:
(Plantar-flexion)
10
20
30 (full plantar-flexion)
% Impairment of
Second Toe
50
63
75
88
100
% Impairment of
Second Toe
50
67
83
100
% Impairment of
Third Toe
30
20
10
0
20
10
0
Ankylosis
Joint Ankylosed at:
(Dorsi-flexion)
10
20
Joint Ankylosed at:
(Plantar-flexion)
10
% Impairment of
Third Toe
50
67
83
100
% Impairment of
Third Toe
50
75
100
METATARSOPHALANGEAL JOINT OF 4TH AND 5TH TOES

Fourth Toe Dorsi-Plantar-flexion

Fifth Toe Dorsi-Plantar-flexion
Amputation
% Impairment of
Fourth Toe
Amputation
% Impairment of
Fifth Toe
At Joint
100
At Joint
100
Abnormal Motion
Abnormal Motion

Dorsi-flexion
Degrees of
from neutral
Joint Motion
position (0) to:
Lost
Retained
0
20
0
10
10
10
20
0
20
0
10
0
10
0
10

Dorsi-flexion
Degrees of
from neutral
Joint Motion
position (0) to:
Lost
Retained
0
10
0
10
0
10
0
10
0
10
0
10
% Impairment of
Fourth Toe
33
17
0
17
0
Ankylosis
Joint Ankylosed at:
10
Joint Ankylosed at:
50
75
100
Joint Ankylosed at:

Joint Ankylosed at:
Neutral Position of DIP Joint of Small Toe
50
0
50
0
Ankylosis
50
100
% Impairment of
Fifth Toe
Hammer Toe Ankylosis of Little Toe
Neutral Position of PIP Joint of Small Toes

Plantar-flexion Ankylosis of Small Toes
50
100
50
100
ANKLE (HIND FOOT)

Dorsi-Plantar Flexion
Inversion/Eversion

motion and ankylosis of the Hind Foot (Ankle Joint
Primarily) Dorsi-Plantar-flexion

motion and ankylosis of the Hind Foot (Subtalar Joint
Primarily) Inversion/Eversion
Amputation
% Impairment of
Lower Extremity
Amputation
% Impairment of
Lower Extremity
At Joint
70
At Joint
70
Abnormal Motion
Abnormal Motion

Dorsi-flexion
Degrees of
from neutral
Joint Motion
position (0) to:
Lost
Retained
0
20
0
10
10
10
20
0
20
0
40
0
10
30
10
20
20
20
30
10
30
40
0
40
Average range of Inversion/Eversion is 50

Dorsi-flexion
Degrees of
from neutral
Joint Motion
position (0) to:
Lost
Retained
0
30
0
10
20
10
20
10
20
30
0
30
0
20
0
10
10
10
20
0
20
Ankle instability due to lateral collateral ligament loss

Ankle instability due to medial collateral ligament loss
% Impairment of
Lower Extremity
7
4
0
14
11
7
4
0
25
15
Ankylosis
Joint Ankylosed at:
(Dorsi-flexion)
10
Joint Ankylosed at:
(Plantar-flexion)
10
20
30
% Impairment of
Lower Extremity
30
50
70
30
40
50
60
70
Arthroplasty of joint: 25%, combined with impairment value for either

ankylosis, or loss of range of motion, if present.
Dorsi- and Plantar-flexion of Hind Foot
% Impairment of
Lower Extremity
5
4
2
0
4
2
0
Ankylosis
Joint Ankylosed at:
(Inversion)
10
20
30 (full inversion)
Joint Ankylosed at:
(Eversion)
10
20 (full eversion)
% Impairment of
Lower Extremity
10
43
57
70
10
50
60
Inversion of Hind Foot
Eversion of Hind Foot
OTHER DISORDERS OF THE ANKLE AND FOOT

Ankle
Disorders:
Rating
Arthritis not to be rated less than 1 year after onset .................................................... 5%20% L.E.
Ligamentous instability................................................................................................ 5% 15% L.E.
Arthroplasty.................................................................................................................. 5%20% L.E.
Foot
Disorders:
Rating
Arthritis, not to be rated less than 1 year after onset ................................................... 5%20% L.E.
Ligamentous instability................................................................................................. 5%15% L.E.
Arthroplasty.................................................................................................................. 5%20% L.E.
KNEE JOINT
Flexion/Extension
Other Disorders of the Knee

motion and ankylosis of the Knee Joint
Table 13. Impairment ratings of the Lower Extremity for

other disorders of the Knee
Amputation
% Impairment of
Lower Extremity
At Joint
90
Abnormal Motion*
Average range of Flexion-Extension is 150
Retained active flexion of:
0
10
20
30
40
50
60
70
80
90
100
110
120
130
140
150
Extension back to (extension lag):
10
20
30
40
50 to 150 (full flexion)
53
49
46
42
39
35
32
28
25
21
18
14
11
7
4
0
% Impairment of
Lower Extremity
0
1
7
17
27
90
**10.
20
30
40
50 to 150 (full flexion)
% Impairment of
Lower Extremity
53
50
60
70
80
90
Impairment of
Lower Extremity
1. Patellectomy (with loss of

power)
5-15% combined with

impairment for loss of motion
2. Torn meniscus and/or

meniscectomy
5-10% for one meniscus

5-20% for both meniscus
combined with impairment
for loss of motion
3. Knee replacement arthroplasty
10-30% if in optimum
position
% Impairment of
Lower Extremity
Ankylosis
Joint Ankylosed at:
Disorder
4. Patella replacement only
Same as for patellectomy
5. Arthritis due to any etiology,

including trauma;
chondromalacia
5-20% according to deformity
6. Anterior cruciate ligament loss
5-20% combined with

7. Posterior cruciate ligament

loss
5-20% combined with

8. Collateral ligament loss
10% for moderate instability

20% for marked instability
9. Post-traumatic varus deformity

(if over 15)
5-15% combined with

10. Post traumatic valgus

deformity (if over 20)
5-15% combined with

* See Table 12 for impairment ratings for loss of motion.

** The combining of any impairment value in this table with impairment
for loss of motion is to be done using the Combined Values Chart.
Neutral position of Knee
* If a permanent groin-to-ankle orthosis is required for extension

stability, there is a 50% impairment in the lower extremity, although
there may be full range of motion to the knee joint. This rating does not
apply to any other types of local knee bracing.
** Position of function
Flexion of Knee
HIP JOINT
Flexion
Extension

motion and ankylosis of the Hip Joint forward flexion

motion and ankylosis of the Hip Joint backward
extension
Amputation
% Impairment of
Lower Extremity
At Joint
100
Amputation
% Impairment of
Lower Extremity
Abnormal Motion
At Joint
100
Average range of Forward Flexion-Backward Extension is 130

Forward Flexion
Degrees of
% Impairment of
from neutral
Joint Motion
Lower Extremity
position (0) to:
Lost
Retained
0
100
0
18
10
90
10
16
20
80
20
14
30
70
30
12
40
60
40
11
50
50
50
9
60
40
60
7
70
30
70
5
80
20
80
4
90
10
90
2
100
0
100
0
Abnormal Motion
Ankylosis
Joint Ankylosed at:
10
20
* 25
30
40
50
60
70
80
90
100 (full flexion)
% Impairment of
Lower Extremity
70
62
54
50
53
60
67
73
80
87
93
100
Average range of Forward Flexion-Backward Extension is 130

Backward Extension
Degrees of
% Impairment of
from neutral
Joint Motion
Lower Extremity
position (0) to:
Lost
Retained
0
30
0
5
10
20
10
4
20
10
20
2
30
0
30
0
Ankylosis
Joint Ankylosed at:
10
20
30 (full backward extension)
Other Disorders of the Hip Joint

Disorder
1. Anthroplasty
Extension of hip
% Impairment of
Lower Extremity
10-30
2. Non-union of hip fracture
30
3. Avascular necrosis of the hip
10-30
4. Loose hip prosthesis
40
5. Arthritis, not rated at less than 1 year after

onset
5-20
Neutral position for extension of hip
% Impairment of
Lower Extremity
70
80
90
100
Neutral position for right hip
Placement of goniometer at right hip
Abduction/Adduction
Rotation

motion and ankylosis of the Hip Joint abductionadduction

motion and ankylosis of the Hip Joint rotation
Amputation
% Impairment of
Lower Extremity
At Joint
100
Abnormal Motion
Average range of Abduction-Adduction is 60
Abduction
Degrees of
from neutral
Joint Motion
position (0) to:
Lost
Retained
0
40
0
10
30
10
20
20
20
30
10
30
40
0
40
Adduction from
0
40
0
10
10
10
20
0
20
% Impairment of
Lower Extremity
16
12
8
4
0
8
4
0
Ankylosis
Joint Ankylosed at:
10
20
30
40 (full abduction)
Joint Ankylosed at:
10
20 (full adduction)
Abduction and Adduction of Right Hip
% Impairment of
Lower Extremity
70
78
85
93
100
70
85
100
Amputation
% Impairment of
Lower Extremity
At Joint
100
Abnormal Motion
Average range of Rotation is 90
Internal Rotation
Degrees of
from neutral
Joint Motion
position (0) to:
Lost
Retained
0
40
0
10
30
10
20
20
20
30
10
30
40
0
40
External Rotation from
0
50
0
10
40
10
20
30
20
30
20
30
40
10
40
50
0
50
% Impairment of
Lower Extremity
10
8
5
3
0
13
10
8
5
3
0
Ankylosis
Joint Ankylosed at:
10
20
30
40 (full internal rotation)
Joint Ankylosed at:
0
10
20
30
40
50 (full external rotation)
% Impairment of
Lower Extremity
70
78
85
93
100
70
76
82
88
94
100
Movement of foot as measure of internal and external

rotation of Hip
LOWER EXTREMITY CONVERSION TABLES
Table 18. Relationship of Impairment of the Great Toe

to impairment of the Foot
% Impairment of
Great Toe
Foot
02
38
9 13
14 19
20 24
25 30
31 35
36 41
=
=
=
=
% Impairment of
Great Toe
Foot
0
1
2
3
=
=
=
=
4
5
6
7
53 57
58 62
=
=
10
11
63 68
69 73
74 79
80 84
=
=
=
=
12
13
14
15
85 90
91 95
96100
=
=
=
16
17
18
42 46
=
8
47 52
=
9
Note: Impairment of the foot contributed by the great toe may be
rounded to the nearest 5% only when it is the sole impairment involved.
Consult Table 19 for converting foot impairment to lower extremity
impairment.
Table 19. Relationship of Impairment of the Foot to

impairment of the Lower Extremity
% Impairment of
Lower
Foot
Extremity
0 =
0
1 =
1
2 =
1
3 =
2
4 =
3
% Impairment of
Lower
Foot
Extremity
34 =
24
35 =
25
36 =
25
37 =
26
38 =
27
% Impairment of
Lower
Foot
Extremity
68 =
48
69 =
48
70 =
49
71 =
50
72 =
50
5
6
7
8
9
=
=
=
=
=
4
4
5
6
6
39
40
41
42
43
=
=
=
=
=
27
28
29
29
30
73
74
75
76
77
=
=
=
=
=
51
52
53
53
54
10
11
12
13
14
=
=
=
=
=
7
8
8
9
10
44
45
46
47
48
=
=
=
=
=
31
32
32
33
34
78
79
80
81
82
=
=
=
=
=
55
55
56
57
57
15
16
17
18
19
=
=
=
=
=
11
11
12
13
13
49
50
51
52
53
=
=
=
=
=
34
35
36
36
37
83
84
85
86
87
=
=
=
=
=
58
59
60
60
61
20
21
22
23
24
=
=
=
=
=
14
15
15
16
17
54
55
56
57
58
=
=
=
=
=
38
39
39
40
41
88
89
90
91
92
=
=
=
=
=
62
62
63
64
64
25
26
27
28
29
=
=
=
=
=
18
18
19
20
20
59
60
61
62
63
=
=
=
=
=
41
42
43
43
44
93
94
95
96
97
=
=
=
=
=
65
66
67
67
68
30
31
32
33
=
=
=
=
21
22
22
23
64
65
66
67
=
=
=
=
45
46
46
47
98
99
100
=
=
=
69
69
70
Note: Impairment of the lower extremity as contributed by the foot may be

rounded to the nearest 5% only when it is the sole impairment involved.
Consult Table 21 for converting lower extremity impairment to whole
person impairment
Table 20. Relationship of Impairment of Second through

Fifth Toes to impairment of the Foot
% Impairment of
Foot
% Impairment of Each Toe

0 - 16
17 - 49
50 - 83
84 - 100
Note: Impairment of the foot contributed by the toe may be rounded to

the nearest 5 percent only when it is the sole impairment involved.
Consult Table 19 for converting foot impairment to lower extremity
impairment.
Table 21. Relationship of Impairment of the Lower

Extremity to impairment of the Whole Person
% Impairment of
% Impairment of
% Impairment of
Lower
Whole Lower
Whole Lower
Whole
Extremity
Person Extremity
Person Extremity
Person
0
=
0
34
=
14
68
=
27
1
=
0
35
=
14
69
=
28
2
=
1
36
=
14
70
=
28
3
=
1
37
=
15
71
=
28
4
=
2
38
=
15
72
=
29
5
6
7
8
9
=
=
=
=
=
2
2
3
3
4
39
40
41
42
43
=
=
=
=
=
16
16
16
17
17
73
74
75
76
77
=
=
=
=
=
29
30
30
30
31
10
11
12
13
14
=
=
=
=
=
4
4
5
5
6
44
45
46
47
48
=
=
=
=
=
18
18
18
19
19
78
79
80
81
82
=
=
=
=
=
31
32
32
32
33
15
16
17
18
19
=
=
=
=
=
6
6
7
7
8
49
50
51
52
53
=
=
=
=
=
20
20
20
21
21
83
84
85
86
87
=
=
=
=
=
33
34
34
34
35
20
21
22
23
24
=
=
=
=
=
8
8
9
9
10
54
55
56
57
58
=
=
=
=
=
22
22
22
23
23
88
89
90
91
92
=
=
=
=
=
35
36
36
36
37
25
26
27
28
29
=
=
=
=
=
10
10
11
11
12
59
60
61
62
63
=
=
=
=
=
24
24
24
25
25
93
94
95
96
97
=
=
=
=
=
37
38
38
38
39
30
31
32
33
=
=
=
=
12
12
13
13
64
65
66
67
=
=
=
=
26
26
26
27
98
99
100
=
=
=
39
40
40
Note: In case of shortening due to overriding or malalignment or

fracture deformities, but not to include flexion extension deformities,
combine the following values with other functional sequelae, using the
Combined Values Chart.
0 - inch = 5% of lower extremity
- 1 inch = 10% of lower extremity
1 1 inch = 15% of lower extremity
1 - 2 inch = 20% of lower extremity
Note: Impairment of the whole person contributed by lower extremity
may be rounded to the nearest 5% only when it is the sole impairment
involved.
AMPUTATIONTOE, FOOT, LOWER EXTREMITY
Table 22. Impairment of the Foot due to amputation

and ankylosis of Multiple Digits
Digit(s) Involved
Table 23. Impairment of the Digits, Foot, Lower

Extremity and Whole Person due to amputations
% Impairment of the Foot
% Impairment of
Amputated Ankylosed in
Full
Position
Exten- of
Full
sion
Function Flexion
Lower
Whole
Digit Foot Extremity Person
Hemipelvectomy
50
Great
18
14
13
18
Disarticulation at hip joint
100
40
Great, Second
21
17
15
21
Amputation above knee joint

with short thigh stump (3" or
less below tuberosity of
ischium)
100
40
Amputation above knee joint

with functional stump
90
36
Disarticulation at knee joint
90
36
Great, Second, Third
24
20
17
24
Great, Second, Fourth
24
20
17
24
Great, Second, Fifth
24
20
17
24
Great, Second, Third, Fourth
27
23
19
27
Great, Second, Third, Fifth
27
23
19
27
Great, Second, Fourth, Fifth
27
23
19
27
Gritti-Stokes amputation
90
36
Amputation below the knee

joint with short stump (3" or
less below intercondylar
notch)
90
36
Amputation below the knee

with functional stump
70
28
Great, Second, Third,

Fourth, Fifth
30
26
21
30
Great, Third
21
17
15
21
Great, Third, Fourth
24
20
17
24
Great, Third, Fifth
24
20
17
24
Great, Third, Fourth, Fifth
27
23
19
27
Great, Fourth
21
17
15
Great, Fourth, Fifth
24
20
17
Great, Fifth
21
17
15
21
100
70
28
21
Partial amputation of foot

(Chopart's)
75
53
21
24
Mid-metatarsal amputation
50
35
14
Amputation of all toes at

metatarsophalangeal joint
30
21
30
21
Second
Second, Third
Second, Third, Fourth
Second, Third, Fifth
12
12
12
Second, Fourth
Second, Fourth, Fifth
Second, Fifth
Third
Second, Third, Fourth, Fifth
Amputation at ankle (Syme)
Amputation of Great Toe

With resection of
metatarsal bone
At metatarsophalangeal
joint
100
18
13
At interphalangeal joint
75
14
10
Amputation of Lesser Toe

(2nd-5th)
With resection of
metatarsal bone
At metatarsophalangeal
joint
Third, Fourth
100
Third, Fourth, Fifth
At proximal
interphalangeal joint
80
Third, Fifth
At distal interphalangeal
joint
45
Fourth
Fourth, Fifth
Fifth
52
Section 5: Nervous System

INTRODUCTION
1. Nervous system involvement may result in multiple impairments, which should be combined
using the Combined Values Chart.
2. Sensory impairment rating utilizes the Grading Scheme on page 60 for calculation of percent of
impairment.
3. Sensory impairment is measured for the digits using two-point discrimination or
pain/temperature, and for other regions using pain/temperature testing.
4. Two-point discrimination testing of the digits uses a varied series of one or two points applied. If
the subject is unable to distinguish between one point and two points at a distance of at least
10mm in two out of three applications, then sensation is impaired.
5. Motor impairment rating utilizes the Grading Scheme on page 60 for calculation of permanent
impairment.
CENTRAL NERVOUS SYSTEM (BRAIN AND SPINAL CORD)

% Impairment of
the Whole Person
1. Language Disturbances
a.
Minimal disturbances in comprehension or expression of language symbols for daily

living, with minimal impairment in functional communication. ........................................................................15
b.
Moderate impairment in comprehension or expression of language symbols for daily

living, with some useful functional communication.........................................................................................30
c.
Severe impairment in comprehension or expression of language symbols for daily

living, with little functional communication......................................................................................................75
d.
Inability to comprehend or express language symbols sufficient for daily living, with no
functional communication ..............................................................................................................................95
2. Disturbances of Consciousness and/or Complex Integrated Cerebral Function. (Determined by

medical observation and psychometric testing, excluding functional overlay or primary psychiatric
disturbances.)
Disturbances of complex integrated cerebral function, include defects in orientation, thinking, memory,
judgment, ability to initiate and perform planned activity, and social behavior. Disturbances of
consciousness include lethargy, clouding of consciousness, delirium, stupor, coma, and persistent
vegetative state.
a.
Mild impairment of complex integrated cerebral function, able to live independently.....................................15
b.
Mild impairment of complex integrated cerebral function, able to live independently,

but requiring supervision with executive function...........................................................................................30
c.
Moderate impairment of complex integrated cerebral function, demonstrated by

psychometric testing, with mild disturbance of consciousness, but able to perform all
activities of daily living with supervision on a daily basis...............................................................................50
d.
Moderately severe impairment of complex integrated cerebral function or moderate

disturbance of consciousness, requiring supervision for activities of daily living............................................75
e.
Severe impairment of complex integrated cerebral function or delirium, requiring

assistance as well as supervision for activities of daily living........................................................................95
f.
Stupor, coma, or persistent vegetative state..................................................................................................99
53
% Impairment of
the Whole Person
3. Emotional Disturbances (organic dysfunction documented by medical observation, supported

by psychometric testing. Not primary psychiatric disturbances.)
a.
Intermittent mild to moderate emotional disturbance under unusually stressful

situations........................................................................................................................................................15
b.
Mild to moderate emotional disturbance under ordinary stresses of daily living ............................................30
c.
Moderate to severe emotional disturbance under ordinary stresses of daily living,

requiring sheltered living ...............................................................................................................................75
d.
Severe emotional disturbance that continually endangers self or others, requiring

continuous supervision or protected care ......................................................................................................95
4. Episodic Neurological Disorders

a.
Slight severity and under such control that most of the activities of daily living can be
performed ......................................................................................................................................................10
b.
Of such severity as to interfere moderately with activities of daily living ........................................................30
c.
Of such severity and constancy as to limit activities to supervised or protected care or

confinement in an institution ..........................................................................................................................75
d.
Of such severity and constancy as to totally incapacitate the individual in terms of

daily living ......................................................................................................................................................95
5. Sleep and Arousal Disorders

a.
Reduced daytime alertness due to sleepiness or sleep episodes or disturbed

nocturnal sleep affecting complex cerebral functions, but ability remains to carry out
most activities of daily living...........................................................................................................................15
b.

nocturnal sleep affecting complex cerebral functions, requiring some supervision to
carry out activities of daily living.....................................................................................................................30
c.

nocturnal sleep that significantly limits activities of daily living, requiring supervision by
caretakers ......................................................................................................................................................75
d.
Such a severe reduction of daytime alertness due to sleepiness or sleep episodes or

disturbed nocturnal sleep so that activities of daily living are severely limited,
individual is unable to care for self in any situation or manner.......................................................................95
6. Station and Gait/Mobility

a.
Able to rise to standing position and walk, with or without assistive devices,
independent at community level, except for difficulty with elevations, grades, stairs,
and distances.................................................................................................................................................10
b.
Able to rise to standing position and walk with or without assistive devices, and is
independent at household but not community level .......................................................................................20
c.
Supervised standing and ambulation at household level ...............................................................................30
d.
Assisted ambulation, household level ............................................................................................................40
e.
Nonambulatory, uses manual wheelchair, community level...........................................................................65
f.
Nonambulatory, uses manual wheelchair, household level only....................................................................75
g.
Nonambulatory, uses power wheelchair only.................................................................................................85
h.
Nonambulatory, not able to use mobility device.............................................................................................95
Preferred
Extremity
Nonpreferred
Extremity
54
Both
Extremities
7. Use of the Upper Extremities

a.
Can use the involved extremity for self-care,

grasping and holding, but with difficulty with digital
dexterity .............................................................................. 10%............................5% ..............................15%
b.
Can use the involved extremity for some self-care

activities and can grasp and hold objects, with
difficulty but without digital dexterity.................................... 30%..........................15% ..............................50%
c.
Can use the involved extremity for few self-care

activities, with difficulty........................................................ 40%..........................30% ..............................70%
d.
Unable to use involved extremity for any self-care

activities .............................................................................. 60%..........................40% ..............................90%
% Impairment of
the Whole Person
8. Respiration
a.
Capable of spontaneous respiration, with difficulty in activities of daily living that

require exertion..............................................................................................................................................20
b.
Capable of spontaneous respiration but to a degree that restricts functions such as

standing, ambulation, and upper-extremity use .............................................................................................50
c.
Capable of spontaneous respiration, but to a degree that results in bed confinement...................................90
d.
No capacity for spontaneous respiration, requires a ventilator ......................................................................95
9. Urinary Bladder Function (organic bladder disorder)

a.
Impairment in form of urgency ................................................................................................................. 1 10
b.
Good reflex activity without voluntary control......................................................................................... 11 20
c.
Poor reflex activity and no voluntary control .......................................................................................... 21 30
d.
No reflex or voluntary control ................................................................................................................. 31 40
10. Anorectal/Bowel Function (organic disorder)

a.
Mild fecal incontinence............................................................................................................................... 1 5
b.
Moderate but partial fecal incontinence ................................................................................................... 6 15
c.
Complete fecal incontinence.................................................................................................................. 16 25
11. Sexual Function (organic dysfunction)

a.
Sexual function is possible, but with some degree of difficulty for erection or
ejaculation in males, or awareness due to sensory loss in either sex. ...........................................................10
b.
Reflex sexual function is possible, but without awareness due to sensory loss.............................................20
c.
No capacity for sexual function ......................................................................................................................30
SKULL DEFECTS
Unfilled Skull Defects
% Impairment of
the Whole Person
a.
Up to 5 sq cm...................................................................................................................................................1
b.
6 10 sq cm ....................................................................................................................................................3
c.
11 16 sq cm ..................................................................................................................................................5
d.
17 26 sq cm ................................................................................................................................................10
e.
27 42 sq cm ................................................................................................................................................15
f.
43 or more sq cm ...........................................................................................................................................20
55
% Impairment of
the Whole Person
SKULL FRACTURES
Skull fractures .........................................................................................................................................................0
HEADACHES
Vascular, tension, or combination (if associated with neurologic or musculoskeletal
condition of the head or neck, the primary condition may be ratable.) ....................................................................0
CRANIAL NERVES
1. Olfactory
a.
b.
Complete unilateral loss...................................................................................................................................0

Complete bilateral loss.....................................................................................................................................3
2. Optic
a.
b.
Complete unilateral loss.................................................................................................................................24

Complete bilateral loss...................................................................................................................................85
3, 4, 5. Oculomotor, Trochlear, Abducens (alone or in combination)

Complete loss of ability to perceive single image but correctable by covering one eye ........................................24
6. Trigeminal
a.
Complete unilateral sensory loss ...................................................................................................................10
b.
c.
d.
e.
f.
Complete bilateral sensory loss .....................................................................................................................35

Intractable typical trigeminal neuralgia or tic douloureux ...............................................................................50
Atypical facial neuralgia .................................................................................................................................20
Complete unilateral motor loss ........................................................................................................................5
Complete bilateral motor loss ........................................................................................................................30
7. Facial
a.
b.
c.
Complete loss of taste .....................................................................................................................................3

Complete unilateral paralysis.........................................................................................................................15
Complete bilateral paralysis...........................................................................................................................45
8. Auditory (See ENT Section)

9, 10. Glossopharyngeal or Vagus
a.
b.
c.
d.
Mild dysphagia with minimal modification of diet ...........................................................................................10

Moderate dysphagia with restriction to pureed food or liquid diet ..................................................................30
Feeding gastronomy or tube feeding required ...............................................................................................50
Dysarthria (See ENT Section)
11. Accessory (See spinal nerve affecting head and neck)

12. Hypoglossal
a.
b.
Unilateral paralysis ..........................................................................................................................................2

Bilateral paralysis (see scale above for impaired swallowing)
1. Mild dysphagia with minimal modification of diet ....................................................................................10
2. Moderate dysphagia with restriction to pureed food and/or thickened liquids.........................................30
3. Feeding gastronomy or tube feeding required ........................................................................................50
4. Dysarthria (See ENT Section)
56
SPINAL NERVE IMPAIRMENT AFFECTING HEAD AND NECK

Nerve
% Impairment of the Whole Person

Maximum %
Maximum %
Loss of Function
Loss of Function
Due to Sensory
Due to Loss of
Deficit, or Pain
Strength
Greater occipital ......................................................................... 5 ................................................. 0

Lesser occipital .......................................................................... 3 ................................................. 0
Greater articular ......................................................................... 3 ................................................. 0
Spinal accessory ........................................................................ 0 ............................................... 10 unilateral
..................................................................................................................................................... 20 bilateral
(See Determination Procedures at the end of this section for grading schemes to determine whole-person
impairment due to motor or sensory loss.)
THORACIC NERVES
Nerve
Unilateral
Involvement
Bilateral
Involvement
Any 2 thoracic nerves................................................................... 5 ............................................. 10

Any 2 5 thoracic nerves........................................................... 10 ............................................. 20
Any 5 or more thoracic nerves ................................................... 30 ............................................. 50
SPINAL NERVES AFFECTING INGUINAL REGION AND PERINEUM

Nerve
Maximum %
Loss of Function
Due to Sensory
Deficit, or Pain
Maximum %
Loss of Function
Due to Loss of
Strength
Iliohypogastric ............................................................................... 3 ............................................... 0

Ilioinguinal ..................................................................................... 5 ............................................... 0
Pudendal (unilateral) ................................................................... 5 ............................................... 5
(bilateral) ................................................................... 20 ............................................. 20
Coccygeal ..................................................................................... 5 ............................................... 0
(See Determination Procedures at the end of this section for grading schemes to determine whole-person
impairment due to motor or sensory loss.)
UNILATERAL SPINAL NERVE ROOT AFFECTING THE UPPER EXTREMITY

Nerve Root Impaired
Maximum %
Loss of Function
Due to Sensory
Deficit, or Pain
Maximum % Loss
of Function Due to
Motor Deficit or
Loss of Power
C-5 ............................................................................................. 5 ............................................... 30

C-6 ............................................................................................. 8 ............................................... 35
C-7 ............................................................................................. 5 ............................................... 35
C-8 ............................................................................................. 5 ............................................... 45
T-1.............................................................................................. 5 ............................................... 20
(See Determination Procedures at the end of this section for grading schemes to determine the percentage
of upper extremity. Convert upper-extremity impairment to whole-person only when all upper-extremity
impairments have been combined.)
57
UNILATERAL BRACHIAL PLEXUS DISORDERS

Maximum %
Loss of Function
Due to Sensory
Deficit, or Pain
Maximum % Loss
of Function Due to
Motor Deficit or
Loss of Power
Brachial Plexus ........................................................................... 100........................................... 100

Upper Trunk (C-5, C-6) (Duchenne-Erb) ....................................... 25............................................. 70
Middle Trunk (C-7) .......................................................................... 5............................................. 35
Lower Trunk (C-8, T-1) (Klumpke-Dejerine) .................................. 20............................................. 70
SPECIFIC UNILATERAL SPINAL NERVE AFFECTING THE UPPER EXTREMITY

Nerve
Maximum %
Loss of Function
Due to Sensory
Deficit, or Pain
Maximum % Loss
of Function Due to
Motor Deficit or
Loss of Power
Anterior thoracic (pectoral) .............................................................. 0............................................... 5

Axillary (circumflex) ......................................................................... 5............................................. 35
Dorsal scapular ............................................................................... 0............................................... 5
Long thoracic (posterior thoracic n., external
respiratory n. of Bell, n. to serratus anterior ............................. 0............................................. 15
Medial antebrachial cutaneous........................................................ 5............................................... 0
Medial brachial cutaneous .............................................................. 5............................................... 0
Median (above mid-forearm) ......................................................... 40............................................. 55
Median (below mid-forearm) ......................................................... 40............................................. 35
Branch to radial side of thumb ................................................. 7............................................... 0
Branch to ulnar side of thumb ................................................ 11............................................... 0
Branch to radial side of index finger......................................... 5............................................... 0
Branch to ulnar side of index finger.......................................... 4............................................... 0
Branch to radial side of middle finger ....................................... 5............................................... 0
Branch to ulnar side of middle finger........................................ 4............................................... 0
Branch to radial side of ring finger ........................................... 3............................................... 0
Musculocutaneous .......................................................................... 5............................................. 25
Radial (musculospiral) (upper arm with loss of triceps)
wrist placed in position of function ........................................... 5............................................. 55
Radial (musculospiral) (with sparing of triceps) wrist
placed in position of function.................................................... 5............................................. 40
Subscapular (upper and lower) ....................................................... 0............................................... 5
Suprascapular ................................................................................. 5............................................. 15
Thoracodorsal (long subscapular; nerve to latissimus
dorsi) ........................................................................................ 0............................................. 10
Ulnar (above mid-forearm) ............................................................ 10............................................. 35
Ulnar (below mid-forearm) ............................................................ 10............................................. 25
Branch to ulnar side of ring finger ............................................ 2............................................... 0
Branch to radial side of little finger ........................................... 3............................................... 0
Branch to ulnar side of little finger............................................ 3............................................... 0
58
UPPER EXTREMITY DUE TO ENTRAPMENT NEUROPATHY

Entrapment
Nerve
Neuropathy
Site
Degree of Severity and

% Upper Extremity Impairment
Mild
Moderate
Severe
Suprascapular ................................................................................. 5........................10 ....................... 19

Axillary .......................................................................................... 10........................20 ....................... 38
Radial................................ upper arm........................................... 15........................25 ....................... 57
Radial................................ elbow.................................................. 10........................20 ....................... 40
Median .............................. elbow.................................................. 15........................35 ....................... 73
Anterior interosseous ........ proximal forearm .................................. 5........................10 ....................... 13
Median .............................. wrist.................................................... 10........................25 ....................... 60
Ulnar ................................. elbow.................................................. 10........................20 ....................... 42
Ulnar ................................. wrist.................................................... 10........................20 ....................... 33
(Convert upper-extremity impairment to whole-person only when all upper-extremity impairments have
been combined.)
(For an alternate rating method, use Grading Schemes at the end of this section for upper-extremity
peripheral nerve involvement; use only one method.)
UNILATERAL SPINAL NERVE ROOT AFFECTING THE LOWER EXTREMITY

Nerve Root Impaired
Maximum %
Loss of Function
Due to Sensory
Deficit, or Pain
Maximum %
Loss of Function
Due to Loss of
Strength
L-3.............................................................................................. 5 ............................................... 20
L-4.............................................................................................. 5 ............................................... 34
L-5.............................................................................................. 5 ............................................... 37
S-1 ............................................................................................. 5 ............................................... 20
of lower extremity. Convert lower-extremity impairment to whole-person only when all lower-extremity
UNILATERAL LUMBOSACRAL PLEXUS

Maximum %
Loss of Function
Due to Sensory
Deficit, or Pain
Maximum %
Loss of Function
Due to Loss of
Strength
Lumbosacral Plexus................................................................... 40 ............................................. 50
of lower extremity. Convert lower-extremity impairment to whole-person only when all lower-extremity
SPECIFIC UNILATERAL SPINAL NERVE AFFECTING THE LOWER EXTREMITY

Nerve
Maximum %
Loss of Function
Due to Sensory
Deficit, or Pain
Maximum % Loss
of Function Due to
Motor Deficit or
Loss of Power
Femoral (anterior crural) ................................................................. 5............................................. 35

Femoral (anterior Crural) (below iliacus nerve) ............................... 5............................................. 30
Genitofemoral (genito crural) .......................................................... 5............................................... 0
Inferior gluteal ................................................................................. 0............................................. 25
Lateral femoral cutaneous............................................................. 10............................................... 0
N. to obturator internus muscle
N. to piriformis muscle..................................................................... 0............................................. 10
N. to quadratus femoris muscle
N. to superior gemellus muscle Obturator ....................................... 0............................................. 10
Posterior cutaneous of thigh ........................................................... 5............................................... 0
Superior gluteal ............................................................................... 0............................................. 20
Sciatic (above hamstring innervation) ........................................... 25............................................. 75
Common peroneal (lateral, or external popliteal) ............................ 5............................................. 35
Deep (above mid-shin)............................................................. 0............................................. 25
Deep (below mid-shin)
Anterior tibial ............................................................................ 0............................................... 5
Superficial ................................................................................ 5............................................. 10
Tibial nerve (medial, or internal popliteal)
Above knee ............................................................................ 15............................................. 35
Posterior tibial (mid-calf and knee)......................................... 15............................................. 25
Below mid-calf........................................................................ 15............................................. 15
Lateral plantar branch .............................................................. 5............................................... 5
Medial plantar branch .............................................................. 5............................................... 5
Sural (external Saphenous) ..................................................... 5............................................... 0
59
60
DETERMINATION OF PAIN OR LOSS OF SENSATION

Grading Scheme
Description
Grade
1. No loss of sensation or no spontaneous abnormal sensations.......................................................0%

2. Impaired sensation with or without pain, which does not interfere with activity .................115%
3. Impaired sensation with or without pain, which interferes with activity ...........................1630%
4. Impaired sensation with or without pain, which may prevent activity ...............................3160%
5. Impaired sensation with or without severe pain, which prevents activity ..........................6190%
6. Impaired sensation with or without pain, which prevents all activity..............................91100%
Procedure for determining Impairment Due to Sensory Involvement
1. Identify area of involvement using appropriate anatomical chart.
2. Identify the nerve(s) or root level(s) for the involved area.
3. Find the value for the maximum loss of function of the nerve(s) or root(s), due to pain or loss of
sensation, using the appropriate table.
4. Grade the degree of impaired sensation or pain according to the Grading Scheme.
5. Multiply the value of the nerve or root by the degree of impaired sensation or pain.
DETERMINATION OF STRENGTH (POWER) AND/OR MOTOR DEFICIT

Grading Scheme
Description
Grade
1. Range of motion against gravity and full resistance (normal strength) ........................................0%
2. Range of motion against gravity and some resistance, or reduced fine
movements and motor control, may include abnormalities documented
by electrophysiological studies (good strength)....................................................................1 40%
3. Range of motion against gravity, but without resistance (fair strength) .............................41 60%
4. Range of motion with gravity eliminated (poor strength)...................................................61 75%
5. Slight palpable muscle contraction (trace strength)............................................................76 99%
6. No contractibility and no muscle function (zero strength)........................................................100%
Procedure for determining Impairment Due to Motor Involvement
1. Identify the motion involved
2. Identify the muscle(s) performing the function
3. Determine the nerve(s) that innervate the involved muscle(s) and find the value for maximum
percentage loss due to loss of strength or power, according to the appropriate table.
4. Grade the degree of loss of strength or power according to the Grading Scheme.
5. Multiply the value of the nerve by the degree of loss of strength or power.
61
Section 6: Mental and Behavioral Disorders

INTRODUCTION
Three principles are central to assessing mental impairment:
1. Diagnosis is among the factors to be considered in assessing the severity and possible duration of
the impairment, but it is by no means the sole criterion.
2. Motivation for improvement may be a key factor in the outcome of impairment.
3. A complete assessment requires a longitudinal history of the impairment, its treatment, and
attempts at rehabilitation.
DIAGNOSIS AND IMPAIRMENT

The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (3rd. ed., revised in 1987), commonly
known as DSM (current edition), is a widely accepted classification system for mental disorders. It is
similar to another system, the International Classification of Diseases (ICD), also in widespread use. The
criteria for mental disorders include a wide range of signs, symptoms and impairments. Most mental
disorders are characterized by one or more impairments. An individual may have a mental or behavioral
impairment, however, without meeting the criteria for one of the mental disorders specified in the DSM
(current edition) or the ICD.
DSM (current edition) calls for a multiaxial evaluation. Each of five axes refers to a different class of
information. The first three constitute the official diagnostic evaluation, including the clinical syndromes
and conditions that are the focus of treatment (Axis I), personality and developmental disorders (Axis II),
and physical disorders and conditions that may be relevant to understanding and managing the care of the
individual (Axis III). Axis IV (specifying and rating psychosocial stressors) and Axis V (rating adaptive
functioning) may be particularly important for assessing severity of impairment.
Specific impairments: The degree of impairment may vary considerably among patients, and the
severity of the impairment is not necessarily related to the diagnosis. Indeed, diagnosis alone is of limited
relevance to the objective assessment of psychiatric impairment because it does not permit sufficient
insight into the nature of the impairment.
EVIDENCE OF MENTAL IMPAIRMENT

The presence of a mental disorder should be documented primarily on the basis of reports from
individual providers, such as psychiatrists, psychologists, and other state licensed mental health
professionals, and facilities, such as hospitals and clinics. Adequate descriptions of functional limitations
must be obtained from these or other sources, which may include programs and facilities where the
individual has been observed over a considerable period of time. Longitudinal data are particularly useful.
Information from both medical and nonmedical sources may be used to obtain detailed descriptions of
the individuals activities of daily living; social functioning; concentration, persistence, or pace; or ability
to tolerate increased mental demands (stress). This information can be provided by programs such as
community mental health centers, day care centers, sheltered workshops, etc. It can also be provided by
others, including family members, who have knowledge of the individuals function.
An individuals level of functioning may vary considerably over time. Proper evaluation of the
impairment must take any variations in level of functioning into account in arriving at a determination of
severity of impairment over time. Information concerning the individuals behavior during any attempt to
work and the circumstances surrounding termination of the work effort are particularly useful in
determining the individuals ability or inability to function in a work setting. Results of work evaluations
and rehabilitation programs can be significant sources of relevant data in regard to vocational and related
impairments.
62
The results of well-standardized psychological tests and other projective techniques may be useful in
establishing the existence of a mental disorder. For example, intelligence tests are useful in establishing
mental retardation, and projective techniques may provide useful data in supporting diagnoses of other
mental disorders. Broad-based neuropsychological assessments may be useful in determining brainfunction deficiencies, particularly in cases involving subtle findings, such as may be seen in traumatic
brain injury. In addition, the process of taking a standardized test requires concentration, persistence, and
pace. Test results should, therefore, include both the objective data and a narrative description of clinical
findings. Narrative reports of intellectual assessment should include a discussion of whether obtained IQ
scores are considered valid and consistent with the individuals developmental history and degree of
functional restriction.
SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS
Particular problems often are involved in evaluating mental impairments in individuals who have long
histories of repeated hospitalizations or prolonged outpatient care with supportive therapy and
medication. Individuals with chronic psychotic disorders commonly have their lives structured in such a
way as to minimize stress and reduce their signs and symptoms. The results of a single examination may
not adequately describe these individuals sustained ability to function. It is, therefore, vital to review
pertinent information relative to the individuals condition, especially at times of increased stress.
Effects of structured settings: An evaluation of individuals whose symptoms are controlled or
attenuated by psychosocial factors must consider the ability of the individual to function outside such
highly structured settings.
Effects of medication: Attention must be given to the effect of medication on the individuals signs,
symptoms, and ability to function. While psychotropic medications may control certain primary
manifestations of a mental disorder, such as hallucinations, such treatment may or may not affect the
functional limitations imposed by the mental disorder. Neuroleptics, the medicines necessary to control
signs of an amotivational like syndrome, used in the treatment of some mental illnesses, may cause
drowsiness, blunted affect, or other side effects involving other body systems. Such side effects must be
considered in evaluating overall severity of impairment as well as the patients functional capacity.
Pain: The assessment of impairment due to the perception of pain, especially in circumstances in
which the complaint exceeds what is expected based on physical findings, is complex and controversial.
The perception of pain may be distorted by mental disorders. Pain may be an element in a somatic
delusion in a patient with a Major Depression or Psychotic Disorder. It may become the object of an
obsessive preoccupation or a chief complaint in a Conversion Disorder. The latter has been called
Psychogenic Pain Disorder or Idiopathic Pain Disorder, but these terms often are used more loosely
to describe any complaint of pain that is greater than the physician expects for the normal patient with
the same physical findings. The more specific disorders with impairments are somewhat easier to evaluate
than cases in which the perception of pain is said to have a psychogenic component. Such cases require
specialized assessment, perhaps using a multidisciplinary, multispeciality approach.
ASSESSING IMPAIRMENT SEVERITY

A method of evaluating psychiatric impairment: Solutions to the many dilemmas encountered in
determining the degree of impairment resulting from a psychiatric illness can only be sought through the
application of consistent and observable criteria that must be considered in relation to one another.
The table that follows, when used according to the best clinical judgment of the evaluator, will aid in
the evaluation of an individual, and it should be used after all diagnostic, clinical, treatment and
rehabilitation factors have been explored.
An example that follows the table gives the overall rating of a patient based upon the mental status
and upon the current condition as observed by the calculator. The rating is based upon observed attributes
and phenomena that are somewhat interrelated, and it necessarily must be considered to be somewhat
subjective. Reduced ability to deal with activities of daily living and treatment potential may be
considered in determining the severity of mental status.
63
TABLE 1
Evaluation of Psychiatric Impairment
Class of
Impairment
Percentage of
Impairment
0%
1-5%
6-14%
15-24%
25+%
Intelligence
(including
intelligence lost)
normal or
better
slight deficit or
reduction
moderate
deficit or
reduction
moderately
severe deficit
reduction
severe deficit
reduction
Thinking
no deficit
slight deficit
moderate
severe deficit
moderately
severe deficit
severe deficit
Perception
no deficit
slight deficit
moderate
deficit
moderately
severe deficit
severe deficit
Judgment
no deficit
slight deficit
moderate
deficit
moderately
severe deficit
severe deficit
Affect
normal
slight problem
moderate
problem
moderately
problem
severe
problem
Behavior
normal
slight problem
moderate
problem
moderately
severe
severe
problem
Mental Status
Example of Psychiatric Impairment Profile

Category
Impairment Description
Mental Status
Intelligence
Normal
Thinking
Moderately severe deficit; cannot draw rational conclusions from single statements
Perception
Slight deficit; however, shows no signs of delusions
Judgment
Moderately severe deficit; engages in self-defeating behavior
Affect
Between moderate and severe deficit; mood swings from hostile to friendly
Behavior
Moderate to severe deficit; see Affect.
64
Examples of Psychiatric Impairment Profile

Category
Impairment Description
Impairment Class
Mental Status
Intelligence
Normal
Thinking
Moderately severe deficit; cannot draw rational conclusions

from single statements
Perception
Slight deficit; however, shows no signs of delusions
Judgment
Moderately severe deficit; engages in self-defeating behavior
Affect
Between moderate and severe deficit mood swings from

hostile to friendly.
Behavior
Moderate to severe deficit; see Affect.
Collective
Impairment*
Moderate to severe 1524
* Whole-person impairment rating: Patient is vocationally unemployable and will remain so. Socially, the
patient is moderately impaired, but the degree of impairment varies from time to time, depending upon
the amount of stress to which the patient is subjected and whether the patient takes prescription
medication regularly.
Reference
1. Social Security Administration: Federal Old-Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance; Listing of
Impairments, Medical Disorders; Final Rule. Fed. Reg. 20 CFR par 404 (Reg No A) 50 (167), 3503835070, 1985
65
Section 7: Respiratory System

CRITERIA FOR EVALUATING PERMANENT IMPAIRMENT RELATED TO THE
RESPIRATORY SYSTEM
1. Table 1 presents the criteria for rating permanent impairment. The value of VO2 Max less than 15
ml/(kg. min) is not a hard and fast criterion for severe impairment; a person may be considered
severely impaired if 30% to 40% of his or her VO2 max is not sufficient to meet the VO2 costs of his
or her occupational activity over an eight-hour period. Arterial blood gas determination may itself
indicate severe impairment when an individual is stable and receiving optimal therapy. A person with
a resting *PaO2 of less than 60mm Hg in room air may be deemed severely impaired if he or she has
evidence of one or more of the secondary conditions related to arterial hypoxemia, such as pulmonary
hypertension, cor pulmonale, increasingly severe hypoxemia during exercise testing, and
erythrocytosis. A resting PaO2 of less than 50mm Hg in room air is by itself a criterion for severe
impairment.
2
Predicted normal FVC values for men and women are found in Tables 2 and 3, respectively.
3. Predicted normal FEV1 Values for men and women are found in Tables 4 and 5, respectively.
4. Predicted normal Single Breath Dco values for men and women are found in Tables 6 and 7,
respectively.
TABLE 1
CLASSES OF RESPIRATORY IMPAIRMENT
NOTE: Those factors contained in the history and physical exam should also be considered in determining the
severity of the impairment.
FVC
FEV1
FEV1/FVC
(as percent
Dco
Class 1 1-14%
Impairment of
Whole Person
Class 2 15-29%
Impairment of
Whole Person
Class 3 30-54%
Impairment of
Whole Person
Class 4 55-95%
Impairment of
Whole Person
FVC 80% of predicted

and, FEV1 80% of
predicted, and
FEV1/FVC 70% and
Dco 80% of predicted.
FVC between 60% and

79% of predicted or FEV1
between 60% and 79% or
FEV1/FVC between 60%
and 69% or Dco between
60% and 79% of predicted.
FVC between 51% and

59% of predicted or FEV1
between 41% and 59% or
FEV1/FVC between 41%
and 59% or Dco between
41% and 59% of predicted.
FVC 50% of predicted or

FEV1 40% of predicted, or
FEV1/FVC 40%, or Dco 40% of
predicted
or
Between 20 and 25 ml
(kg.min)
or
Between 15 and 20 ml
(kg.min)
25 ml/(kg.min)
(kg.min)
or
15 ml/(kg.min)
FVC is Forced Vital Capacity; FEV1 is Forced Expiratory Volume in the first second; Dco is primarily of value for persons with
restrictive lung disease in Classes 2 and 3; if the FVC, FEV1 and FEV1/FVC ratio are normal and the Dco is between 41% and 79%,
then an exercise test is required.
VO2 Max, or measured exercise capacity is useful in assessing whether a persons complaint of dyspnea (see Table 1) is a result
of respiratory or other complications. A persons cardiac and conditioning status must be considered in performing the test and in
interpreting the results.
66
TABLE 2
PREDICTED NORMAL FVC VALUES (LITERS) FOR MEN (BTPS)
Age
18
20
22
24
26
146
3.72
3.68
3.64
3.60
3.55
148
3.84
3.80
3.76
3.72
3.67
150
3.96
3.92
3.88
3.84
3.79
152
4.08
4.04
4.00
3.95
3.91
154
4.20
4.16
4.12
4.08
4.03
156
4.32
4.28
4.24
4.20
4.15
158
4.44
4.40
4.36
4.32
4.27
160
4.56
4.52
4.48
4.44
4.39
162
4.68
4.64
4.60
4.56
4.51
164
4.80
4.76
4.72
4.68
4.63
166
4.92
4.88
4.84
4.80
4.75
Height(cm)
168 170 172
5.04 5.16 5.28
5.00 5.12 5.24
4.96 5.08 5.20
4.92 5.04 5.16
4.87 4.99 5.11
174
5.40
5.36
5.32
5.28
5.23
176
5.52
5.48
5.44
5.40
5.35
178
5.64
5.60
5.56
5.52
5.47
180
5.76
5.72
5.68
5.64
5.59
182
5.88
5.84
5.80
5.76
5.71
184
6.00
5.96
5.92
5.88
5.83
186
6.12
6.08
6.04
6.00
5.95
188
6.24
6.20
6.16
6.12
6.07
190
6.36
6.32
6.28
6.24
6.19
192
6.48
6.44
6.40
6.36
6.31
194
6.60
6.56
6.52
6.48
6.43
28
30
32
34
36
3.51
3.47
3.43
3.38
3.34
3.63
3.59
3.55
3.50
3.46
3.75
3.71
3.67
3.62
3.58
3.87
3.83
3.79
3.74
3.70
3.99
3.95
3.91
3.86
3.82
4.11
4.07
4.03
3.98
3.94
4.23
4.19
4.15
4.10
4.06
4.35
4.31
4.27
4.22
4.18
4.47
4.43
4.39
4.34
4.30
4.59
4.55
4.51
4.46
4.42
4.71
4.67
4.63
4.58
4.54
4.83
4.79
4.75
4.70
4.66
4.95
4.91
4.87
4.82
4.78
5.07
5.03
4.99
4.94
4.90
5.19
5.15
5.11
5.06
5.02
5.31
5.27
5.23
5.18
5.14
5.43
5.39
5.35
5.30
5.26
5.55
5.51
5.47
5.42
5.38
5.67
5.63
5.59
5.54
5.50
5.79
5.75
5.71
5.66
5.62
5.91
5.87
5.83
5.78
5.74
6.03
5.99
5.95
5.90
5.86
6.15
6.11
6.07
6.02
5.98
6.27
6.23
6.19
6.14
6.10
6.39
6.35
6.31
6.26
6.22
38
40
42
44
46
3.30
3.25
3.21
3.17
3.13
3.42
3.37
3.33
3.29
3.25
3.54
3.49
3.45
3.41
3.37
3.66
3.61
3.57
3.53
3.49
3.78
3.73
3.69
3.65
3.61
3.90
3.85
3.81
3.77
3.73
4.02
3.97
3.93
3.89
3.85
4.14
4.09
4.05
4.01
3.97
4.26
4.21
4.17
4.13
4.09
4.38
4.33
4.29
4.25
4.21
4.50
4.45
4.41
4.37
4.33
4.62
4.57
4.53
4.49
4.45
4.74
4.69
4.65
4.61
4.57
4.86
4.81
4.77
4.73
4.69
4.98
4.93
4.89
4.85
4.81
5.10
5.05
5.01
4.97
4.93
5.22
5.17
5.13
5.09
5.05
5.34
5.29
5.25
5.21
5.17
5.46
5.41
5.37
5.33
5.29
5.58
5.53
5.49
5.45
5.41
5.70
5.65
5.61
5.57
5.53
5.82
5.77
5.73
5.69
5.65
5.94
5.89
5.85
5.81
5.77
6.06
6.01
5.97
5.93
5.89
6.18
6.13
6.09
6.05
6.01
48
50
52
54
56
3.08
3.04
3.00
2.95
2.91
3.20
3.16
3.12
3.07
3.03
3.32
3.28
3.24
3.19
3.15
3.44
3.40
3.36
3.31
3.27
3.56
3.52
3.48
3.43
3.39
3.68
3.64
3.60
3.55
3.51
3.80
3.76
3.72
3.67
3.63
3.92
3.88
3.84
3.79
3.75
4.04
4.00
3.96
3.91
3.87
4.16
4.12
4.08
4.03
3.99
4.28
4.24
4.20
4.15
4.11
4.40
4.36
4.32
4.27
4.23
4.52
4.48
4.44
4.39
4.35
4.64
4.60
4.56
4.51
4.47
4.76
4.72
4.68
4.63
4.59
4.88
4.84
4.80
4.75
4.71
5.00
4.96
4.92
4.87
4.83
5.12
5.08
5.04
4.99
4.95
5.24
5.20
5.16
5.11
5.07
5.36
5.32
5.28
5.23
5.19
5.48
5.44
5.40
5.35
5.31
5.60
5.56
5.52
5.47
5.43
5.72
5.68
5.64
5.59
5.55
5.84
5.80
5.76
5.71
5.67
5.96
5.92
5.88
5.83
5.79
58
60
62
64
66
2.87
2.83
2.78
2.74
2.70
2.99
2.95
2.90
2.86
2.82
3.11
3.07
3.02
2.98
2.94
3.23
3.19
3.14
3.10
3.06
3.35
3.31
3.26
3.22
3.18
3.47
3.43
3.38
3.34
3.30
3.59
3.55
3.50
3.46
3.42
3.71
3.67
3.62
3.58
3.54
3.83
3.79
3.74
3.70
3.66
3.95
3.91
3.86
3.82
3.78
4.07
4.03
3.98
3.94
3.90
4.19
4.15
4.10
4.06
4.02
4.31
4.27
4.22
4.18
4.14
4.43
4.39
4.34
4.30
4.26
4.55
4.51
4.46
4.42
4.38
4.67
4.63
4.58
4.54
4.50
4.79
4.75
4.70
4.66
4.62
4.91
4.87
4.82
4.78
4.74
5.03
4.99
4.94
4.90
4.86
5.15
5.11
5.06
5.02
4.98
5.27
5.23
5.18
5.14
5.10
5.39
5.35
5.30
5.26
5.22
5.51
5.47
5.42
5.38
5.34
5.63
5.59
5.54
5.50
5.46
5.75
5.71
5.66
5.62
5.58
68
70
72
74
2.65
2.61
2.57
2.53
2.77
2.73
2.69
2.65
2.89
2.85
2.81
2.77
3.01
2.97
2.93
2.89
3.13
3.09
3.05
3.01
3.25
3.21
3.17
3.13
3.37
3.33
3.29
3.25
3.49
3.45
3.41
3.37
3.61
3.57
3.53
3.49
3.73
3.69
3.65
3.61
3.85
3.81
3.77
3.73
3.97
3.93
3.89
3.85
4.09
4.05
4.01
3.97
4.21
4.17
4.13
4.09
4.33
4.29
4.25
4.21
4.45
4.41
4.37
4.33
4.57
4.53
4.49
4.45
4.69
4.65
4.61
4.57
4.81
4.77
4.73
4.69
4.93
4.89
4.85
4.81
5.05
5.01
4.97
4.93
5.17
5.13
5.09
5.05
5.29
5.25
5.21
5.17
5.41
5.37
5.33
5.29
5.53
5.49
5.45
5.41
FVC in liters = 0.0600 H 0.0214 A 4.650. R = 0.54, SEE = 0.644, 95% Confidence Interval = 1.115.
2
Definitions of abbreviations: R = coefficient of determination, SEE = standard error of estimate, H = height in cm, and A = age in
years. BTPS = body temperature, ambient pressure and saturated with water vapor at these conditions.
The axes of the table are age (in years) at the side, and height (in cm) at the top. The predicted normal FVC in liters for the male
patient is found at the intersection of the row for his age, and the column for his height.
Adapted from Crapo RO, Morris AH, Gardner RM: Reference spirometric values using techniques and equipment that meets ATS
recommendations. Am Rev Respir Dis 1981; 123:659-664.
67
TABLE 3
PREDICTED NORMAL FVC VALUES (LITERS) FOR WOMEN (BTPS)
Age
18
20
22
24
26
146
3.19
3.15
3.10
3.06
3.02
148
3.29
3.24
3.20
3.16
3.12
150
3.39
3.34
3.30
3.26
3.21
152
3.48
3.44
3.40
3.35
3.31
154
3.58
3.54
3.50
3.45
3.41
156
3.68
3.64
3.59
3.55
3.51
158
3.78
3.74
3.69
3.65
3.61
160
3.88
3.83
3.79
3.75
3.70
162
3.98
3.93
3.89
3.85
3.80
164
4.07
4.03
3.99
3.94
3.90
166
4.17
4.13
4.09
4.04
4.00
Height(cm)
168 170 172
4.27 4.37 4.47
4.23 4.32 4.42
4.18 4.28 4.38
4.14 4.24 4.34
4.10 4.20 4.29
174
4.56
4.52
4.48
4.43
4.39
176
4.66
4.2
4.58
4.53
4.49
178
4.76
4.72
4.67
4.63
4.59
180
4.86
4.82
4.77
4.73
4.69
182
4.96
4.91
4.87
4.83
4.78
184
5.06
5.01
4.97
4.93
4.88
186
5.15
5.11
5.07
5.02
4.98
188
5.25
5.21
5.17
5.12
5.08
190
5.35
5.31
5.26
5.22
5.18
192
5.45
5.41
5.36
5.32
5.28
194
5.55
5.50
5.46
5.42
5.37
28
30
32
34
36
2.97
2.93
2.89
2.84
2.80
3.07
3.03
2.99
2.94
2.90
3.17
3.13
3.08
3.04
3.00
3.27
3.23
3.18
3.14
3.10
3.37
3.32
3.28
3.24
3.19
3.46
3.42
3.38
3.34
3.29
3.56
3.52
3.48
3.43
3.39
3.66
3.62
3.57
3.53
3.49
3.76
3.72
3.67
3.63
5.39
3.86
3.81
3.77
3.73
3.68
3.96
3.91
3.87
3.83
3.78
4.05
4.01
3.97
3.92
3.88
4.15
4.11
4.07
4.02
3.98
4.25
4.21
4.16
4.12
4.08
4.35
4.31
4.26
4.22
4.18
4.45
4.40
4.36
4.32
4.27
4.54
4.50
4.46
4.42
4.37
4.64
4.60
4.56
4.51
4.47
4.74
4.70
4.65
4.61
4.57
4.84
4.80
4.75
4.71
4.67
4.94
4.89
4.85
4.81
4.76
5.04
4.99
4.95
4.91
4.86
5.13
5.09
5.05
5.00
4.96
5.23
5.19
5.15
5.10
5.06
5.33
5.29
5.24
5.20
5.16
38
40
42
44
46
2.76
2.71
2.67
2.63
2.58
2.86
2.81
2.77
2.73
2.68
2.95
2.91
2.87
2.82
2.78
3.05
3.01
2.97
2.92
2.88
3.15
3.11
3.06
3.02
2.98
3.25
3.21
3.16
3.12
3.08
3.35
3.30
3.26
3.22
3.17
3.45
3.40
3.36
3.32
3.27
3.54
3.50
3.46
3.41
3.37
3.64
3.60
3.56
3.51
3.47
3.74
3.70
3.65
3.61
3.57
3.84
3.79
3.75
3.71
3.67
3.94
3.89
3.85
3.81
3.76
4.03
3.99
3.95
3.90
3.86
4.13
4.09
4.05
4.00
3.96
4.23
4.19
4.14
4.10
4.06
4.33
4.29
4.24
4.20
4.16
4.43
4.38
4.34
4.30
4.25
4.53
4.48
4.44
4.40
4.35
4.62
4.58
4.54
4.49
4.45
4.72
4.68
4.64
4.59
4.55
4.82
4.78
4.73
4.69
4.65
4.92
4.87
4.83
4.79
4.75
5.02
4.97
4.93
4.89
4.84
5.11
5.07
5.03
4.98
4.94
48
50
52
54
56
2.54
2.50
2.46
2.41
2.37
2.64
2.60
2.55
2.51
2.47
2.74
2.69
2.65
2.61
2.57
2.84
2.79
2.75
2.71
2.66
2.93
2.89
2.85
2.80
2.76
3.03
2.99
2.95
2.90
2.86
3.13
3.09
3.04
3.00
2.96
3.23
3.19
3.14
3.10
3.06
3.33
3.28
3.24
3.20
3.15
3.43
3.38
3.34
3.30
3.25
3.52
3.48
3.44
3.39
3.35
3.62
3.58
3.54
3.49
3.45
3.72
3.68
3.63
3.59
3.55
3.82
3.78
3.73
3.69
3.65
3.92
3.87
3.83
3.79
3.74
4.01
3.97
3.93
3.89
3.84
4.11
4.07
4.03
3.98
3.94
4.21
4.17
4.12
4.08
4.04
4.31
4.27
4.22
4.18
4.14
4.41
4.36
4.32
4.28
4.23
4.51
4.46
4.42
4.38
4.33
4.60
4.56
4.52
4.47
4.43
4.70
4.66
4.62
4.57
4.53
4.80
4.76
4.71
4.67
4.63
4.90
4.86
4.81
4.77
4.73
58
60
62
64
66
2.33
2.28
2.24
2.20
2.15
2.42
2.38
2.34
2.29
2.25
2.52
2.48
2.44
2.39
2.35
2.62
2.58
2.53
2.49
2.45
2.72
2.68
2.63
2.59
2.55
2.82
2.77
2.73
2.69
2.64
2.91
2.87
2.83
2.79
2.74
3.01
2.97
2.93
2.88
2.84
3.11
3.07
3.02
2.98
2.94
3.21
3.17
3.12
3.08
3.04
3.31
3.26
3.22
3.18
3.14
3.41
3.36
3.32
3.28
3.23
3.50
3.46
3.42
3.37
3.33
3.60
3.56
3.52
3.47
3.43
3.70
3.66
3.61
3.57
3.53
3.80
2.76
3.71
3.67
3.63
3.90
3.85
3.81
3.77
3.72
4.00
3.95
3.91
3.87
3.82
4.09
4.05
4.01
3.96
2.92
4.19
4.15
4.11
4.06
4.02
4.29
4.25
4.20
4.16
4.12
4.39
4.34
4.30
4.26
4.22
4.49
4.44
4.40
4.36
4.31
4.58
4.54
4.50
4.45
4.41
4.68
4.64
4.60
4.55
4.51
68
70
72
74
2.11
2.07
2.02
1.98
2.21
2.16
2.12
2.08
2.31
2.26
2.22
2.18
2.40
2.36
2.32
2.27
2.50
2.46
2.42
2.37
2.60
2.56
2.51
2.47
2.70
2.66
2.61
2.57
2.80
2.75
2.71
2.67
2.90
2.85
2.81
2.77
2.99
2.95
2.91
2.86
3.09
3.05
3.01
2.96
3.19
3.15
3.10
3.06
3.29
3.24
3.20
3.16
3.39
3.34
3.30
3.26
3.48
3.44
3.40
3.36
3.58
3.54
3.50
3.45
3.68
3.64
3.59
3.55
3.78
3.74
3.69
3.65
3.88
3.83
3.79
3.75
3.98
3.93
3.89
3.85
4.07
4.03
3.99
3.94
4.17
4.13
4.09
4.04
4.27
4.23
4.18
4.14
4.37
4.33
4.28
4.24
4.47
4.42
4.38
4.34
FVC in liters = 0.0491 H 0.0216 A 3.590. R = 0.74, SEE = 0.393, 95% Confidence Interval = 0.676.
2
68
TABLE 4
PREDICTED NORMAL FEV1 FOR MEN
Age
18
20
22
24
26
146
3.42
3.37
3.32
3.27
3.22
148
3.50
3.45
3.40
3.35
3.30
150
3.58
3.53
3.48
3.43
3.39
152
3.66
3.61
3.57
3.52
3.47
154
3.75
3.70
3.65
3.60
3.55
156
3.83
3.78
3.73
3.68
3.63
158
3.91
3.86
3.81
3.77
3.72
160
3.99
3.95
3.90
3.85
3.80
162
4.08
4.03
3.98
3.93
3.88
164
4.16
4.11
4.06
4.01
3.97
166
4.24
4.19
4.15
4.10
4.05
Height(cm)
168 170 172
4.33 4.41 4.49
4.28 4.36 4.44
4.23 4.31 4.39
4.18 4.26 4.35
4.13 4.21 4.30
174
4.57
4.53
4.48
4.43
4.38
176
4.66
4.61
4.56
4.51
4.46
178
4.74
4.69
4.64
4.59
4.54
180
4.82
4.77
4.73
4.68
4.63
182
4.91
4.86
4.81
4.76
4.71
184
4.99
4.94
4.89
4.84
4.79
186
5.07
5.02
4.97
4.92
4.88
188
5.15
5.11
5.05
5.01
4.90
190
5.24
5.19
5.14
5.09
5.04
192
5.32
5.27
5.22
5.17
5.12
194
5.40
5.35
5.30
5.26
5.21
28
30
32
34
36
3.17
3.12
3.07
3.02
2.98
3.25
3.21
3.16
3.11
3.06
3.34
3.29
3.24
3.19
3.14
3.42
3.37
3.32
3.27
3.22
3.50
3.45
3.40
3.36
3.31
3.59
3.54
3.49
3.44
3.39
3.67
3.62
3.57
3.52
3.47
3.75
3.70
3.65
3.60
3.56
3.83
3.78
3.74
3.69
3.64
3.92
3.87
3.82
3.77
3.72
4.00
3.95
3.90
3.85
3.80
4.08
4.03
3.98
3.94
3.89
4.16
4.12
4.07
4.02
3.97
4.25
4.20
4.15
4.10
4.05
4.33
4.28
4.23
4.18
4.14
4.41
4.36
4.32
4.27
4.22
4.50
4.45
4.40
4.35
4.30
4.58
4.53
4.48
4.43
4.38
4.66
4.61
4.56
4.52
4.47
4.74
4.70
4.65
4.60
4.55
4.83
4.78
4.73
4.68
4.63
4.91
4.86
4.81
4.76
4.71
4.99
4.94
4.90
4.85
4.80
5.08
5.03
4.98
4.93
4.88
5.16
5.11
5.06
5.01
4.96
38
40
42
44
46
2.93
2.88
2.83
2.78
2.73
3.01
2.96
2.91
2.86
2.81
3.09
3.04
3.00
2.95
2.90
3.18
3.13
3.08
3.03
2.98
3.26
3.21
3.16
3.11
3.06
3.34
3.29
3.24
3.19
3.15
3.42
3.38
3.33
3.28
3.23
3.51
3.46
3.41
3.36
3.31
3.59
3.54
3.49
3.44
3.39
3.67
3.62
3.57
3.53
3.48
3.76
3.71
3.66
3.61
3.56
3.84
3.79
3.74
3.69
3.64
3.94
3.87
3.82
3.77
3.73
4.00
3.95
3.91
3.86
3.81
4.09
4.04
3.99
3.94
3.89
4.17
4.12
4.07
4.02
3.97
4.25
4.20
4.15
4.11
4.06
4.33
4.29
4.24
4.19
4.14
4.42
4.37
4.32
4.27
4.22
4.50
4.45
4.40
4.35
4.31
4.58
4.53
4.49
4.44
4.39
4.67
4.62
4.57
4.52
4.47
4.75
4.70
4.65
4.60
4.55
4.83
4.78
4.73
4.69
4.64
4.91
4.87
4.82
4.77
4.72
48
50
52
54
56
2.68
2.63
2.59
2.54
2.49
2.77
2.72
2.67
2.62
2.57
2.85
2.80
2.75
2.70
2.65
2.93
2.88
2.83
2.79
2.74
3.01
2.97
2.92
2.87
2.82
3.10
3.05
3.00
2.95
3.90
3.18
3.13
3.08
3.03
2.98
3.26
3.21
3.17
3.12
3.07
3.35
3.30
3.25
3.20
3.15
3.43
3.38
3.33
3.28
3.23
3.51
3.46
3.41
3.36
3.32
3.59
3.55
3.50
3.45
3.40
3.68
3.63
3.58
3.53
3.48
3.76
3.71
3.66
3.61
3.56
3.84
3.79
3.74
3.70
3.65
3.93
3.88
3.83
3.78
3.73
4.01
3.96
3.91
3.86
3.81
4.09
4.04
3.99
3.94
3.90
4.17
4.12
4.08
4.03
3.98
4.25
4.21
4.16
4.11
4.06
4.34
4.29
4.24
4.19
4.14
4.42
4.37
4.32
4.28
4.23
4.50
4.46
4.41
4.36
4.31
4.59
4.54
4.49
4.44
4.39
4.67
4.62
4.57
4.52
4.48
58
60
62
64
66
2.44
2.39
2.34
2.29
2.24
2.52
2.47
2.42
2.38
2.33
2.60
2.55
2.51
2.46
2.41
2.69
2.64
2.59
2.54
2.49
2.77
2.72
2.67
2.62
2.58
2.85
2.80
2.76
2.71
2.66
2.94
2.89
2.84
2.79
2.74
3.02
2.97
2.92
2.87
2.82
3.10
3.05
3.00
2.96
2.91
3.18
3.14
3.09
3.04
2.99
3.27
3.22
3.17
3.12
3.07
3.35
3.30
3.25
3.20
3.15
3.43
3.38
3.34
3.29
3.24
3.52
3.47
3.42
3.37
3.32
3.60
3.55
3.50
3.45
3.40
3.68
3.63
3.58
3.53
3.49
3.76
3.72
3.67
3.62
3.57
3.85
3.80
3.75
3.70
3.65
3.93
3.88
3.83
3.78
3.73
4.01
3.96
3.91
3.87
3.82
4.10
4.05
4.00
3.95
3.90
4.18
4.13
4.08
4.03
3.98
4.26
4.21
4.16
4.11
4.07
4.34
4.29
4.25
4.20
4.15
4.43
4.38
4.33
4.28
4.23
68
70
72
74
2.20
2.15
2.10
2.05
2.28
2.23
2.18
2.13
2.36
2.31
2.26
2.21
2.44
2.39
2.35
2.30
2.53
2.48
2.43
2.38
2.61
2.56
2.51
2.46
2.69
2.64
2.59
2.55
2.77
2.73
2.68
2.63
2.86
2.81
2.76
2.71
2.94
2.89
2.84
2.79
3.02
2.97
3.93
2.88
3.11
3.06
3.01
2.96
3.19
3.14
3.09
3.04
3.27
3.22
3.17
3.13
3.35
3.31
3.26
3.21
3.44
3.39
3.34
3.29
3.52
3.47
3.42
3.37
3.60
3.55
3.51
3.46
3.69
3.64
3.59
3.54
3.77
3.72
3.67
3.62
3.85
3.80
3.75
3.70
3.93
3.98
3.84
3.79
4.02
3.97
3.92
3.87
4.10
4.05
4.00
3.95
4.18
4.13
4.08
4.04
FEV1 in liters = 0.0414 H 0.0244 A 2.190. R = 0.64, SEE = 0.486, 95% Confidence Interval = 0.842.
2
69
TABLE 5
PREDICTED NORMAL FEV1 FOR WOMEN
Age
18
20
22
24
26
146
2.96
2.91
2.85
2.80
2.75
148
3.02
2.97
2.92
2.87
2.82
150
3.09
3.04
2.99
2.94
2.89
152
3.16
3.11
3.06
3.01
2.96
154
3.23
3.18
3.13
3.08
3.03
156
3.30
3.25
3.20
3.15
3.09
158
3.37
3.32
3.26
3.21
3.16
160
3.43
3.38
3.33
3.28
3.23
162
3.50
3.45
3.40
3.35
3.30
164
3.57
3.52
3.47
3.42
3.37
166
3.64
3.59
3.54
3.49
3.44
Height(cm)
168 170 172
3.71 3.78 3.85
3.66 3.73 3.79
3.61 3.67 3.74
3.56 3.62 3.69
3.50 3.57 3.64
174
3.91
3.86
3.81
3.76
3.71
176
3.98
3.93
3.88
3.83
3.78
178
4.05
4.00
3.95
3.90
3.85
180
4.12
4.07
4.02
3.97
3.91
182
4.19
4.14
4.09
4.03
3.98
184
4.26
4.20
4.15
4.10
4.05
186
4.32
4.27
4.22
4.17
4.12
188
4.39
4.34
4.29
4.24
4.19
190
4.46
4.41
4.36
4.31
4.26
192
4.53
4.48
4.43
4.38
4.33
194
4.60
4.55
4.50
4.44
4.39
28
30
32
34
36
2.70
2.65
2.60
2.55
2.50
2.77
2.72
2.67
2.62
2.57
2.84
2.79
2.74
2.68
2.63
2.91
2.86
2.80
2.75
2.70
2.97
2.92
2.87
2.82
2.77
3.04
2.99
2.94
2.89
2.84
3.11
3.06
3.01
2.96
2.91
3.18
3.13
3.08
3.03
2.98
3.25
3.20
3.15
3.10
3.04
3.32
3.27
3.21
3.16
3.11
3.39
3.33
3.28
3.23
3.18
3.45
3.40
3.35
3.30
3.25
3.52
3.47
3.42
3.37
3.32
3.59
3.54
3.49
3.44
3.39
3.66
3.61
3.56
3.51
3.45
3.73
3.68
3.63
3.57
3.52
3.80
3.74
3.69
3.64
3.59
3.86
3.81
3.76
3.71
3.66
3.93
3.88
3.83
3.78
3.73
4.00
3.95
3.90
3.85
3.80
4.07
4.02
3.97
3.92
3.87
4.14
4.09
4.04
3.98
3.93
4.21
4.15
4.10
4.05
4.00
4.27
4.22
4.17
4.12
4.07
4.34
4.29
4.24
4.19
4.14
38
40
42
44
46
2.45
2.40
2.34
2.29
2.24
2.51
2.46
2.41
2.36
2.31
2.58
2.53
2.48
2.43
2.38
2.65
2.60
2.55
2.50
2.45
2.72
2.67
2.62
2.57
2.52
2.79
2.74
2.69
2.64
2.58
2.86
2.81
2.75
2.70
2.65
2.92
2.87
2.82
2.77
2.72
2.99
2.94
2.89
2.84
2.79
3.06
3.01
2.96
2.91
2.86
3.13
3.08
3.03
2.98
2.93
3.20
3.15
3.10
3.05
2.99
3.27
3.22
3.17
3.11
3.06
3.34
3.28
3.23
3.18
3.13
3.40
3.35
3.30
3.25
3.20
3.47
3.42
3.37
3.32
3.27
3.54
3.49
3.44
3.39
3.34
3.61
3.56
3.51
3.46
3.41
3.68
3.63
3.58
3.52
3.47
3.75
3.69
3.64
3.59
3.54
3.81
3.76
3.71
3.66
3.61
3.88
3.83
3.78
3.73
3.68
3.95
3.90
3.85
3.80
3.75
4.02
3.97
3.92
3.87
3.82
4.09
4.04
3.99
3.93
3.88
48
50
52
54
56
2.19
2.14
2.09
2.04
1.99
2.26
2.21
2.16
2.11
2.06
2.33
2.28
2.23
2.18
2.12
2.40
2.35
2.29
2.24
2.19
2.46
2.41
2.36
2.31
2.26
2.53
2.48
2.43
2.38
2.33
2.60
2.55
2.50
2.45
2.40
2.67
2.62
2.57
2.52
2.47
2.74
2.69
2.64
2.59
2.53
2.81
2.76
2.70
2.65
2.60
2.88
2.82
2.77
2.72
2.67
2.94
2.89
2.84
2.79
2.74
3.01
2.96
2.91
2.86
2.81
3.08
3.03
2.98
2.93
2.88
3.15
3.10
3.05
3.00
2.94
3.22
3.17
3.12
3.06
3.01
3.29
3.23
3.18
3.13
3.08
3.35
3.30
3.25
3.20
3.15
3.42
3.37
3.32
3.27
3.22
3.49
3.44
3.39
3.34
3.29
3.56
3.51
3.46
3.41
3.36
3.63
3.58
3.53
3.47
3.42
3.70
3.65
3.59
3.54
3.49
3.76
3.71
3.66
3.61
3.56
3.83
3.78
3.73
3.68
3.63
58
60
62
64
66
1.94
1.89
1.83
1.78
1.73
2.00
1.95
1.90
1.85
1.80
2.07
2.02
1.97
1.92
1.87
2.14
2.09
2.04
1.99
1.94
2.21
2.16
2.11
2.06
2.01
2.28
2.23
2.18
2.13
2.07
2.35
2.30
2.24
2.19
2.14
2.42
2.36
2.31
2.26
2.21
2.48
2.43
2.38
2.33
2.28
2.55
2.50
2.45
2.40
2.35
2.62
2.57
2.52
2.47
2.42
2.69
2.64
2.59
2.54
2.48
2.76
2.71
2.66
2.60
2.55
2.83
2.77
2.72
2.67
2.62
2.89
2.84
2.79
2.74
2.69
2.96
2.91
2.86
2.81
2.76
3.03
2.98
2.93
2.88
2.83
3.10
3.05
3.00
2.95
2.90
3.17
3.12
3.07
3.01
2.96
3.24
3.18
3.13
3.08
3.03
3.30
3.25
3.20
3.15
3.10
3.37
3.32
3.27
3.22
3.17
3.44
3.39
3.34
3.29
3.24
3.51
3.46
3.41
3.36
3.31
3.58
3.53
3.48
3.42
3.37
68
70
72
74
1.68
1.63
1.58
1.53
1.75
1.70
1.65
1.60
1.82
1.77
1.72
1.67
1.89
1.84
1.78
1.73
1.95
1.90
1.85
1.80
2.02
1.97
1.92
1.87
2.09
2.04
1.99
1.94
2.16
2.11
2.06
2.01
2.23
2.18
2.13
2.08
2.30
2.25
2.19
2.14
2.37
2.31
2.26
2.21
2.43
2.38
2.33
2.28
2.50
2.45
2.40
2.35
2.57
2.52
2.47
2.42
2.64
2.59
2.54
2.49
2.71
2.66
2.61
2.55
2.78
2.72
2.67
2.62
2.84
2.79
2.74
2.69
2.91
2.86
2.81
2.76
2.98
2.93
2.88
2.83
3.05
3.00
2.95
2.90
3.12
3.07
3.02
2.96
3.19
3.14
3.08
3.03
3.25
3.20
3.15
3.10
3.32
3.27
3.22
3.17
FEV1 in liters = 0.0342 H 0.0255 A 1.578. R = 0.80, SEE = 0.326, 95% Confidence Interval = 0.561.
2
70
TABLE 6
PREDICTED NORMAL SINGLE BREATH DCO VALUES FOR MEN (STPD)
Age
18
20
22
24
26
146
29.8
29.3
28.9
28.5
28.1
148
30.6
30.2
29.7
29.3
28.9
150
31.4
31.0
30.6
30.1
29.7
152
32.2
31.8
31.4
31.0
30.5
154
33.1
32.6
32.2
31.8
31.4
156
33.9
33.4
33.0
32.6
32.2
158
34.7
34.3
33.8
33.4
33.0
160
35.5
35.1
34.7
34.2
33.8
162
36.3
35.9
35.5
35.1
34.6
164
37.1
36.7
36.3
35.9
35.5
166
38.0
37.5
37.1
36.7
36.3
Height(cm)
168 170 172
38.8 39.6 40.4
38.4 39.2 40.0
37.9 38.8 39.6
37.5 38.3 39.2
37.1 37.9 38.7
174
41.2
40.8
40.4
40.0
39.6
176
42.1
41.6
41.2
40.8
40.4
178
42.9
42.5
42.0
41.6
41.2
180
43.7
43.3
42.9
42.4
42.0
182
44.5
44.1
43.7
43.3
42.8
184
45.4
44.9
44.5
44.1
43.7
186
46.2
45.7
45.3
44.9
44.5
188
47.0
46.6
46.1
45.7
45.3
190
47.8
47.4
47.0
46.5
46.1
192
48.6
48.2
47.8
47.4
46.9
194
49.4
49.0
48.6
48.2
47.8
28
30
32
34
36
27.7
27.2
26.8
26.4
26.0
28.5
28.1
27.6
27.2
26.8
29.3
28.9
28.5
28.1
27.6
30.1
29.7
29.3
28.9
28.4
30.9
30.5
30.1
29.7
29.3
31.8
31.3
30.9
30.5
30.1
32.6
32.2
31.7
31.3
30.9
33.4
33.0
32.6
32.1
31.7
34.2
33.8
33.4
33.0
32.5
35.0
34.6
34.2
33.8
33.4
35.9
35.4
35.0
34.6
34.2
36.7
36.3
35.8
35.4
35.0
37.5
37.1
36.7
36.2
35.8
38.3
37.9
37.5
37.1
36.6
39.1
38.7
38.3
37.9
37.5
40.0
39.6
39.1
38.7
38.3
40.8
40.4
39.9
39.5
39.1
41.6
412
40.8
40.4
39.9
42.4
42.0
41.6
41.2
40.7
43.2
42.8
42.4
42.0
41.6
44.1
43.6
43.2
42.8
42.4
44.9
44.5
44.1
43.6
43.2
45.7
45.3
44.9
44.4
44.0
46.5
46.1
45.7
45.3
44.8
47.3
46.9
46.5
46.1
45.7
38
40
42
44
46
25.6
25.1
24.7
24.3
23.9
26.4
26.0
25.5
25.1
24.7
27.2
26.8
26.4
25.9
25.5
28.0
27.6
27.2
26.8
26.3
28.8
28.4
28.0
27.6
27.2
29.7
29.2
28.8
28.4
28.0
30.5
30.1
29.6
29.2
28.8
31.3
30.9
30.5
30.0
29.6
32.1
31.7
31.3
30.9
30.4
32.9
32.5
32.1
31.7
31.3
33.8
33.3
32.9
32.5
32.1
34.6
34.2
33.7
33.3
32.9
35.4
35.0
34.6
34.1
33.7
36.2
35.8
35.4
35.0
34.6
37.0
36.6
36.2
35.8
35.4
37.9
37.4
37.0
36.6
36.2
38.7
38.3
37.8
37.4
37.0
39.5
39.1
38.7
38.2
37.8
40.3
39.9
39.5
39.1
38.6
41.1
40.7
40.3
39.9
39.5
42.0
41.5
41.1
40.7
40.3
42.8
42.4
41.9
41.5
41.1
43.6
43.2
42.8
42.3
41.9
44.4
44.0
43.6
43.2
42.7
45.2
44.8
44.4
44.0
43.6
48
50
52
54
56
23.5
23.1
22.6
22.2
21.8
24.3
23.9
23.4
23.0
22.6
25.1
24.7
24.3
23.8
23.4
25.9
25.5
25.1
24.7
24.2
26.7
26.3
25.9
25.5
25.1
27.6
27.1
26.7
26.3
25.9
28.4
28.0
27.6
27.1
26.7
29.2
28.8
28.4
27.9
27.5
30.0
29.6
29.2
28.8
28.3
30.8
30.4
30.0
29.6
29.2
31.7
31.2
30.8
30.4
30.0
32.5
32.1
31.6
31.2
30.8
33.3
32.9
32.5
32.0
31.6
34.1
33.7
33.3
32.9
32.4
34.9
34.5
34.1
33.7
33.3
35.8
35.4
34.9
34.5
34.1
36.6
36.2
35.7
35.3
34.9
37.4
37.0
36.6
36.1
35.7
38.2
37.8
37.4
37.0
36.5
39.1
38.6
38.2
37.8
37.4
39.9
39.4
39.0
38.6
38.2
40.7
40.3
39.9
39.4
39.0
41.5
41.1
40.7
40.2
39.8
42.3
41.9
41.6
41.1
40.6
43.1
42.7
42.3
41.9
41.5
58
60
62
64
66
21.4
20.9
20.5
20.1
19.7
22.2
21.8
21.3
20.9
20.5
23.0
22.6
22.2
21.7
21.3
23.8
23.4
23.0
22.6
22.1
24.6
24.2
23.8
23.4
23.0
25.5
25.0
24.6
24.2
23.8
26.3
25.9
25.4
25.0
24.6
27.1
26.7
26.3
25.8
25.4
27.9
27.5
27.1
26.7
26.2
28.7
28.3
27.9
27.5
27.1
29.6
29.1
28.7
28.3
27.9
30.4
30.0
29.5
29.1
28.7
31.2
30.8
30.4
29.9
29.5
32.0
31.6
31.2
30.8
30.4
32.8
32.4
32.0
31.6
31.2
33.7
33.2
32.8
32.4
32.0
34.5
34.1
33.6
33.2
32.8
35.3
34.9
34.5
34.1
33.6
36.1
35.7
35.3
34.9
34.4
36.9
36.5
36.1
35.7
35.3
37.8
37.3
36.9
36.5
36.1
38.6
38.2
37.7
37.3
36.9
39.4
39.0
38.6
38.1
37.7
40.2
39.8
39.4
39.0
38.6
41.0
40.6
40.2
39.8
39.4
68
70
72
74
19.3
18.8
18.4
18.0
20.1
19.7
19.2
18.8
20.9
20.5
20.1
19.6
21.7
21.3
20.9
20.5
22.6
22.1
21.7
21.3
23.4
22.9
22.5
22.1
24.2
23.8
23.3
22.9
25.0
24.6
24.2
23.7
25.8
25.4
25.0
24.6
26.6
26.2
25.8
25.4
27.5
27.0
26.6
26.2
28.3
27.9
27.4
27.0
29.1
28.7
28.3
27.8
29.9
29.5
29.1
28.7
30.7
30.3
29.9
29.5
31.6
31.1
30.7
30.3
32.4
32.0
31.5
31.1
38.2
32.8
32.4
31.9
34.0
33.6
33.2
32.8
34.9
34.4
34.0
33.6
35.7
35.2
34.8
34.4
36.5
36.1
35.6
35.2
37.3
36.9
36.5
36.0
38.1
37.7
37.3
36.9
38.9
38.5
38.1
37.7
Dco in ml/min/mm Hg = 0.0410 H 0.210 A 26.31. R = 0.60, SEE = 0.482, 95% Confidence Interval = 8.2.
2
years. STPD = temperature 0C, pressure 760 mm Hg and dry (0 water vapor).
The regression analysis has been normalized to a standard hemoglobin of 14.6 g/dl using Cotes modification and the relationship
described by Roughton and Forster.
71
TABLE 7
PREDICTED NORMAL SINGLE BREATH DCO VALUES FOR WOMEN (STPD)
Age
18
20
22
24
26
146
26.0
25.7
25.4
25.1
24.8
148
26.5
26.2
25.9
25.6
25.3
150
27.0
26.7
26.5
26.2
25.9
152
27.6
27.3
27.0
26.7
26.4
154
28.1
27.8
27.5
27.2
26.9
156
28.6
28.4
28.1
27.8
27.5
158
29.2
28.9
28.6
28.3
28.0
160
29.7
29.4
29.1
28.8
28.5
162
30.2
30.0
29.7
29.4
29.1
164
30.8
30.5
30.2
29.9
29.6
166
31.3
31.0
30.7
30.4
30.1
Height(cm)
168 170 172
31.9 32.4 3.9
31.6 32.1 32.6
31.3 31.8 32.3
31.0 31.5 32.0
30.7 31.2 31.7
174
33.5
33.2
32.9
32.6
32.3
176
34.0
33.7
33.4
33.1
32.8
178
34.5
34.2
33.9
33.6
33.3
180
35.1
34.8
34.5
34.2
33.9
182
35.6
35.3
35.0
34.7
34.4
184
36.1
35.8
35.5
35.2
34.9
186
36.7
36.4
36.1
35.8
35.5
188
37.2
36.9
36.6
36.3
36.0
190
37.7
37.4
37.1
36.8
36.5
192
38.3
38.0
37.7
37.4
37.1
194
38.8
38.5
38.2
37.9
37.6
28
30
32
34
36
24.5
24.2
23.9
23.6
23.3
25.0
24.7
24.4
24.1
23.8
25.6
25.3
25.0
24.7
24.4
26.1
25.8
25.5
25.2
24.9
26.6
26.3
26.0
25.7
25.4
27.2
26.9
26.6
26.3
26.0
27.7
27.4
27.1
26.8
26.5
28.2
27.9
27.6
27.3
27.1
28.8
28.5
28.2
27.9
27.6
29.3
29.0
28.7
28.4
28.1
29.8
29.5
29.2
28.9
28.7
30.4
30.1
29.8
29.5
29.2
30.9
30.6
30.3
30.0
29.7
31.4
31.1
30.8
30.6
30.3
32.0
31.7
31.4
31.1
30.8
32.5
32.2
31.9
31.6
31.3
33.0
32.7
32.4
32.2
31.9
33.6
33.3
33.0
32.7
32.4
34.1
33.8
33.5
33.2
32.9
34.6
34.3
34.1
33.8
33.5
35.2
34.9
34.6
34.3
34.0
35.7
35.4
35.1
34.8
34.5
36.2
35.9
35.7
35.4
35.1
36.8
36.5
36.2
35.9
35.6
37.3
37.0
36.7
36.4
36.1
38
40
42
44
46
23.0
22.7
22.4
22.1
21.8
23.6
23.3
23.0
22.7
22.4
24.1
23.8
23.5
23.2
22.9
24.6
24.3
24.0
23.7
23.4
25.2
24.9
24.6
24.3
24.0
25.7
25.4
25.1
24.3
24.5
26.2
25.9
25.6
25.3
25.0
26.8
26.5
26.2
25.9
25.6
27.3
27.0
26.7
26.4
26.1
27.8
27.5
27.2
26.9
26.6
28.4
28.1
27.8
27.5
27.2
28.9
28.6
28.3
28.0
27.7
29.4
29.1
28.8
28.5
28.2
30.0
29.7
29.4
29.1
28.8
30.5
30.2
29.9
29.6
29.3
31.0
30.7
30.4
30.1
29.8
31.6
31.3
31.0
30.7
30.4
32.1
31.8
31.5
31.2
30.9
32.6
32.3
32.0
31.7
31.4
33.2
32.9
32.6
32.3
32.0
33.7
33.4
33.1
32.8
32.5
34.2
33.9
33.6
33.3
33.0
34.8
34.5
34.2
33.9
33.6
35.3
35.0
34.7
34.4
34.1
35.8
35.5
35.2
34.9
34.6
48
50
52
54
56
21.5
21.2
20.9
20.6
20.4
22.1
21.8
21.5
21.2
20.9
22.6
22.3
22.0
21.7
21.4
23.1
22.8
22.5
22.3
22.0
23.7
23.4
23.1
22.8
22.5
24.2
23.9
23.5
23.3
23.0
24.7
24.4
24.1
23.9
23.6
25.3
25.0
24.7
24.4
24.1
25.8
25.5
25.2
24.9
24.6
26.3
26.0
25.8
25.5
25.2
26.9
26.6
26.3
26.0
25.7
27.4
27.1
26.8
26.5
26.2
27.9
27.6
27.4
27.1
26.8
28.5
28.2
27.9
27.6
27.3
29.0
28.7
28.4
28.1
27.8
29.5
29.3
29.0
28.7
28.4
30.1
29.8
29.5
29.2
28.9
30.6
30.3
30.0
29.7
29.4
31.1
30.9
30.6
30.3
30.0
31.7
31.4
31.1
30.8
30.5
32.2
31.9
31.6
31.3
31.0
32.8
32.5
32.2
31.9
31.6
33.3
33.0
32.7
32.4
32.1
33.8
33.5
33.2
32.9
32.6
34.4
34.1
33.8
33.5
33.2
58
60
62
64
66
20.1
19.8
19.5
19.2
18.9
20.6
20.3
20.0
19.7
19.4
21.1
20.8
20.5
20.2
19.9
21.7
21.4
21.1
20.8
20.5
22.2
21.9
21.6
21.3
21.0
22.7
22.4
22.1
21.8
21.5
23.3
23.0
22.7
22.4
22.1
23.8
23.5
23.2
22.9
22.6
24.3
24.0
23.7
23.4
23.1
24.9
24.6
24.3
24.0
23.7
25.4
25.1
24.8
24.5
24.2
25.9
25.6
25.3
25.0
24.1
26.5
26.2
25.9
25.6
25.3
27.0
26.7
26.4
26.1
25.8
27.5
27.2
26.9
26.6
26.3
28.1
27.8
27.5
27.2
26.9
28.6
28.3
28.0
27.7
27.4
29.1
28.8
28.5
28.2
28.0
29.7
29.4
29.1
28.8
28.5
30.2
29.9
29.6
29.3
29.0
30.7
30.4
30.1
29.8
29.6
31.3
31.0
30.7
30.4
30.1
31.8
31.5
31.2
30.9
30.6
32.3
32.0
31.7
31.5
31.2
32.9
32.6
32.3
32.0
31.7
68
70
72
74
18.6
18.3
18.0
17.7
19.1
18.8
18.5
18.2
19.6
19.3
19.1
18.8
20.2
19.9
19.6
19.3
20.7
20.4
20.1
19.8
21.2
21.0
20.7
20.4
21.8
21.5
21.2
20.9
22.3
22.0
21.1
21.4
22.8
22.6
22.3
22.0
23.4
23.1
22.8
22.5
23.9
23.5
23.3
23.0
24.5
24.2
23.9
23.6
25.0
24.7
24.4
24.1
25.5
25.2
24.9
24.6
26.1
25.8
25.5
25.2
26.6
26.3
26.0
25.7
27.1
26.8
26.5
26.2
27.7
27.4
27.1
26.8
28.2
27.9
27.6
27.3
28.7
28.4
28.1
27.8
29.3
29.0
28.7
28.4
29.8
29.5
29.2
28.9
30.3
30.0
29.7
29.4
30.9
30.6
30.3
30.0
31.4
31.1
30.8
30.5
Dco in ml/min/mm Hg = 0.0267 H 0.148 A 10.34. R = 0.60, SEE = 3.40, 95% Confidence Interval = 5.74.
2
years. STPD = temperature 0C, pressure 760 mm Hg and dry (0 water vapor).
The regression analysis has been normalized to a standard hemoglobin of 14.6 g/dl using Cotes modification and the relationship
described by Roughton and Forster.
72
CRITERIA FOR EVALUATING IMPAIRMENT NOT DIRECTLY RELATED TO LUNG

FUNCTION
Certain respiratory conditions may cause impairment that is not readily quantifiable by spirometry,
diffusing capacity, or measured exercise testing. Table 8 highlights these conditions, with some general
comments. The evaluation of impairments of persons with these conditions should be done by physicians
with expertise in lung disease, and the final impairment should be left to the physicians judgment.
TABLE 8
IMPAIRMENT NOT DIRECTLY RELATED TO LUNG FUNCTION
Condition
Comment
Asthma
An asthmatic person, who despite optimum medical therapy, including daily

administration of bronchodilator under regular physician care, and whose
physiologic tests of impairment fall under Class 4 (Table 2) after
administration of an inhaled bronchodilator in a laboratory, is considered to
be severely impaired. This level of impairment should be found on three
successive tests, performed at least one week apart.
(It is recognized that persons whose asthma causes less-than-severe
impairment, or whose asthma is related directly to a job-related exposure
(such as toluene diisocyanate) may occasionally be evaluated for the
purposes of determining employability or employment-related disability. The
final determination, which is a nonmedical decision, relies in part on medical
evidence. The physicians thorough documentation of the nature of
asthmatic condition, as well as nonmedical evidence such as exposure data
and reports of supervisors or fellow employees, are crucial to this
determination.)
Hypersensitivity pneumonitis
A person with this condition may need to be removed from exposure to the
causative agent or other agents with similar sensitizing properties in order to
avoid future attacks and chronic sequelae.
Pneumoconiosis
Although pneumoconiosis may cause no psychologic impairment, its

presence usually requires removal from exposure to the dust that caused the
condition.
Sleep Disorders
Obstructive sleep apnea, central sleep apnea and Cheyne-Stokes

respiration may prevent progression through normal stages of sleep and
may lead to hypersomnolence, hypoxia, hemodynamic changes and
personality disorders. Impairment due to sleep disorders should be
evaluated according to the criteria in the neurologic, cardiovascular, and
mental behavior chapters.
Lung Cancers
All persons with lung cancers are to be considered severely impaired at the
time of diagnosis. At a re-evaluation at one year after the diagnosis is
established, if the person is found to be free of all evidence of tumor
recurrence, then he or she should be rated according to the physiologic
parameters in Table 8. If there is evidence of tumor, the person remains
severely impaired. If the tumor recurs at a later date, the person immediately
is considered to be severely impaired.
73
Section 8: Cardiovascular System

SYMPTOMATIC LIMITATION
In this section reference is made to limitation of activities of daily living because of symptoms.
Information about such limitation is subjective, and it is open to interpretation on the part of both patient
and examiner. Therefore, when it is possible, the examiner should obtain objective data about the extent
of the limitation before attempting to estimate the degree of permanent impairment. When estimating the
extent of a limitation due to symptoms, the physician should use the functional classification in Table 1.
TABLE 1
FUNCTIONAL CLASSIFICATIONS
Class 1:
The patient has cardiac disease, but no resulting limitation of physical activity. Ordinary physical activity
does not cause undue fatigue, palpitation, dyspnea, or anginal pain.
Class 2:
The patient has cardiac disease resulting in slight limitation of physical activity. The patient is
comfortable at rest and in the performance of ordinary, light, daily activities. Greater-than-ordinary
physical activity, such as heavy physical exertion, results in fatigue, palpitation, dyspnea, or anginal
pain.
Class 3:
The patient has cardiac disease resulting in marked limitation of physical activity. The patient is
comfortable at rest. Ordinary physical activity results in fatigue, palpitation, dyspnea, or anginal pain.
Class 4:
The patient has cardiac disease resulting in inability to carry on any physical activity without discomfort.
Symptoms of inadequate cardiac output, pulmonary congestion, systemic congestion, or the anginal
syndrome, may be present, even at rest. If any physical activity is undertaken, discomfort is increased.
EXERCISE TESTING
In most circumstances the physician should attempt to quantitate limitations due to symptoms by
observing the patient during exercise. The most widely used and standardized exercise protocols involve
the use of a motor-driven treadmill with varying grades and speeds. The protocols vary slightly, but they
all attempt to relate the exercise to excess energy expended and to functional class. The excess energy
expended usually is expressed with the MET, a term that represents the multiples of resting metabolic
energy utilized for any given activity. One MET is considered to be 3.5 ml(kg.min). The 70kg person who
burns 1.2 kilocalories per minute sitting at rest uses approximately 3 METs when walking 4 kilometers
per hour.
Table 2 displays the relationship of excess energy expenditures in METs to functional class according
to the protocols of several investigators. With all the protocols, the exercise periods last for three minutes;
the periods are represented in the table by boxes with numbers giving the estimated METs involved.
If a treadmill is not available, steps may be used to attempt to quantitate the exercise capacity of a
patient. Table 3 shows the relationships of exercise with steps of various heights, excess energy
expenditure, and functional class. Estimations of excess energy expenditure also can be made with a
bicycle ergometer (Table 4).
Some laboratories are equipped to measure oxygen consumption and carbon dioxide production
during exercise. Data on a patient acquired by these techniques may become the most accurate method of
estimating a patients exercise capacity.
A major problem with using any exercise-testing technique to attempt to quantitate an individuals
functional capacity is the marked variability in the patients abilities and willingness to cooperate.
Therefore, the physician also must estimate the individuals cooperation and effort during the test; some
patients will continue far beyond where they should, while others will stop after minimal effort because
they feel fatigued.
TABLE 2
RELATIONSHIP OF METS AND FUNCTIOPNAL CLASS
ACCORDING TO FIVE TREADMILL PROTOCOLS
METS
Treadmill Tests
Ellestad
1.6
1.7
3.0
10
11
12
13
14
15
4.0
16
5.0
10 percent grade
Bruce
1.7
2.5
3.4
4.2
10
12
14
16
Balke
3.4 miles per hour

2
2.5
7.5
Balke
METS
Clinical Status
Functional
Class
10
12
14
16
18
3.0 miles per hour

0
Naughton
10
2.0 miles per hour
1.0
20
22
24
26
13
14
15
16
12.5
15
17.5
20
22.5
10
11
12
3.5
10.5
14
17.5
1.6
Symptomatic Patients
Diseased, Recovered
Sedentary Healthy
Physically Active Subjects
IV
III
II
I and Normal
In the Ellestad protocol, the numbers in the boxes are miles per hour (mph); in the Bruce protocol the top numbers are mph and the bottom
numbers are the percent grade. In the Balke and Naughton protocols the numbers are the percent grade.
Adapted from Fox SM III, Naughton JP, Haskell WL: Physical activity and the prevention of coronary heart disease. Annals of Clinical
Research 1971; 3:404-432 Copyright 1971 The Finnish Medical Society Duodecim.
TABLE 3
RELATIONSHIP OF METS AND FUNCTIONAL CLASS
ACCORDING TO TWO-STEP PROTOCOL
Height of Step
(cm)
30 Steps per Minute
.
4
12
16
20
24
12
18
25
32
35
24 Steps per Minute
METS
Clinical Status
Functional
Class
1.6
.
28
32
36
40
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
Symptomatic Patients
Diseased, Recovered
Sedentary Healthy
Physically Active Subjects
IV
III
II
I and Normal
Source: Fox SM III, Naughton JP, Haskell WL: Physical activity and the prevention of coronary heart disease. Annals of Clinical Research
1971; 3:404-432 Copyright 1971 The Finnish Medical Society Duodecim.
74
75
TABLE 4
ENERGY EXPENDITURE IN METS DURING BICYCLE ERGOMETRY
Body Weight
(kg)
(lb)
Work Rate on Bicycle Ergometer (kg m-1 min-1 and Watts)

75
12
150
25
300
50
450
75
600
100
750
125
900
150
1050
175
1200
200
17.9
20.7
23.3
1350
225
1500
250
1650
275
1800
300
20
44
4.0
6.0
10.0
14.0
18.0
22.0
30
66
3.4
4.7
7.3
10.0
12.7
15.3
40
88
3.0
4.0
6.0
8.0
10.0
12.0
14.0
16.0
18.0
20.0
22.0
50
110
2.8
3.6
5.2
6.8
8.4
10.0
11.5
13.2
14.8
16.3
18.0
19.6
21.1
60
132
2.7
3.3
4.7
6.0
7.3
8.7
10.0
11.3
12.7
14.0
15.3
16.7
18.0
70
154
2.6
3.1
4.3
5.4
6.6
7.7
8.8
10.0
11.1
12.2
13.4
14.0
15.7
80
176
2.5
3.0
4.0
5.0
6.0
7.0
8.0
9.0
10.0
11.0
12.0
13.0
14.0
90
198
2.4
2.9
3.8
4.7
5.6
6.4
7.3
8.2
9.1
10.0
10.9
11.8
12.6
100
220
2.4
2.8
3.6
4.4
5.2
6.0
6.8
7.6
8.4
9.2
10.0
10.8
11.6
110
242
2.4
2.7
3.4
4.2
4.9
5.6
6.3
7.1
7.8
8.5
9.3
10.0
10.7
120
264
2.3
2.7
33
4.0
4.7
5.3
6.0
6.7
7.3
8.0
8.7
9.3
10.0
(kg m-1 min-1)

(Watts)
Source: American College of Sports medicine. Guidelines for Graded Exercise Testing and Exercise Prescription. Philadelphia, Lea
and Febiger, 1975, p.17. Copyright 1975, American College of Sports Medicine.
TABLE 5
MAXIMAL AND 90% OF MAXIMAL
ACHIEVABLE HEART RATE, BY AGE AND SEX
Heart Rate
Age
Men
Maximal
90% Maximal
30
193
173
35
191
172
40
189
170
45
187
168
50
184
166
55
182
164
60
180
162
65
178
160
Women
Maximal
90% Maximal
190
171
185
167
181
163
177
159
172
155
168
151
163
147
159
143
Source: Sheffield LH: Exercise stress testing in Braunwald, E. (ed):

Heart Disease A Textbook of Cardiovascular Medicine, ed 3, Philadelphia, WB Saunders Company 1988, p. 227. Copyright
1988, WB Saunders Company.
76
VALVULAR HEART DISEASE

The severity of valvular heart disease can be reduced, but not fully reversed, by operative procedures
on the valves or by replacement of the valve with a prosthetic device. After such a procedure, sufficient
time from the date of operation must elapse to allow maximum recovery of the heart, lungs, and other
organs before estimating permanent impairment due to valvular disease.
In addition, medications may affect the severity of valvular heart disease, especially limitations due to
symptoms. Therefore, sufficient time must be allowed for these medications to be introduced and
adjusted, and for them to exert their effects, before an estimate of permanent impairment is made.
Impairment Classification for Valvular Heart Disease
Class 1Impairment of the Whole Person, 114%
The patient has evidence by physical examination or laboratory studies of valvular heart disease but no
symptoms in the performance of ordinary daily activities or even upon moderately heavy exertion (functional
class 1);
and
The patient does not require continuous treatment, although prophylactic antibiotics may be recommended at the
time of a surgical procedure to reduce the risk of bacterial endocarditis;
and
The patient remains free of signs of congestive heart failure; and there are no signs of ventricular hypertrophy or
dilation, and the severity of the stenosis or regurgitation is estimated to be mild;
or
In the patient who has recovered from valvular heart surgery, all of the above criteria are met.
The patient has evidence by physical examination or laboratory studies of valvular heart disease and there are
no symptoms in the performance of ordinary daily activities, but symptoms develop on moderately heavy
physical exertion (function class 2);
or
The patient requires moderate dietary adjustment or drugs to prevent symptoms. The patient has signs or
laboratory evidence of cardiac chamber hypertrophy and/or dilation, and the severity of the stenosis or
regurgitation is estimated to be moderate, and surgical correction is not feasible or advisable;
or
The patient has recovered from valvular heart surgery and meets the above criteria
Class 3Impairment of the whole person, 30-54%
The patient has signs of valvular heart disease and has slight to moderate symptomatic discomfort during the
performance of ordinary daily activities (functional class 3);
and
Dietary therapy or drugs do not completely control symptoms or prevent congestive heart failure;
and
The patient has signs or laboratory evidence of cardiac chamber hypertrophy or dilation, the severity of the
stenosis or regurgitation is estimated to be moderate or severe, and surgical correction is not feasible;
or
The patient has recovered from heart valve surgery but continues to have symptoms and signs of congestive
heart failure, including cardiomegaly.
Class 4Impairment of the whole person, 55-95%
The patient has signs by physical examination of valvular heart disease, and symptoms at rest or in the
performance of less-than-ordinary daily activities (functional class 4);
and
Dietary therapy and drugs cannot control symptoms or prevent signs of congestive heart failure;
and
The patient has signs or laboratory evidence of cardiac chamber hypertrophy and/or dilation; and the severity of
the stenosis or regurgitation is estimated to be moderate or severe, and surgical correction is not feasible;
77
or
The patient has recovered from valvular heart surgery but continues to have symptoms or signs of congestive
heart failure.
CORONARY HEART DISEASE

Impairment due to coronary heart disease can be reduced, but not eliminated by diet, exercise training
programs, cessation of cigarette smoking, use of medication, and surgical procedures. Sufficient time
must be allowed for these measures to have an effect before an estimate of permanent impairment is
made.
Impairment Classification for Coronary Heart Disease
Because of the serious implications of reduced coronary blood flow, it is not reasonable to classify the degree of
impairment as 0% to 10% in any patient who has symptoms of coronary heart disease corroborated by physical
examination or laboratory tests. This class of impairment should be reserved for the patient with an equivocal
history of angina pectoris in whom coronary angiography is performed, or for a patient on whom coronary
angiography is performed for other reasons and in whom is found less than 50% reduction in the cross-sectional
area of a coronary artery.
Class 2-Impairment of the Whole Person, 1529%
The patient has history of a myocardial infarction or angina pectoris that is documented by appropriate laboratory
studies, but at the time of evaluation the patient has no symptoms while performing ordinary daily activities or
even moderately heavy physical exertion (functional class 1);
and
The patient may require moderate dietary adjustment and/or medication to prevent angina or to remain free of
signs and symptoms of congestive heart failure;
and
The patient is able to walk on the treadmill or bicycle ergometer and obtain a heart rate of 90% of his or her
predicted maximum heart rate without developing significant ST segment shift, ventricular tachycardia, or
hypotension; if the patient is uncooperative or unable to exercise because of disease affecting another organ
system, this requirement may be omitted.
or
The patient has recovered from coronary artery surgery or angioplasty, remains asymptomatic during ordinary
daily activities, and is able to exercise as outlined above. If the patient is taking a beta adrenergic blocking agent,
he or she should be able to walk on the treadmill to a level estimated to cause an energy expenditure of at least
10 METs as a substitute for the heart rate target.
The patient has a history of myocardial infarction that is documented by appropriate laboratory studies, and/or
angina pectoris that is documented by changes on a resting or exercise ECG or radioisotope study that is
suggestive of ischemia;
or
The patient has either a fixed or dynamic focal obstruction of at least 50% of a coronary artery, demonstrated by
angiography;
and
The patient requires moderate dietary adjustment or drugs to prevent frequent angina or to remain free of
symptoms and signs of congestive heart failure, but may develop angina pectoris or symptoms of congestive
heart failure after moderately heavy physical exertion (functional class 2);
or
The patient has recovered from coronary artery surgery or angioplasty, continues to require treatment, and has
the symptoms described above.
The patient has history of a myocardial infarction that is documented by appropriate laboratory studies, or angina
pectoris that has been documented by changes on a resting ECG or radioisotope study that is highly suggestive
of myocardial ischemia;
or
78
The patient has either fixed or dynamic focal obstruction of at least 50% of one or more coronary arteries,
demonstrated by angiography;
and
Moderate dietary adjustments or drugs are required to prevent angina or to remain free of symptoms and signs
of congestive heart failure, but the patient continues to develop symptoms of angina pectoris or congestive heart
failure during ordinary daily activities (functional class 3 or 4), or there are signs or laboratory evidence of cardiac
enlargement and abnormal ventricular function;
or
The patient has recovered from coronary artery bypass surgery or angioplasty and continues to require treatment
and have symptoms as described above.
CONGENITAL HEART DISEASE

Impairment Classification for Congenital Heart Disease
The patient has evidence by physical examination or laboratory studies of congenital heart disease and has no
symptoms in the performance of ordinary daily activities, or even upon moderately heavy physical exertion;
and
Continuous treatment is not required, although prophylactic antibiotics may the recommended after surgical
procedures to reduce the risk of bacterial endocarditis; and the patient remains free of signs of congestive heart
failure and cyanosis;
and
There are no signs of cardiac chamber hypertrophy or dilation; the evidence of residual valvular stenosis or
regurgitation is estimated to be mild; there is no evidence of left-to-right or right-to-left shunt; and the pulmonary
vascular resistance is estimated to be normal;
or
In the patient who has recovered from corrective heart surgery, all of the above criteria are met.
The patient has evidence by physical examination or laboratory studies of congenital heart disease, has no
symptoms in the performance of ordinary daily activities, and has no symptoms with moderately heavy physical
exertion (functional class 2);
or
The patient requires moderate dietary adjustments or drugs to prevent symptoms or to remain free of signs of
congestive heart failure or other consequences of congenital heart disease, such as syncope, chest pain, emboli,
or cyanosis;
or
There are signs or laboratory evidence of cardiac chamber hypertrophy or dilation, or the severity of valvular
stenosis or regurgitation is estimated to be moderate; or there is evidence of a small residual left-to-right or rightto-left shunt; or there is evidence of moderate elevation of the pulmonary vascular resistance, which should be
less than one- half the systemic vascular resistance;
or
The patient has recovered from surgery for the treatment of congenital heart disease and meets the above
criteria for impairment.
The patient has evidence by physical examination or laboratory studies of congenital heart disease and
experiences symptoms during the performance of ordinary daily activities(functional class 3);
and
Diet modification and drugs do not completely control symptoms or prevent signs of congestive heart failure;
and
There are signs or laboratory evidence of cardiac chamber hypertrophy or dilation; or the severity of valvular
stenosis or regurgitation is estimated to be moderate or severe; or there is evidence of a right-to-left shunt; or
there is evidence of a left-to-right shunt with the pulmonary flow being greater than two times the systemic flow;
or the pulmonary vascular resistance is elevated to greater than one-half the systemic vascular resistance;
or
79
The patient has recovered from surgery for the treatment of congenital heart disease but continues to have
functional class 3 symptoms, or continues to have signs of congestive failure or cyanosis, and there is evidence
of cardiomegaly and significant residual valvular stenosis or regurgitation, left-to-right shunt, right-to-left shunt, or
elevated pulmonary vascular resistance.
The patient has signs of congenital heart disease and experiences symptoms of congestive heart failure at less
than ordinary daily activities (functional class 4);
and
Dietary therapy and drugs do not prevent symptoms or signs of congestive heart failure;
and
There is evidence from physical examination or laboratory studies of cardiac chamber hypertrophy or dilation, or
the pulmonary vascular resistance remains elevated at greater than one-half of the systemic vascular resistance;
or the severity of the valvular stenosis or regurgitation is estimated to be moderate to severe; or there is a left-toright shunt with the pulmonary flow being greater than two times the systemic flow; or there is a left-to-right shunt
with the pulmonary vascular resistance being elevated to greater than one-half the systemic vascular resistance;
or there is a right-to-left shunt;
or
The patient has recovered from heart surgery for the treatment of congenital heart disease and continues to have
symptoms or signs of congestive heart failure causing impairment as outlined above.
HYPERTENSIVE CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASE

In the patient in whom a diagnosable disorder causes the hypertension, estimation of permanent
impairment should not be undertaken until adequate time has elapsed after treatment of the disorder. If
other organs are affected, as with the kidneys in chronic renal disease, then the degree of impairment due
to the hypertension should be combined with that due to the other organ system, using the Combined
Values Chart.
Drugs are now available with acceptable side effects that can maintain blood pressure in the normal
range in most patients with primary hypertension and in most with secondary hypertension and no
correctable cause. Ratings of impairment due to hypertension should be delayed until after the drugs have
been prescribed and their doses have been adjusted to achieve maximum effect.
Before classifying a patient as having hypertensive cardiovascular disease, the physician should make
several determinations of the arterial pressure. Hypertensive cardiovascular disease is not necessarily
present when a patient exhibits transient or irregular episodes of elevated arterial pressure; these could be
associated with an emotional or environmental stimulus or with signs or symptoms of cardiovascular
system hyperactivity. Most authorities agree that hypertensive cardiovascular disease is present when the
diastolic pressure is repeatedly in excess of 90 mm Hg.
Impairment Classification for Hypertensive Cardiovascular Disease
The patient has no symptoms and the diastolic pressures are repeatedly in excess of 90mm Hg;
and
The patient is taking antihypertensive medications but has none of the following abnormalities: (1) abnormal
urinalysis or renal function tests; (2) history of hypertensive cerebrovascular disease; (3) evidence of left
ventricular hypertrophy; (4) hypertensive vascular abnormalities of the optic fundus, except minimal narrowing of
arterioles.
The patient has no symptoms and the diastolic pressures are repeatedly in excess of 90mm Hg;
and
The patient is taking antihypertensive medication and has any of the following abnormalities: (1) proteinuria and
abnormalities of the urinary sediment, but no impairment of renal function as measured by blood urea nitrogen
(BUN) and serum creatinine determinations; (2) history of hypertensive cerebrovascular damage; (3) definite
hypertensive changes in the retinal arterioles, including crossing defects and old exudates.
80

The patient has no symptoms and the diastolic pressure readings are consistently in excess of 90 mm Hg;
and
The patient is taking antihypertensive medication and has any of the following abnormalities: (1) diastolic
pressure readings usually in excess of 120 mm Hg; (2) proteinuria or abnormalities in the urinary sediment, with
evidence of impaired renal function as measured by elevated BUN and serum creatinine, or by creatinine
clearance below 50%; (3) hypertensive cerebrovascular damage with permanent neurological residual; (4) left
ventricular hypertrophy according to findings of physical examination, ECG, or chest radiograph, but no
symptoms, signs, or evidence by chest radiograph of congestive heart failure; or (5) retinopathy, with definite
hypertensive changes in the arterioles, such as copper or silver wiring, or A-V crossing changes, with or without
hemorrhages and exudates.
Class 4Impairment of the Whole Person, 55-95%
The patient has a diastolic pressure consistently in excess of 90 mm Hg;
and
The patient is taking antihypertensive medication and has any two of the following abnormalities:
(1) diastolic pressure readings usually in excess of 120 mm Hg; (2) proteinuria and abnormalities in the urinary
sediment, with impaired renal function and evidence of nitrogen retention as measured by elevated BUN and
serum creatinine or by creatinine clearance below 50%; (3) hypertensive cerebrovascular damage with
permanent neurological deficits; (4) left ventricular hypertrophy; (5) retinopathy as manifested by hypertensive
changes in the arterioles, retina, or optic nerve; (6) history of congestive heart failure;
or
The patient has left ventricular hypertrophy with the persistence of congestive heart failure despite digitalis and
diuretics.
CARDIOMYOPATHIES
Cardiomyopathies result in impairment of the whole person by causing abnormal ventricular function.
Abnormal ventricular function may not result in abnormal hemodynamics, or it may result in pulmonary
and/or systemic organ congestion and decreased cardiac output. Abnormal ventricular functions related to
coronary heart disease, valvular heart disease, and hypertensive heart disease are covered in their
respective sections. Cardiomyopathies may also cause arrhythmias; these are considered in a different
section of this chapter. Some cardiomyopathies are reversible. Every effort should be made to identify the
reversible forms and to treat them appropriately over an adequate period of time before estimating any
suspected permanent impairment.
Impairment Classification for Cardiomyopathies
The patient is asymptomatic and there is evidence of impaired left ventricular function from clinical examination
or laboratory studies;
and
There is no evidence of congestive heart failure or cardiomegaly from physical examination or laboratory studies.
The patient is asymptomatic and there is evidence of impaired left ventricular function from physical examination
or laboratory studies;
and
Moderate dietary adjustment or drug therapy is necessary for the patient to be free of symptoms and signs of
congestive heart failure;
or
The patient has recovered from surgery for the treatment of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and meets the criteria
above.
81

The patient develops symptoms of congestive heart failure on greater than ordinary daily activities (functional
class 3) and there is evidence of abnormal ventricular function from physical examination or laboratory studies;
and
Moderate dietary restriction or the use of drugs is necessary to minimize the patients symptoms, or to prevent
the appearance of signs of congestive heart failure or evidence of it by laboratory study;
or
The patient has recovered from surgery for the treatment of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and meets the criteria
described above.
The patient is symptomatic during ordinary daily activities despite the appropriate use of dietary adjustment and
drugs, and there is evidence of abnormal ventricular function from physical examination or laboratory studies;
or
There are persistent signs of congestive heart failure despite the use of dietary adjustment and drugs;
or
The patient has recovered from surgery for the treatment of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and meets the above
criteria.
PERICARDIAL HEART DISEASE

It is important to allow adequate time for resolution of an acute illness, and for medical or surgical
therapy to be effective before assessing permanent impairment.
Impairment Classification for Pericardial Disease
The patient has no symptoms in the performance of ordinary daily activities or moderately heavy physical
exertion but does have evidence from either physical examination or laboratory studies of pericardial heart
disease;
and
Continuous treatment is not required, and there are no signs of cardiac enlargement or of congestion of lungs or
other organs;
or
In the patient who has had surgical removal of the pericardium, there are no adverse consequences of the
surgical removal and the patient meets the criteria above.
The patient has no symptoms in the performance of ordinary daily activities but does have evidence from either
physical examination or laboratory studies of pericardial heart disease;
but
Moderate dietary adjustment or drugs are required to keep the patient free from symptoms and signs of
congestive heart failure;
or
The patient has signs or laboratory evidence of cardiac chamber hypertrophy or dilation;
or
The patient has recovered from surgery to remove the pericardium and meets the criteria above.
The patient has slight to moderate discomfort in the performance of greater than ordinary daily activities
(functional class 2) despite dietary or drug therapy, and the patient has evidence from physical examination or
laboratory studies of pericardial heart disease;
and
Physical signs are present, or there is laboratory evidence of cardiac chamber enlargement, or there is evidence
of significant pericardial thickening and calcifications;
82
or
The patient has recovered from surgery to remove the pericardium but continues to have the symptoms, signs,
and laboratory evidence described above.
The patient has symptoms on performance of ordinary daily activities (functional class 3 or 4) in spite of using
appropriate dietary restrictions or drugs, and evidence from physical examination or laboratory studies of
pericardial heart disease;
and
The patient has signs or laboratory evidence of congestion of the lungs or other organs;
or
The patient has recovered from surgery to remove the pericardium and continues to have symptoms, signs, and
laboratory evidence described above.
ARRHYTHMIAS
Arrhythmias tend to fluctuate remarkably in the frequency with which they occur. Thus, adequate
documentation of the arrhythmia and estimation of the frequency with which it occurs must be made. The
associated symptoms may be considerably different from the symptoms of other forms of heart disease.
Arrhythmias may cause syncope, palpitation, dizziness, light headedness, chest heaviness, or shortness of
breath or combinations of these symptoms.
The degree of impairment from cardiac arrhythmias often will have to be combined with the degree
of impairment due to an underlying heart disease; this combining should be done according to the
Combined Values Chart. After instituting therapy for the arrhythmias, one should allow an appropriate
amount of time to pass before estimating the extent of the permanent impairment.
Impairment Classification for Cardiac Arrhythmias
The patient is asymptomatic during ordinary activities and a cardiac arrhythmia is documented by ECG;
and
There is no documentation of three or more consecutive ectopic beats or periods of asystole greater than 1.5
seconds, and both the atrial and ventricular rates are maintained between 50 and 100 beats per minute;
and
There is no evidence of organic heart disease.
The patient is asymptomatic during ordinary daily activities and a cardiac arrhythmia is documented by ECG;
and
Moderate dietary adjustment, or the use of drugs, or an artificial pacemaker, is required to prevent symptoms
related to the cardiac arrhythmia;
or
The arrhythmia persists and there is organic heart disease.
The patient has symptoms despite the use of dietary therapy or drugs or of an artificial pacemaker and a cardiac
arrhythmia is documented with ECG;
but
The patient is able to lead an active life and the symptoms due to the arrhythmia are limited to infrequent
palpitations and episodes of lightheadedness or other symptoms of temporarily inadequate cardiac output.
Class 4Impairment, 5595%
The patient has symptoms due to documented cardiac arrhythmia that are constant and interfere with ordinary
daily activities (functional class 3 or 4);
or
83
The patient has frequent symptoms of inadequate cardiac output documented by ECG due to frequent episodes
of cardiac arrhythmia;
or
The patient continues to have episodes of syncope that are either due to or have a high probability of being
related to the arrhythmia. To fit into this category of impairment, the symptoms must be present despite the use
of dietary therapy, drugs, or artificial pacemakers.
If an arrhythmia is a result of organic heart disease, the arrhythmia should be evaluated separately and
its impairment rating should be combined with the impairment rating for the organic heart disease using
the Combined Values Chart.
VASCULAR DISORDERS OF THE UPPER EXTREMITY

When amputation due to peripheral vascular disease is involved, the impairment due to amputation
should be evaluated and combined using the Combined Values Chart.
Impairment of the Upper Extremity Due to Peripheral Vascular Disease
Class 1Impairment of Upper Extremity, 05%
The patient experiences neither intermittent claudication nor pain at rest;
and
The patient experiences only transient edema;
and
On physical examination, not more than the following findings are present: loss of pulses, minimal loss of
subcutaneous tissue of fingertips; calcification of arteries as detected by radiographic examination; asymptomatic
dilation of arteries or of veins, not requiring surgery and not resulting in curtailment of activity.
or
Raynauds phenomenon that occurs with exposure to temperatures lower than 0C (32F) but is readily
controlled by medication.
The patient experiences intermittent claudication on severe usage of the upper extremity;
or
There is persistent edema of a moderate degree, incompletely controlled by elastic supports;
or
There is vascular damage evidenced by a sign such as a healed, painless stump of an amputated digit showing
evidence of persistent vascular disease, or a healed ulcer;
or
Raynauds phenomenon occurs on exposure to temperatures lower than 4C (39 F). but is controlled by
medication.
The patient experiences intermittent claudication on moderate upper-extremity usage;
or
There is marked edema that is only partially controlled by elastic supports;
or
There is vascular damage evidenced by a healed amputation of two or more digits of one extremity, with
evidence of persisting vascular disease or superficial ulceration;
or
Raynauds phenomenon occurs on exposure to temperatures lower than 10C (50F), and it is only partially
The patient experiences intermittent claudication on mild upper-extremity usage;
or
The patient has marked edema that cannot be controlled by elastic supports;
84
or
There is vascular damage evidenced by signs such as an amputation at or above a wrist; or amputation of two or
more digits of both extremities with evidence of persistent vascular disease; or persistent widespread or deep
ulceration involving one extremity;
or
Raynauds phenomenon occurs on exposure to temperatures lower than 15C (59F), and it is only partially
The patient experiences severe and constant pain at rest;
or
There is vascular damage evidenced by signs such as amputation at or above the wrists of both extremities; or
amputation of all digits of both extremities with evidence of persistent vascular disease; or persistent,
widespread, or deep ulceration involving both extremities;
or
Raynauds phenomenon occurs on exposure to temperatures lower than 20C (68F) and is poorly controlled by
medication.
VASCULAR DISORDERS OF THE LOWER EXTREMITY

When amputation due to peripheral vascular disease is involved, the impairment due to amputation
should be evaluated and combined with the appropriate value using the Combined Values Chart
Impairment of Lower Extremity Due to Peripheral Vascular Disease
Class 1Impairment of Lower Extremity, 05%
The patient experiences neither claudication nor pain at rest;
and
The patient experiences only transient edema;
and
On physical examination, not more than the following findings are present: loss of pulses; minimal loss of
subcutaneous tissue; calcification of arteries as detected by radiographic examination; asymptomatic dilation of
arteries or of veins, not requiring surgery and not resulting in curtailment of activity.
The patient experiences intermittent claudication on walking at least 100 yards at an average pace;
or
There is persistent edema of a moderate degree, incompletely controlled by elastic supports;
or
There is vascular damage as evidenced by a sign, such as that of a healed, painless stump of an amputated digit
showing evidence of persistent vascular disease, or of a healed ulcer.
The patient experiences intermittent claudication on walking as few as 25 yards and no more than 100 yards at
average pace;
or
There is marked edema that is only partially controlled by elastic supports;
or
There is vascular damage as evidenced by a sign such as healed amputation of two or more digits of one
extremity, with evidence of persisting vascular disease or superficial ulceration.
Class 4Impairment of Lower Extremity, 51 79%
The patient experiences intermittent claudication on walking less than 25 yards, or the patient experiences
intermittent pain at rest;
or
The patient has marked edema that cannot be controlled by elastic supports;
85
or
There is vascular damage as evidenced by signs such as an amputation at or above an ankle, or amputation of
two or more digits of two extremities with evidence of persistent vascular disease, or persistent widespread or
deep ulceration involving one extremity.
Class 5Impairment of Lower Extremity, 8095
The patient experiences severe and constant pain at rest;
or
There is vascular damage as evidenced by signs such as amputations at or above the ankles of two extremities,
or amputation of all digits of two or more extremities, with evidence of persistent vascular disease or of
persistent, widespread, or deep ulceration involving two or more extremities.
86
Section 9: The Hematopoietic System

Neither quantitative nor qualitative disorders necessarily imply impairment. Rather, impairment
depends on the severity of the defect and the mode of clinical expression.
Within this section, general reference is made to symptomatology and to limitations of the patients
daily activities. The physician should determine whether these fit into one of the following categories:
a. NONE there are no complaints or evidence of disease, and the usual activities of daily living can
be performed;
b. MINIMAL some signs or symptoms of disease are present, and there is some difficulty in
performing the usual activities of daily living;
c. MODERATE signs and symptoms of disease are present, and difficulty is experienced in
performing the usual activities of daily living that now require varying amount of assistance from
others; or
d. MARKED signs and symptoms of disease are present, and assistance is needed in performing
most to all activities of daily living.
ANEMIA
Persistent refractory anemia may cause impairment, regardless of etiology; the degree of impairment
is related to the severity of the anemia and the need for transfusions.
Under the best of circumstances, with normal survival of the transfused red cells, the beneficial
effects of transfusions last 68 weeks. In patients with hemolytic anemias due to serum factors, and in
some patients who have been transfused many times, the survival of transfused cells becomes shortened
and transfusions must be repeated at shorter intervals of 15 weeks. As hemolysis becomes more severe,
impairment increases.
(Mild anemia with a hemoglobin level of about l0gm/100ml is associated with little impairment in a
patient who has a normal cardiovascular system)
TABLE 1
CRITERIA FOR EVALUATING PERMANENT IMPAIRMENT
RELATED TO ANEMIA
Symptoms
Hemoglobin Level
(gm/100m)
Transfusion
Requirement
Impairment
(%)
None ...................................................... 10 12..................................... None ........................................ 0

Minimal................................................... 8 10....................................... None ........................................ 30
Moderate-Marked................................... 5 8* ....................................... 2 3 units every ....................... 70
4-6 weeks or
treatment with EPO***
Moderate-Marked................................... 5 8* ....................................... 2 3 units every ....................... 70 - 100
2 weeks** or
treatment with EPO***
* Level before transfusion
** Implies hemolysis of transfused blood
*** Recombinant human erythropoietin
87
TABLE 2
CRITERIA FOR EVALUATING PERMANENT IMPAIRMENT
RELATED TO POLYCYTHEMIA
ERYTHROCYTOSIS:
History of persistent erythrocytosis substantiated by objective tests, and uncorrected by

continuous therapy for 12 months.
Symptoms
% Impairment
Hemoglobin less than 18 gm/100 ml with no or infrequent therapy ...................................................0

Hemoglobin less than 18 gm/100 ml and requiring frequent or continuous therapy ..........................5
Hemoglobin greater than 18 gm/100 ml despite continuous therapy ...............................................10
WHITE BLOOD CELL DISEASES OR ABNORMALITIES

A patient belongs in Class 1 when (a) there are symptoms or signs of leukocyte abnormality; and (b) no or
infrequent treatment is needed; and (c) all or most of the activities of daily living can be performed.
A patient belongs in Class 2 when (a) there are symptoms and signs of leukocyte abnormality; and (b) although
continuous treatment is required, most of the activities of daily living can be performed.
A patient belongs in Class 3 when (a) there are symptoms and signs of a leukocyte abnormality; and (b)
continuous treatment is required; and (c) there is interference with the performance of daily activities that require
occasional assistance from others.
A patient belongs in Class 4 when (a) there are symptoms and signs of a leukocyte abnormality and (b)
continuous treatment is required; and (c) difficulty is experienced in the performance of the activities of daily
living that requires continuous care from others.
PLATELET AND/OR BLEEDING DISORDERS

A person belongs in Class 1 when (a) there are symptoms or signs of a platelet and/or bleeding abnormality; and
(b) no or infrequent treatment is needed; and (c) all or most of the activities of daily living can be performed.
A patient belongs in Class 2 when (a) there are symptoms and signs of a platelet and/or bleeding abnormality;
and (b) although continuous treatment is required, most of the activities of daily living can be performed.
A patient belongs in Class 3 when (a) there are symptoms and signs of a platelet and/or bleeding abnormality;
and (b) continuous treatment is required: and (c) there is interference with the performance of daily activities that
requires occasional assistance from others.
Class 4Impairment of the Whole Person, 5190%:
A patient belongs in Class 4 when (a) there are symptoms and signs of a platelet and/or bleeding abnormality
and (b) continuous treatment is required; and (c) difficulty is experienced in the performance of the activities of
daily living that requires continuous care from others.
88
Section 10: Visual System

INTRODUCTION
Visual impairment results from a deviation from normal in one or more of the three primary functions
of the eye.
1. Near and far acuity
2. Visual fields
3. Motility (presence of diplopia)
The primary functions are not equally important, but perfect vision requires the coordination of all
three.
Second and subordinate functions are:
1. Color vision
2. Light/dark adaptation
3. Accommodation
4. Iridoplegia
5. Entropion
6. Ectropion
7. Epiphora
8. Lagophthalmos
9. Scarring (globe)
If these secondary impairments are present and do not contribute to the impairment of primary
functions, they must be evaluated independently under the appropriate body system and the respective
impairments added to the impairment of the visual system.
Tertiary impairments must be calculated as contributing an additional 5 to 10% impairment to the
involved eye. Such are:
1. Vitreous opacities
2. Nonreactive pupil
3. Light-scattering abnormalities
Skeletal or soft-tissue abnormalities that do not alter ocular function should be considered
individually and may contribute up to 10% of whole-person impairment.
LOSS OF VISION
Clearly distinguish between complete and partial loss of vision and rate complete loss of vision in
both eyes as 85%, while complete loss of vision in one eye when the vision in the opposite eye is normal
is rated at 24%.
For partial loss of vision, rules to be followed in determining impairment include:
1. All medically acceptable attempts to correct must have been exhausted.
2. Determination must await 6 months freedom from all external signs of inflammation.
3. Determination to be deferred 12 months in case of
a. Extrinsic muscle disturbance
b. Retinal injury
c. Sympathetic ophthalmia
d. Traumatic cataract
4. Testing is to be performed with corrective lenses unless otherwise stipulated.
PRIMARY COORDINATE FACTORS

The primary functions are:
1. Central Visual Acuity (CVA)
2. Visual Field Efficiency (VFE)
3. Ocular Motility (OM)
89
Maximum Limits for each Coordinate FactorMPPI states the standards for testing and the
normal limits for each factor. The standards prescribed are identical to those established in the AMA
document.
Central visual acuity refers to the ability to recognize letters that subtend an angle of five minutes,
each part of which subtends an angle of one minute at the distance viewed. The normal, or 100%, VA is
considered to be 20/20 Snellen or AMA chart or 14/14/AMA card for near vision. These standards refer
to a chart imprinted with block letters or numbers in gradually decreasing sites, identified by distances at
which they are normally visible. It is used in testing visual acuity. The numerator is the test distance in
feet. The denominator is the distance at which the smallest letter discriminated by the patient would
subtend five minutes of arc.
Visual Field EfficiencyThe maximum, or normal, visual field is defined as 500 degrees, which is
the sum of degrees in the eight principal meridians from the central point of fixation to the outermost
limits of visual perception, using a 3 mm white target at 33 centimeters. 100%, or normal, VFE is visual
extension from central point of fixation in the following eight principal meridians.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
Outward................................................... 85
Down and outward .................................. 85
Down ....................................................... 65
Down and in ............................................ 50
Inward...................................................... 60
In and up.................................................. 55
Upward .................................................... 60
Up and out ............................................... 55
Total...................... 500
The minimum of the visual field is defined as 5% concentric central contraction.
Ocular MotilityMaximum ocular motility is present if there is normal ocular motor coordination
with no diplopia in all parts of the field of binocular fixation. The minimum limit of ocular motility is
defined as diplopia in all parts of the field of binocular fixation, or absence of binocular motor
coordination.
MEASURE AND COMPUTATION OF LOSS

Central Visual Acuity
a.
b.
c.
d.
Near and distance vision will be measured separately with correction.

Snellen chart for distance and the AMA chart for near vision will be used.
Illumination will be at least five foot candles
Loss of central vision will be computed from a table provided, using the corrected near and far
vision for each eye. The upper figure of the two figures provided will be the percentage loss of
central vision for that eye. In the case of aphakia or pseudoaphakia, the lower of the two figures
will be used.
Visual Field
a. Perimetric standards for determination are as previously described, except that in cases of aphakia
the white disc shall be 6mm rather than 3mm.
b. The amount of radial contraction shall be determined in the eight principal meridians, as defined.
The visual field loss of each eye, expressed as a percentage, is the sum of the degrees of field
vision loss in the principal meridians divided by 500.
c. If the central contraction is 5 degrees, the loss is 100%
d. If the field impairment is irregular and not fairly disclosed by the principal meridians, the loss in a
number of additional radii shall be used and the divisor in the equation shall be adjusted
accordingly.
90
e. When the loss is limited to less than the full visual field, the degrees of loss in each included
meridian shall be added to one-half of the sum of the two boundary meridians, boundary
perimeters being the principal meridians on either side of the impaired field.
Ocular motility will be measured in all parts of the motor field either with or without correction as
determined by the examiner to provide the most accurate determination.
a. All directions of gaze shall be tested from the extent of diplopia, with a test light on the perimeter
at 300mm or on a tangent screen at a distance of one meter from the eye.
b. Reference is made to the AMA Guides for description of plotting requirements for the test results;
(see Figure 1)
c. The percentage loss of ocular motility is the sum of the percentages of loss on motility due to
diplopia in the meridian of maximum impairment. This percentage is assigned to the injured eye,
or in the case of bilateral injury to the eye with the greatest impairment of CVA and VF. This is
considered to be the eye with the greatest loss of CVA and the greatest loss of visual field and the
percentage loss of ocular motility in the contralateral eye is considered to be 0, and for purposes
of calculation, a value of 0 is deemed to be 1%.
IMPAIRMENT OF THE EYE

The visual impairment of one eye is the combination of the percentage losses of CVA, of VF, and of
OM. To determine this, the visual loss is combined with the field loss for each eye. The loss in the eye
that is greater is then combined with the loss of ocular motility.
Each of the following conditions present due to the injury causes an increase in the impairment rating
of 2%.
a. Loss of color vision
b. Loss of adaptation to light and dark
c. Metamorphopsia
d. Uncorrected entropion or ectropion
e. Lagophthalmos
f. Epiphora
g. Muscle disturbances such as tics, not included under diplopia.
If glasses are required as a result of the injury, or if refractive error increases by at least one diopter of
sphere, cylinder, or both, 5% is added to the impairment rating.
If a non-cosmetic contact lens is required as a result of the injury, 7% is added to the impairment
rating.
WHOLE BODY IMPAIRMENT DUE TO VISION LOSS

The eye with the lower percentage impairment is considered the better eye and the one with the
higher impairment is the poorer.
a. Multiply the percentage impairment of the better eye by 3
b. To this, add the percentage impairment of the poorer eye
c. Divide the sum of a. and b. by 4. This result is the percentage impairment of the visual system.
(Round fractions to the nearest whole number, rounding up and down from the midpoint.)
The percentage of impairment of the visual system is translated to the percentage of impairment of
the whole body by using the following table.
TABLE 1
IMPAIRMENT OF THE VISUAL SYSTEM AS IT RELATES
TO IMPAIRMENT OF THE WHOLE PERSON
% Impairment of
Visual System
% Impairment of
Whole Person
0 .................................0
1 .................................1
2 .................................2
3 .................................3
4 .................................4
5 .................................5
6 .................................6
7 .................................7
8 .................................8
9 .................................8
10 .................................9
11 ...............................10
12 ...............................11
13 ...............................12
14 ...............................13
15 ...............................14
16 ...............................15
17 ...............................16
18 ...............................17
19 ...............................18
20 ...............................19
21 ...............................20
22 ...............................21
23 ...............................22
24 ...............................23
25 ...............................24
26 ...............................25
27 ...............................25
28 ...............................26
29 ...............................27
30 ...............................28
31 ...............................29
32 ...............................30
33 ...............................31
34 ...............................32
35 ...............................33
36 ...............................34
37 ...............................35
38 ...............................36
39 ...............................37
40 ...............................38
41 ...............................39
42 ...............................40
43 ...............................41
44 ...............................42
% Impairment of
Visual System
% Impairment of
Whole Person
45..................................42
46..................................43
47..................................44
48..................................45
49..................................46
50..................................47
51..................................48
52..................................49
53..................................50
54..................................51
55..................................52
56..................................53
57..................................54
58..................................55
59..................................56
60..................................57
61..................................58
62..................................59
63..................................59
64..................................60
65..................................61
66..................................62
67..................................63
68..................................64
69..................................65
70..................................66
71..................................67
72..................................68
73..................................69
74..................................70
75..................................71
76..................................72
77..................................73
78..................................74
79..................................75
80..................................76
81..................................76
82..................................77
83..................................78
84..................................79
85..................................80
86..................................81
87..................................82
88..................................83
89..................................84
90 100.........................85
91
FIGURE 1
PERCENT/LOSS OF OCULAR MOTILITY
OF ONE EYE IN DIPLOPIA FIELDS
30
10
20
10
10
10
Left 10
20
20
10
20
20
10
20
50
30
30
40
Equals 100 Loss
10
10 Right
92
93
Section 11: Ear, Nose, Throat, and Related Structures

INTRODUCTION
This section includes impairment determination for hearing, equilibrium (vertigo), the face (cosmetic
deformity), respiration (air passage defects), mastication and deglutition, olfactory and taste, speech
(dysarthria), and temporomandibular joint.
If there is more than one category of impairment, use the Combined Values Chart to determine total
impairment.
HEARING LOSS
For objective techniques to determine hearing impairment, take the following steps.
a. Test each ear separately with a pure-tone audiometer and record the hearing levels at 500Hz,
1,000 Hz, 2,000 Hz, and 3,000 Hz. It is necessary that the hearing level for each frequency be
determined in every patient.
The following rules apply for extreme values.
1. If the hearing level at a given frequency is greater than 100dB or is beyond the range of the
audiometer, the level shall be taken as 100dB.
2. If the hearing level for a given frequency is better than normal, the level shall be taken as 0
dB.
b. Total these four decibel values for each ear separately. Hearing levels are determined in dB
according to ANSI-1969 standards.
c. Consult Table 1 for percentage of monaural hearing impairments(s). "DSHL" is the decibel sum
of the hearing threshold levels at 500, 1,000, 2,000 and 3,000 Hz, and is equated to percent of
monaural hearing impairment.
d. Consult Table 3 to determine percent of binaural hearing impairment.
e. Consult Table 2 to determine impairment of the whole person.
TABLE 1
MONAURAL HEARING IMPAIRMENT
DSHL
100
0.0
105
110
115
120
1.9
3.8
5.6
7.5
125
130
135
140
9.4
11.2
13.1
15.0
145
150
155
160
16.9
18.8
20.6
22.5
165
170
175
180
24.4
26.2
28.1
30.0
185
31.9
DSHL
190
195
200
33.8
35.6
37.5
205
210
215
220
39.4
41.2
43.1
45.0
225
230
235
240
46.9
48.9
50.6
52.5
245
250
255
260
54.4
56.2
58.1
60.0
265
270
275
280
61.9
63.8
65.6
67.5
DSHL
285
290
295
300
69.3
71.2
73.1
75.0
305
310
315
320
76.9
78.8
80.6
82.5
325
330
335
340
84.4
86.2
88.1
90.0
345
350
355
360
90.9
93.8
95.6
97.5
365
99.4
368
100.0
or greater
* Audiometers are calibrated to ANSI-1969 standard reference

levels.
Decibel sum of the hearing threshold levels at 500, 1,000, 2,000
and 3,000 Hz.
TABLE 2
THE RELATIONSHIP OF BINAURAL
HEARING IMPAIRMENT TO
IMPAIRMENT OF THE WHOLE PERSON
% Binaural
Hearing
Impairment
0 1.7
1.8 4.2
4.3 7.4
7.5 9.9
10.0 13.1
13.2 15.9
16.0 18.8
18.9 21.4
21.5 24.5
24.6 27.1
27.2 30.0
30.1 32.8
32.9 35.9
36.0 38.5
38.6 41.7
41.8 44.2
44.3 47.4
47.5 49.9
% Impairment
of the Whole
Person
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
% Binaural
Hearing
Impairment
50.0 53.1
54.2 55.7
55.8 58.8
58.9 61.4
61.5 64.5
64.6 67.1
67.2 70.0
70.1 72.8
72.9 75.9
76.0 78.5
78.6 81.7
81.8 84.2
84.3 87.4
87.5 89.9
90.0 93.1
93.2 95.7
95.8 98.8
98.9 100.0
% Impairment
of the Whole
Person
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
33
34
35
= binaural hearing impairment (%)
The axes are the sum of hearing levels at 500, 1,000, 2,000 and 3,000 Hz. The sum for the worse ear is
read at the side; the sum for the better ear is read at the bottom. At the intersection of the row for the worse
ear and the column for the better ear is the hearing handicap.
.6
5 X % impairment of better ear + % impairment of poorer ear
Values are based on the following formula:
TABLE 3
COMPUTATION OF BINAURAL HEARING IMPAIRMENT
94
95
EQUILIBRIUM
Equilibrium or orientation in space is maintained by the visual, kinesthetic, and vestibular
mechanisms.
Vertigo, or vestibular dysequilibrium, is a sense movement that is perceived by the patient as
subjective, in the case of movement of self, or as objective, in the case of movement of the
environment.
The movements may be described as a sense of spinning, pulsion, or tilting of the visual environment
with change of head position.
This section is primarily concerned with permanent impairment resulting from defects of the
vestibular (labyrinthine) mechanisms and its central connections. The defects are evidenced by loss of
equilibrium produced by: (1) loss of vestibular function; or (2) disturbances of vestibular function. (Lightheadedness and abnormalities of gait not associated with vertigo are not considered.)
A patient belongs in Class 1 when (a) signs of vestibular dysequilibrium are present without supporting objective
findings (e.g., nystagmus, ataxia); and (b) the usual activities of daily living can be performed without assistance.
Class 2Impairment of the Whole Person, 5 - 10%
A patient belongs in Class 2 when (a) signs of vestibular dysequilibrium are present with supporting objective
findings (e.g., nystagmus, ataxia); and (b) the usual activities of daily living are performed without assistance,
except for complex activities such as bike riding, or certain activities related to the patients work, such as
walking on girders or scaffolds.
A patient belongs in Class 3 when (a) signs of vestibular dysequilibrium are present with supportive objective
findings (e.g., nystagmus, ataxia); and (b) the patients usual activities of daily living cannot be performed without
assistance, except such simple activities as self care, some household duties, walking on the street, and riding in
a motor vehicle operated by another person.
findings (e.g., nystagmus, ataxia); and (b) usual activities of daily living cannot be performed without assistance,
except for self care.
Class 5Impairment of the Whole person, 61 - 95%
findings (e.g., nystagmus, ataxia); and (b) the usual activities of daily living cannot be performed without
assistance, except self-care not requiring ambulation; and (c) confinement to the home or premises is necessary.
DISORDERS OF THE FACE

In evaluating permanent impairment from a disorder of the face, functional capacity as well as
structural integrity are considered. Impairment in this section is limited to abnormality in structural
integrity only. (For loss of function, refer to sections regarding specific anatomical areas). Loss of
structural integrity can result from cutaneous disfigurement, such as that due to abnormal pigmentation or
scars, or from loss of supporting structures, such as soft tissue, bone, or cartilage of the facial skeleton.
A patient belongs in Class 1 when the facial abnormality is limited to a disorder of the cutaneous structures, such
as visible scars and abnormal pigmentation.
A patient belongs in Class 2 when there is loss of supporting structures of part of the face, with or without
cutaneous disorder. Depressed cheek, nasal, or frontal bones constitute a Class 2 impairment.
A patient belongs in Class 3 when there is absence of a normal anatomical area of the face. Loss of an eye (see
Section 10) or loss of part of the nose with the resulting cosmetic deformity constitute a Class 3 impairment.
96
Class 4impairment of the Whole Person, 16 - 35%

A patient belongs in Class 4 when facial disfigurement is so severe that it precludes social acceptance. Massive
distortion of normal facial anatomy constitutes a Class 4 impairment.
RESPIRATION
Air passage defects may result in permanent impairment. The following provides a rating
classification system for air passage defects (excluding larynx air ways and lung parenchyma). Permanent
impairment from obstructive sleep apnea should be evaluated using the neurologic section.
Classes of Air Passage Defects
A recognized air passage defect exists.
Dyspnea does not occur at rest.
Dyspnea is not produced by walking or climbing stairs freely, performance of other usual activities of daily living,
stress, prolonged exertion, hurrying, hill climbing, or recreation* requiring intensive effort or similar activity.
Examination reveals one or more of the following: partial obstruction of oropharynx, laryngopharynx, larynx,
upper trachea (to 4th ring), lower trachea, bronchi, or complete obstruction of the nose (bilateral), or
nasopharynx.
*prophylactic restriction of activity such as strenuous competitive sports does not exclude patient from Class 1.
NOTE: Patients with successful permanent tracheostomy or stoma should be rated at 25% impairment of the
whole person.
Class 2Impairment of the Whole Person,11 - 30%
Dyspnea is not produced by walking freely on the level, climbing at least one flight of ordinary stairs, or the
performance of other usual activities of daily living.
Dyspnea is produced by stress, prolonged exertion, hurrying, hill climbing, recreation except sedentary forms, or
similar activity.
upper trachea (to 4th ring), lower trachea, bronchi, or complete obstruction of the nose (bilateral) or
nasopharynx.
Dyspnea is produced by walking more than one or two blocks on the level, climbing one flight of ordinary stairs
even with periods of rest, performance of other usual activities of daily living, stress, hurrying, hill climbing,
recreation, or similar activity.
upper trachea (to 4th ring), lower trachea, or bronchi.
Class 4Impairment of the Whole Person, 51 -75%
Dyspnea occurs at rest, although patient is not necessarily bedridden.
Dyspnea is aggravated by the performance of any of the usual activities of daily living beyond personal
cleansing, dressing, grooming or its equivalent.
upper trachea (to 4th ring), lower trachea, or bronchi.
97
MASTICATION AND DEGLUTITION

Numerous conditions of non-gastrointestinal origin may interfere with these functions and dietary
restrictions may result. If these restrictions are permanent, impairment may be determined as follows:
Restriction
Mild dysphagia with minimal modification of diet ......................................................................... 10%
Moderate dysphagia with restriction of pureed or liquid diet ........................................................ 30%
Feeding gastrostomy or tube feeding required ............................................................................ 50%
OLFACTION AND TASTE

(See neurologic impairment rating section.)
DYSARTHRIA
Impairment rating in this section is concerned with voice production and articulate speech. Language
content and receptive speech disorders are considered in the section on impairment rating of neurologic
disorders.
A classification chart, oral reading paragraph, and examining procedures for use in estimating speech
impairment are described below.
Classification Chart Judgments as to the amount of impairment should be made with reference to the
classes, percentages, and examples provided in the Speech Classification Chart (on page 98-99). The
fifteen categories of the chart suggest activities or situations with different levels of impairment. Data
gathered from direct observation of the patient or from interviews should be compared with these
categories, and values should be assigned considering the specific impairments that are present.
Oral Reading Paragraph The paragraph of 100 words, entitled, The Smith House, composed of
10 sentences, provides a uniform means of comparing a speech example of the patient with the
performance of normal speakers. The phonetic elements of the paragraph are selected particularly for
their relevance to intelligibility of speech.
The Smith House
Larry and Ruth Smith have been married nearly 14 years. They have a small place near Long
Lake. Both of them think theres nothing like the country for health. Their two boys would rather live
there than any other place. Larry likes to keep some saddle horses close to the house. These make
it easy to keep his sons amused. If they wish, the boys can go fishing along the shore. When it
rains, they usually want to watch television. Ruth has a cherry tree on each side of the kitchen
door. In June they enjoy the juice and jelly.
Examining Procedures
General Orientation The examining physician should have normal hearing as defined in the earlier
section on Hearing.
The setting of the examination should be a reasonably quiet office that approximates the noise level
conditions of everyday living. The examiner should base judgments of impairment on two kinds of
evidence: (1) Direct observation of the patients speech in the office; for example, during conversation,
during the interview, and while reading and counting aloud; and (2) reports pertaining to the patients
performances in situations of everyday living. The reports or the evidence should be supplied by
observers who know the patient well.
The standard of evaluation is the concept of a normal speakers performance in average situation of
everyday living. It is assumed in this context that an average speaker usually can perform as follows: (1)
Talk in a loud voice when the occasion demands it. (2) Sustain phonation for at least 10 seconds in one
breath. (3) Complete at least a 10 word sentence in one breath. (4) Form all of the phonetic units of
American speech, and join them together intelligibly. (5) Maintain a rate of at least 75 to 100 words per
minute, and sustain a flow of speech for a reasonable length of time.
98
Specific Procedures
a. Place the patient approximately 8 feet from the examiner.
b. Interview the patient. This will permit observation of the patients speech in ordinary
conversation while obtaining information pertinent to his or her history.
c. Listen to the patients speech as the patient reads aloud the short paragraph, The Smith House.
For this exercise, seat the patient with the back towards the physician; maintaining a separation of
8 feet. Instruct the patient as follows: You are to read this passage so that I can hear you plainly.
Be sure to speak so that I can understand you.
d. If additional reading procedures are required, simple prose paragraphs from a magazine may be
used. A nonreader may be requested to give name, address, the days of the week, the months of
the year, etc. Additional evidence regarding the patients rate of speech and ability to sustain it
may be obtained by noting the time required to count to 100 by ones. Completion of the latter
task in 60 to 75 seconds is accepted as normal.
e. Record judgment of the patients speech capacity with regard to each of the three sections of the
Speech Classification Chart.
f. The degree of impairment of the speech function is equivalent to the greatest percentage of
impairment recorded in any one of the three sections of the classification chart.
SPEECH CLASSIFICATION CHART

Audibility
Class 1
010%
Speech Impairment
Can produce speech of intensity sufficient for most of the needs of everyday speech
communication, although this sometimes may require effort and occasionally may be
beyond the patients capacity.
Class 2
1135%
Speech Impairment
Can produce speech of intensity sufficient for many of the needs of everyday speech
communication, and is usually heard under average conditions; however, may have
difficulty in automobiles, buses, trains, stations, restaurants, etc.
Class 3
3560%
Speech Impairment
Can produce speech of intensity sufficient for some of the needs of everyday speech
communication, such as close conversation; however, has considerable difficulty in
such noisy places as listed above; the voice tires rapidly and tends to become inaudible
after a few seconds.
Class 4
6185%
Speech Impairment
Can produce speech of intensity sufficient for a few of the needs of everyday speech
communication; can barely be heard by a close listener or over the telephone, perhaps
may be able to whisper; audibly, but has no voice.
Class 5
86100%
Speech Impairment
Can produce speech of intensity sufficient for none of the needs of everyday speech
communication.
99
Intelligibility
Class 1
010%
Speech Impairment
Can perform most of the articulatory acts necessary for everyday speech
communication, although listeners occasionally ask the patient to repeat and the
patient may find it difficult or even impossible to produce a few phonetic units.
Class 2
1135%
Speech Impairment
Can perform many of the necessary articulatory acts for everyday speech
communication. Can speak name, address, etc., and be understood by a stranger, but
may have numerous inaccuracies; sometimes appears to have difficulty articulating.
Class 3
3660%
Speech Impairment
Can perform some of the necessary articulatory acts for everyday speech
communication; can usually converse with family and friends, however, strangers may
find it difficult to understand the patient; may often be asked to repeat.
Class 4
6185%
Speech Impairment
Can perform a few of the necessary articulatory acts for everyday speech
communication; can produce some phonetic units; may have approximations for a few
words such as names of own family; however, unintelligible out of context.
Class 5
86100%
Speech Impairment
Can perform none of the articulatory acts necessary for everyday speech
communication.
Functional Efficiency
Class 1
010%
Speech Impairment
Can meet most of the demands of articulation and phonation for everyday speech
communication with adequate speed and ease, although occasionally the patient may
hesitate or speak slowly.
Class 2
1135%
Speech Impairment
Can meet many of the demands of articulation and phonation for everyday speech
communication with adequate speed and ease, but sometimes gives impression of
difficulty, and speech may sometimes be discontinuous, interrupted, hesitant, or slow.
Class 3
3660%
Speech Impairment
Can meet some of the demands of articulation and phonation for everyday speech
communication with adequate speed and ease, but often can only sustain consecutive
speech for brief periods, may give the impression of being rapidly fatigued.
Class 4
6185%
Speech Impairment
Can meet a few of the demands of articulation and phonation for everyday speech
communication with adequate speed and ease, such as single words or short phrases,
but cannot maintain uninterrupted speech flow; speech is labored, rate is impractically
slow.
Class 5
86100%
Speech Impairment
Can meet none of the demands of articulation and phonation for everyday speech
communication with adequate speed and ease.
SPEECH IMPAIRMENT AS RELATED TO

IMPAIRMENT OF THE WHOLE PERSON
% Speech
Impairment
% Impairment of
the Whole Person
0 .................................0
5 .................................2
10 .................................4
15 .................................5
20 .................................7
25 .................................9
30 ...............................10
35 ...............................12
40 ...............................14
45 ...............................16
%Speech
Impairment
% Impairment of
the Whole Person
50..................................18
55..................................19
60..................................21
65..................................23
70..................................24
75..................................26
80..................................28
85..................................30
90..................................32
95..................................33
100 ................................35
NOTE: Impairment of the whole person contributed by speech impairment rounded to the nearest 5% only when it is
the sole impairment involved.
TEMPOROMANDIBULAR JOINT DISORDERS

For permanent impairment of disorders of the temporomandibular joint consider range of motion,
arthoplasty, and permanent dietary restrictions. If more than one category is used, the values should be
combined using the Combined Values Chart.
Range of Motion
Only vertical opening of the jaw is measured and considered in determining impairment. Normal50mm opening ( from incisal edge of maxillary teeth to incisal edge of mandibular teeth)
Range
Class 1
Class 2
Class 3

40-50mm ....................................................................................................................................0
30-40mm ....................................................................................................................................5
20-30mm ..................................................................................................................................10
Arthroplasty (rated not earlier than 1 year post surgery).......................................................................... 5-20
Section 12: Digestive System

INTRODUCTION
For the purposes of determining impairment due to disorders of the upper digestive tract, desirable
weight may be defined as follows:
A. If the examiner is able to determine by history or from previous medical records a weight before
onset of the patients digestive illness that he or she considers usual, the examiner should use
that weight as the desirable weight from which any deviations are measured.
B. If the examiner is not able to determine by history or from previous medical records a pre-illness
usual weight, the examiner should refer to a table of desirable weights and should determine
deviations from the lower end of the range of the desirable weight for the patients sex, height,
and body build. Table 1, which is based on the 1979 Body Build Study by the Society of
Actuaries and Association of Life Insurance Medical Directors of America, is recommended.
For an obese patient, the pre-illness weight may not be as physiologically desirable as the present
weight; thus, the examiner should use judgment in assessing the relative importance of weight loss in
determining the impairment rating.
In most cases, the examiner should use the definition shown under A. The definition and reference in
B will be helpful if A cannot be used.
TABLE 1
DESIRABLE WEIGHTS IN ENGLISH AND METRIC
BY SEX, HEIGHT AND BODY BUILD
[Indoor Clothing Weighing 5 lb (2.3 kg) for men and 3 lb. (1.4 kg) for Women; and shoes with 1 in (2.5 cm) Heels)]*
Men
Women
Height
Weight lb (kg)
Height
Weight lb (kg)
in (cm)
Small Frame
in (cm)
Small Frame
62(157)
128-134(58.0-60.7) 131-141(59.2-63.9) 138-150(62.5-67.8)
58(147)
102-111(46.2-50.2) 109-121(49.3-54.7) 118-131(53.3-59.3)
63(160)
130-136(59.0-61.7) 133-143(60.3-64.9) 140-153(63.5-69.4)
59(150)
103-113(46.7-51.3) 111-123(50.3-55.9) 120-134(54.4-60.9)
64(163)
132-138(60.0-62.7) 135-145(61.3-66.0) 142-156(64.5-71.1)
60(152)
104-115(47.1-52.1) 113-126(51.1-57.0) 122-137(55.2-61.9)
65(165)
134-140(60.8-63.5) 137-148(62.1-67.0) 144-160(65.3-72.5)
61(155)
106-118(48.1-53.6) 115-129(52.2-58.6) 125-140(56.8-63.6)
66(168)
136-142(61.8-64.6) 139-151(63.2-68.7) 146-164(66.4-74.7)
62(157)
108-121(48.8-54.6) 118-132(53.2-59.6) 128-143(57.8-64.6)
67(170)
138-145(62.5-65.7) 142-154(64.3-69.8) 149-168(67.5-76.1)
63(160)
111-124(50.3-56.2) 121-135(54.9-61.2) 131-147(59.4-66.7)
68(173)
140-148(63.6-67.3) 145-157(65.9-71.4) 152-172(69.1-78.2)
64(163)
114-127(51.9-57.8) 124-138(56.4-62.8) 134-151(61.0-68.8)
69(175)
142-151(64.3-68.3) 148-160(66.9-72.4) 155-176(70.1-79.6)
65(165)
117-130(53.0-58.9) 127-141(57.5-63.9) 137-155(62.0-70.2)
70(178)
144-154(65.4-70.0) 151-163(68.6-74.0) 158-180(71.8-81.8)
66(168)
120-133(54.6-60.5) 130-144(59.2-65.5) 140-159(63.7-72.4)
71(180)
146-157(66.1-71.0) 154-166(69.7-75.1) 161-184(72.8-83.3)
67(170)
123-136(55.7-61.6) 133-147(60.2-66.6) 143-163(64.8-73.8)
72(183)
149-160(67.7-72.7) 157-170(71.3-77.2) 164-188(74.5-85.4)
68(173)
126-139(57.3-63.2) 136-150(61.8-68.2) 146-167(66.4-75.9)
73(185)
152-164(68.7-74.1) 160-174(72.4-78.6) 168-192(75.9-86.8)
69(175)
129-142(58.3-64.2) 139-153(62.8-69.2) 149-170(67.4-76.9)
74(188)
155-168(70.3-76.2) 164-178(74.4-80.7) 172-197(78.0-89.4)
70(178)
132-145(60.0-65.9) 142-156(64.5-70.9) 152-173(69.0-78.6)
75(190)
158-172(71.4-77.6) 167-182(75.4-82.2) 176-202(79.4-91.2)
71(180)
135-148(61.0-66.9) 145-159(65.6-71.9) 155-176(70.1-79.6)
76(193)
162-176(73.5-79.8) 171-187(77.6-84.8) 181-207(82.1-93.9)
72(183)
138-151(62.6-68.4) 148-162(67.0-73.4) 158-179(71.6-81.2)
Medium Frame
Large Frame
Medium Frame
*Source: 1979 Body Build Study, Society of Actuaries and Association of Life Insurance Medical Directors of America, 1980.
Copyright 1983, The Metropolitan Life Insurance Company. Courtesy Statistical Bulletin, Metropolitan Life Insurance Company.
Large Frame
UPPER DIGESTIVE TRACT (ESOPHAGUS, STOMACH, DUODENUM, SMALL

INTESTINE AND PANCREAS)
EsophagusObjective procedures useful in establishing impairment include, but are not limited to:
(1) fluoroscopy and radiography with contrast materials; (2) peroral endoscopy; (3) cytology and/or
biopsy; and (4) manometry.
Stomach and DuodenumObjective procedures useful in establishing impairment include, but are
not limited to: (1) fluoroscopy and radiography with contrast materials; (2) peroral endoscopy; (3)
cytology and/or biopsy; (4) gastric secretory tests; (5) assimilation tests; and (6) stool examination.
Small IntestineObjective procedures useful in establishing impairment include, but are not limited
to: (1) fluoroscopy and radiography with contrast materials; (2) peroral mucosal endoscopy; and (3)
measures of intestinal assimilation, for example, test for fecal fat excretion and urinary d-xylose
excretion, C14 breath test, serum bile determination and Schilling test.
PancreasObjective procedures useful in establishing impairment include but are not limited to:
(1) radiography including plain or scout films of the abdomen, ultrasonography, CT scan, and endoscopic
pancreatography; (2) determination of plasma glucose and glucose tolerance; (3) assay of pancreatic
enzyme activity in blood, urine, and feces; (4) sweat electrolyte test; and (5) selected secretory tests such
as the secretion test, and cytology.
Classes of Upper Digestive Tract Impairment
Symptoms or signs of upper-digestive-tract disease are present or there is anatomic loss or alteration;
and
Continuous treatment is not required;
and
Weight can be maintained at the desirable level;
or
There are no sequelae after surgical procedures.
Symptoms and signs of organic upper-digestive-tract disease are present; or there is anatomic loss or alteration;
and
Appropriate dietary restrictions and drugs are required for control of symptoms, signs and/ or nutritional
deficiency;
and
Loss of weight below the desirable weight does not exceed 10%
Symptoms and signs of organic upper-digestive-tract disease are present or there is anatomic loss or alteration;
and
Appropriate dietary restrictions and drugs do not completely control symptoms, signs, and/or nutritional state;
or
There is 10 - 20 pound loss of weight below the desirable weight, which is ascribable to a disorder of the upper
digestive tract.
Symptoms and signs of organic upper-digestive-tract disease are present or there is anatomic loss or alteration;
and
Symptoms are not controlled by treatment;
or
There is greater than a 20 pound loss of weight below the desirable weight, which is ascribable to a disorder of
the upper digestive tract.
COLON AND RECTUM

Objective procedures useful in establishing impairment of the colon and rectum include, but are not
limited to: (1) digital and endoscopic examination including anoscopy, proctoscopy, sigmoidoscopy, and
colonoscopy; (2) fecal microscopy and culture; (3) biopsy; and (4) fluoroscopy and radiography with
contrast materials.
Classes of Colonic and Rectal Impairment
Signs and symptoms of colonic or rectal disease are infrequent and of brief duration;
and
No limitation of activities, special diet, or medication is required;
and
No systemic manifestations are present, and weight and nutritional state can be maintained at a desirable level;
or
There are no sequelae after surgical procedures.
There is objective evidence of colonic or rectal disease or anatomic loss or alteration;
and
There are mild gastrointestinal symptoms with occasional disturbances of bowel function accompanied by
moderate pain;
and
Minimal restriction of diet or mild symptomatic therapy may be necessary;
and
No impairment of nutrition results.
and
There are moderate to severe exacerbations with disturbance of bowel habit, accompanied by periodic or
continual pain;
and
Restriction of activity, special diet, and drugs are required during attacks;
and
There are constitutional manifestations (fever, anemia or weight loss).
and
There are persistent disturbances of bowel function present at test with severe persistent pain;
and
Complete limitation of activity, continued restriction of diet, and medication do not entirely control the symptoms;
and
There are constitutional manifestations (fever, weight loss, and/or anemia) present;
or
There is no prolonged remission.
ENTEROCUTANEOUS FISTULAS OF THE GASTROINTESTINAL TRACT, BILIARY

TRACT, OR PANCREAS
Surgical Stoma
Esophagostomy ..................................................................................................................................... 10 - 15
Gastrostomy........................................................................................................................................... 10 - 15
Jejunostomy ........................................................................................................................................... 15 - 20
Ileostomy................................................................................................................................................ 15 - 20
Colostomy ................................................................................................................................................ 5 - 10
ANUS
Classes of Anal Impairment
Signs of organic anal disease are present or there is anatomic loss or alteration;
or
There is mild incontinence involving gas and/or liquid stool;
or
Anal symptoms are mild, intermittent, and controlled by treatment.
Signs of organic anal disease are present or there is anatomic loss or alteration;
and
Moderate but partial fecal incontinence is present requiring continual treatment;
or
Continual anal symptoms are present and incompletely controlled by treatment.
Signs of organic anal disease are present and there is anatomic loss or alteration;
and
Complete fecal incontinence is present;
or
Signs of organic anal disease are present and severe anal symptoms unresponsive or not amenable to therapy
are present.
HEPATOBILIARY SYSTEM
Objective procedures useful in establishing hepatobiliary impairment include, but are not limited to:
(1) radiography employing contrast materials, including percutaneous and endoscopic cholangiography,
and nuclide scintigraphy; (2) ultrasonography; (3) computerized tomography (CT scan); (4) angiography
(5) liver biopsy; and (6) selected laboratory tests to assess various functions of the liver and biliary ducts.
Classes of Liver and Biliary Impairment (Liver Impairment)
There is objective evidence of persistent liver disease even though no symptoms of liver disease are present,
and no history of ascites, jaundice, or bleeding esophageal varices within 3 years;
and
Nutrition and strength are good;
and
Biochemical studies indicate minimal disturbance in liver function;
or
Primary disorders of bilirubin metabolism are present.

There is objective evidence of chronic liver disease even though no symptoms of liver disease are present, and
no history of ascites, jaundice, or bleeding esophageal varices within 3 years;
and
Nutrition and strength are good;
and
Biochemical studies indicate more severe liver damage than Class 1.
There is objective evidence of progressive chronic liver disease, or history of jaundice, ascites, or bleeding
esophageal or gastric varices within the past year;
and
Nutrition and strength may be affected;
or
There is intermittent hepatic encephalopathy.
There is objective evidence of progressive chronic liver disease, or persistent ascites or persistent jaundice or
bleeding esophageal or gastric varices, with central nervous system manifestations of hepatic insufficiency;
and
Nutritional state is poor.
Classes of Liver and Biliary Impairment (Biliary Tract Impairment)

There is an occasional episode of biliary tract dysfunction.
There is recurrent biliary tract impairment irrespective of treatment.
There is irreparable obstruction of the bile tract with recurrent cholangitis.
There is persistent jaundice and progressive liver disease due to obstruction of the common bile duct.
Classes of Hernial Impairment

Palpable defect in supporting structures of abdominal wall;
and
Slight protrusion at site of defect with increased abdominal pressure; readily reducible;
or
Occasional mild discomfort at site of defect but not precluding normal activity.
Palpable defect in supporting structures of abdominal wall; and
Frequent or persistent protrusion at site of defect with increased abdominal pressure; still manually reducible;
or
Frequent discomfort precluding heavy lifting, but not hampering normal activity.
Palpable defect in supporting structures of abdominal wall;
and
Persistent, irreducible or irreparable protrusion at site of defect;
and
Limitation in normal activity.
Use the Combined Values Chart for determining the total whole person impairment if more than one
category of impairment is used.
UPPER URINARY TRACT

Diminution of upper-urinary-tract function is present as evidenced by creatinine clearance of 75 to 90 liters/24 hr
(52 to 62.5 ml/min), or PSP excretion of 15% to 20% in 15 minutes.
or
Intermittent symptoms and signs of upper-urinary-tract dysfunction are present that do not require continuous
treatment or surveillance.
Diminution of upper-urinary-tract function is present as evidenced by creatinine clearance of 60 to 75 liters/24 hr.
(42 to 52 ml/min.), or PSP excretion of 10% to 15% in 15 minutes.
or
Although creatinine clearance is greater than 75 liters/24 hr (52 ml/min.), or PSP excretion is more than 15% in
15 minutes, symptoms and signs of upper-urinary-tract disease or dysfunction necessitate continuous
surveillance and frequent treatment.
Diminution of upper-urinary-tract function is present as evidenced by creatinine clearance of 40 to 60 liters/24 hr.
(28 to 42 ml/min.), or PSP excretion of 5% to 10% in 15 minutes.
or
Although creatinine clearance is 60 to 75 liters/24 hr (42 to 52 ml/min.), or PSP excretion is 10% to 15% in 15
minutes, symptoms and signs of upper-urinary-tract-disease or dysfunction are incompletely controlled by
surgical or continuous medical treatment.
Diminution of upper-urinary tract function is present as evidenced by creatinine clearance below 40 liters/24 hr
(28 ml/min.), or PSP excretion below 5% in 15 minutes.
or
Although creatinine clearance is 40 to 60 liters/24 hr (28 to 42 ml/min.), or PSP excretion is 5% to 10% in 15
minutes, symptoms and signs of upper-urinary-tract disease or dysfunction persists despite surgical or
continuous medical treatment.
NOTE: The individual with a solitary kidney, regardless of cause, should be rated as having 10% impairment of
the whole person. This value is to be combined with any other permanent impairment (including any impairment
in the remaining kidney) pertinent to the case under consideration. The normal ranges of creatinine clearance
are: Males: 130 to 200 liters/24 hr (90 to 139 ml/min.), Females: 115 to 180 liters/24 hr (80 to 125 ml/min.). The
normal PSP excretion is 25% or more in urine in 15 minutes.
URINARY DIVERSION
Permanent, surgically created forms of urinary diversion usually are provided to compensate for
anatomic loss and to allow for egress of urine. They are evaluated as a part of, and in conjunction with,
the assessment of the involved portion of the urinary tract.
Irrespective of how well these diversions function in the preservation of renal integrity and the
disposition of urine, the following values for the diversions should be combined with those determined
under the criteria previously given for the portion of the urinary tract involved.
Type of Diversion
Uretero-intestinal............................................................................................................................................10
Cutaneous Ureterostomy ...............................................................................................................................10
Nephrostomy or Intubated Ureterostomy .......................................................................................................15
Cystectomy with Urinary Diversion.................................................................................................................24
URINARY BLADDER
When evaluating permanent impairment of the bladder, the status of the upper urinary tract must also
be considered. The appropriate impairment values for both should be combined using the Combined
Values Charts in order to determine the extent of impairment of the whole person.
A person belongs in Class 1 when the patient has symptoms and signs of bladder disorder requiring intermittent
treatment with normal function between episodes of malfunction.
A person belongs in Class 2 when (a) there are symptoms and/or signs of bladder disorder requiring continuous
treatment, or (b) there is good bladder reflex activity, but no voluntary control.
Class 3Impairment of the Whole Person, 21 30%
A patient belongs in Class 3 when the bladder has poor reflex activity, that is, there is intermittent dribbling, and
no voluntary control.
A patient belongs in Class 4 when there is no reflex or voluntary control of the bladder, that is, there is
continuous dribbling.
URETHRA
When evaluating permanent impairment of the urethra, one must also consider the status of the upper
urinary tract and bladder. The values for all parts of the urinary system should be combined using the
Combined Values Charts to determine the extent of impairment of the whole person.
A patient belongs in Class 1 when symptoms and signs of urethral disorder are present that require intermittent
therapy for control.
A person belongs in Class 2 when there are symptoms and signs of a urethral disorder that cannot be effectively
controlled by treatment.
MALE REPRODUCTIVE ORGANS

The male reproductive organs include the penis, scrotum, testes, epididymides, spermatic cords,
prostate, and seminal vesicles. The values of impairment of the male reproductive organs are given in the
following sections for men 40-65 years of age. These values may be increased by 25% of a given value
for those below the age of 40 years, and decreased by 25% for those over the age of 65 years. For
instance, a 25% increase of a 20% impairment equals 25% impairment.
Penis
When evaluating impairment of the penis, it is necessary to consider impairment of both the sexual
and the urinary functions. The degree of impairment of sexual function should be determined in
accordance with the criteria that follow, and it should be combined with the appropriate value for an
impairment of urinary function that is present to determine the impairment of the whole person.
A patient belongs in Class 1 when sexual function is possible, but there are varying degrees of difficulty of
erection, ejaculation, and/or sensation.
A patient belongs in Class 2 when sexual function is possible and there is sufficient erection, BUT ejaculation
and sensation are absent.

A patient belongs in Class 3 when no sexual function is possible.
Scrotum
A patient belongs in Class 1 when there are symptoms and signs of scrotal loss or disease and there is no
evidence of testicular malfunction, although there may be testicular malposition.
A patient belongs in Class 2 when (a) there are symptoms and signs of architectural alteration or disease such
that the testes must be implanted in other than a scrotal position to preserve testicular function, and pain or
discomfort is present with activity; OR (b) there is total loss of the scrotum.
Testes, Epididymides, and Spermatic Cords

A patient belongs in Class 1 when (a) symptoms and signs of testicular, epididymal, and/or spermatic cord
disease are present and there is anatomic alteration; and (b) continuous treatments not required; and (c) there is
no abnormality of seminal or hormonal function; or (d) a solitary testis is present.
A patient belongs in Class 2 when (a) symptoms and signs of testicular, epididymal and/or spermatic cord
disease are present and there is anatomic alteration; and (b) frequent or continuous treatment is required; and
(c) there are detectable seminal or hormonal abnormalities.
A patient belongs in Class 3 when trauma or disease produces bilateral anatomical loss, or there is no detectable
seminal or hormonal function of the testes, epididymides, or spermatic cords.
Prostate and Seminal Vesicles

Class 1Impairment of the Whole Person:, 19%
A person belongs in Class 1 when (a) there are symptoms and signs of prostatic and/or seminal vesicular
dysfunction or disease, and (b) anatomic alteration is present; and (c) continuous treatment is not required.
A patient belongs in Class 2 when (a) frequent severe symptoms and signs of prostatic and/or seminal vesicular
dysfunction or disease are present; and (b) anatomic alteration is present; and (c) continuous treatment is
required.
A patient belongs in Class 3 when there has been ablation of the prostate and/or seminal vesicles.
FEMALE REPRODUCTIVE ORGANS

Vulva-Vagina
A patient belongs in Class 1 when (a) symptoms and signs of disease or deformity of the vulva and/or vagina are
present that do not require continuous treatment; and (b) sexual intercourse is possible; and (c) the vagina is
adequate for childbirth during the premenopausal years.
A patent belongs. Class 2 when (a) symptoms and signs of disease or deformity of the vulva and/or vagina are
present that require continuous treatment; and (b) sexual intercourse is possible with varying degrees of
difficulty; and (c) during the premenopausal years, adequacy for vaginal delivery is limited.
A patient belongs in Class 3 when (a) symptoms and signs of disease or deformity of the vulva and/or vagina are
present that are not controlled by treatment; and (b) sexual intercourse is not possible; and during the
premenopausal years, vaginal delivery is not possible.
Cervix-Uterus
A patient belongs in Class 1 when (a) symptoms and signs of disease or deformity of the cervix and/or uterus are
present that do not require continuous treatment; or (b) cervical stenosis, if present, requires no treatment; or (c)
there is anatomic loss of the cervix and/or uterus in the postmenopausal years.
present that require continuous treatment; or (b) cervical stenosis, if present, requires periodic treatment.
present that are not controlled by treatment; or (b) cervical stenosis is complete; or (c) anatomic or complete
functional loss of the cervix and/or uterus occurs in premenopausal years.
Fallopian Tubes-Ovaries
A patient belongs in Class 1 when (a) symptoms and signs of disease or deformity of the fallopian tubes and/or
ovaries are present that do not require continuous treatment; or (b) only one fallopian tube and/or ovary is
functioning in the premenopausal years; or (c) there is bilateral loss of function of the fallopian tubes and/or
ovaries in the postmenopausal years.
ovaries are present that require continuous treatment, but tubal patency persists and ovulation is possible.
ovaries are present and there is total loss of tubal patency or total failure to produce ova in the premenopausal
years; or (b) bilateral loss of the fallopian tubes and/or ovaries occurs in premenopausal years.
Section 13: Endocrine System

INTRODUCTION
Abnormal findings in other body systems may be associated with hypersecretion or hyposecretion of
hormones, and some of these findings may persist indefinitely, even after therapy of the underlying
hormonal dysfunction. Such impairment should be evaluated in accordance with criteria in the appropriate
sections, and when appropriate, impairment ratings of other body systems should be combined with
impairment ratings based on this section, using the Combined Values Chart to determine impairment of
the whole person.
Neoplasms of the endocrine glands may produce nonhormonal permanent impairments manifested by
pain or by effects involving other body systems. Such impairments should be evaluated with criteria set
forth in the sections concerning the respective body systems. It is recognized that, in addition to those
discussed in this section, other abnormalities may occur that involve the endocrine system. If such
abnormalities produce permanent impairment, the physician should attempt to assign a value based on the
degree of the impairment and one that is consistent with established values.
The focus of this section is the evaluation of physical impairment that may result from endocrine
dysfunction. Since many of the endocrine abnormalities produce cosmetic and/or psychological
abnormalities, the evaluator may wish to consider the criteria for impairment from mental and behavioral
disorders. Similarly, many of the abnormalities require chronic replacement medications, perhaps for the
lifetime of the individual. At the discretion of the evaluating physician, an added impairment of 0% to 5%
may be allotted for this aspect of an endocrine disorder.
HYPOTHALAMIC PITUITARY AXIS

A patient with hypothalamic-pituitary disease belongs in Class 1 when the disease can be controlled effectively
with continuous treatment.
A patient with hypothalamic-pituitary disease belongs in Class 2 when the symptoms and signs are inadequately
controlled by treatment.
A patient with hypothalamic-pituitary disease belongs in Class 3 when severe symptoms and signs persist
despite treatment.
When appropriate, other impairments, i.e., neurologic or visual impairments, may be combined with
the above impairments.
THYROID STRUCTURE OR FUNCTION

A patient belongs in Class 1 when (a) continuous thyroid therapy is required for correction of the thyroid
insufficiency or for maintenance of normal thyroid anatomy; and (b) there is no objective physical or laboratory
evidence of inadequate replacement therapy.
A patient belongs in Class 2 when (a) symptoms and signs of thyroid disease are present or there is anatomic
loss or alteration; and (b) continuous thyroid hormone replacement therapy is required for correction of the
confirmed thyroid insufficiency; but (c) the presence of a disease process in another body system or systems
permits only partial replacement of the thyroid hormone.
May combine with other disorders where appropriate, i.e., cardiovascular disease.
PARATHYROID STRUCTURE OR FUNCTION

Severity of Hyperparathyroidism
Symptoms and signs are easily controlled with medical therapy.............................................................. 110
There is persistent mild hypercalcemia with a mild nausea and polyuria ............................................... 1120
There is severe hypercalcemia with nausea and lethargy...................................................................... 2190
Hypoparathyroidism is a chronic condition of variable severity that requires long term medical
therapy in most cases. The degree of severity determines the degree of permanent impairment according
to the following:
Severity of Hypoparathyroidism
Symptoms and signs easily controlled by medical therapy ........................................................................ 15
Intermittent hypercalcemia and/or hypocalcemia and more frequent
symptoms in spite of careful medical attention......................................................................................... 620
When other disorders exist, i.e., renal calculi, renal failure, these disorders may be combined with the
above impairments.
STRUCTURAL OR FUNCTIONAL DISORDERS OF THE ADRENAL CORTEX

Impairment of the whole person may result from hypersecretion or hyposecretion of the cortical
hormones. Such an abnormality may be associated with dysfunction of another endocrine gland, for
instance, the pituitary. If this occurs, impairment from the adrenal abnormality is evaluated together with
the other dysfunction using the Combined Values Chart.
Severity of Hypoadrenalism
Symptoms and signs controlled with medical therapy.............................................................................. 110
Symptoms and signs controlled inadequately, usually during the course of acute
illnesses ................................................................................................................................................. 1150
Severe symptoms of adrenal crisis during major illness, usually due to severe
glucocorticoid deficiency and/or sodium depletion ................................................................................. 5190
Severity of Hyperadrenocorticism
Minimal, as with hyperadrenocorticism that is surgically correctable by removal of
a pituitary or adrenal adenoma................................................................................................................. 110
Moderate, as with bilateral hyperplasia that is treated with medical therapy or
adrenalectomy........................................................................................................................................ 1150
Severe, as with aggressively metastasizing adrenal carcinoma ............................................................ 5190
STRUCTURAL OR FUNCTIONAL DISORDERS OF THE ADRENAL MEDULLA

PheochromocytomaPermanent impairment from the pheochromocytoma may be classified using the
following table.
Severity of Pheochromocytoma
Minimal, as when the duration of hypertension has not led to cardiovascular
disease and a benign tumor can be removed surgically .......................................................................... 110
Moderate, as with inoperable malignant pheochromocytomas, if signs and
symptoms of catecholamine excess can be controlled with blocking agents ......................................... 1150
Severe, as with widely metastatic malignant pheochromocytomas, in which
symptoms of catecholamine excess cannot be controlled ..................................................................... 5190
STRUCTURAL OR FUNCTIONAL DISORDERS OF THE ENDOCRINE PANCREAS

(ISLETS OF LANGERHANS)
Diabetes MellitusCriteria for evaluating permanent impairment related to diabetes mellitus are as
follows.
A person with diabetes mellitus belongs in Class 1 if he or she has noninsulin dependent (Type II) diabetes
mellitus that can be controlled by diet; the person may or may not have evidence of diabetic microangiopathy, as
indicated by the presence of retinopathy and/or albuminuria greater than 30 mg/100 ml.
A patient belongs in this classification when there is diagnosis of noninsulin dependent (Type II) diabetes
mellitus; and when satisfactory control of the plasma glucose requires both a restricted diet and hypoglycemic
medication, either an oral agent or insulin. Evidence of microangiopathy, as indicated by retinopathy or by
albuminuria of greater than 30 mg/100 ml, may or may not be present.
A patient belongs in this class when insulin dependent (Type I ) diabetes mellitus is present with or without
evidence of microangiopathy.
A patient belongs in Class 4 when the patient has the diagnosis of insulin dependent (Type I) diabetes mellitus
and when hyperglycemic and/or hypoglycemic episodes occur frequently in spite of conscientious efforts of both
the patient and his or her physician.
HYPOGLYCEMIA
A patient has Class 1 impairment when surgical removal of an islet-cell adenoma results in complete remission
of the symptoms and signs of hypoglycemia, and there are no postoperative sequelae.
A patient with symptoms and signs of hypoglycemia has Class 2 impairment of the whole person ranging from
1% to 50%, depending on the degree of control obtained with diet and medications and on how the condition
affects activities of daily living.
GONADS
A patient with anatomic loss or alteration of the gonads that results in an absence or abnormally high
level of gonadal hormones would have 0% to 5% impairment of the whole person. Impairment due to
inability to reproduce and other impairments associated with gonadal dysfunction should be evaluated in
accordance with the criteria set forth in the genitourinary section.
MAMMARY GLANDS
The mammary glands make, store, and deliver milk. Absence of the mammary glands does not cause
impairment of the whole person in males, but in females it will prevent nursing. Absence of mammary
gland function in females due to an endocrine disorder can be rated 020% of the whole person.
Cosmetic deformities should be rated under the section covering skin. In some endocrine disorders there
may be galactorrhea in the female and gynecomastia in the male. Gynecomastia in the male may be
accompanied by galactorrhea.
A female patient in the childbearing age with absence of the breasts, a patient with galactorrhea
sufficient to require the use of absorbent pads, and a male patient with painful gynecomastia that
interferes in the performance of daily activities would each have 0% to 5% impairment of the whole
person.
METABOLIC BONE DISEASE

Metabolic bone disease such as osteoporosis, vitamin D-resistant osteomalacia, and Pagets disease,
may require continuous therapy. These conditions; unless accompanied by pain, skeletal deformity, or
peripheral nerve involvement, should be rated at 0% impairment of the whole person. When continuous
hormones and mineral therapy give complete relief of symptoms, impairment of the whole person may be
considered to be 3%. When continuous therapy is required to relieve pain, and the activities of daily
living are restricted because of pain, the rating should be 5% to 15% impairment of the whole person.
Any associated loss of motion should be evaluated in accordance with the criteria set forth in the section
on the extremities and spine, and the section on the nervous system.
Section 14: Skin Disorders

Permanent impairment of the skin is any anatomic or functional abnormality or loss, including burns
(thermal or electrical), scarring, and acquired immunologic capacity to react to antigens that persists after
medical treatment and rehabilitation, and after a length of time sufficient to permit regeneration and other
physiologic adjustments. The degree of permanent impairment of the skin may not be static. Therefore,
findings should be subject to review and the patients impairment should be reevaluated at appropriate
intervals. In the evaluation of a permanent impairment resulting from a skin disorder, the actual functional
loss is the prime consideration, although the extent of cosmetic or cutaneous involvement may also be
important.
Impairments of other body systems, such as behavioral problems and restriction of motion or
ankylosis of joints, and respiratory, cardiovascular, endocrine, and gastrointestinal disorders, may be
associated with a skin impairment.
When there is permanent impairment in more than one body system, the degree of impairment for
each system should be evaluated separately and combined using the Combined Values Chart, to
determine the impairment of the whole person. Manifestations of skin disorders may be influenced by
physical and/or chemical agents that a patient may encounter. While the avoidance of these irritant agents,
possibly through a change in occupation, might alleviate the manifestations of the skin disorder, the
presence of a skin disorder should be recognized and evaluated in accordance with the following criteria.
Impairment Classification for Skin Disease
A patient belongs in Class 1 when signs or symptoms of skin disorder are present;
and
With treatment, there is no limitation, or minimal limitation, in the performance of the activities of daily living,
although exposure to certain physical or chemical agents might increase limitation temporarily.
A patient belongs in Class 2 when signs and symptoms of skin disorder are present;
and
Intermittent treatment is required;
and
There is limitation in the performance of some of the activities of daily living.
and
Continuous treatment is required;
and
There is limitation in the performance of many activities of daily living.
and
Continuous treatment is required, which may include periodic confinement at home or other domicile;
and
There is limitation in the performance of many of the activities of daily living.
and
Continuous treatment is required, which necessitates confinement at home or other domicile;
and
There is severe limitation in the performance of activities of daily living.
Signs or symptoms of skin disorders classified in Classes 1 and 2 may be intermittent and may not be
present at the time of examination.
NOTE: For specific examples of patients within each class, refer to the AMA Guides to the Evaluation
of Permanent Impairment (current edition), chapter on Skin Disease. Disfigurement and behavioral
changes that may be present should be evaluated in accordance with the section on Mental and Behavioral
Disorders.
Section 15: Combined Values Chart

Instructions for using this chart are on the following page.
Values for 51 99 are continued on the following page.
Combined Values Chart, continued.
The values are derived from the formula A+B(1-A) = combined value of A and B, where A and B are the decimal
equivalents of the impairment ratings. In the chart, all values are expressed as percents. To combine any two
impairment values, locate the larger of the values on the left side of the chart and read along that row until you come
to the column indicated by the smaller value at the bottom of the chart. At the intersection of the row and the column
is the combined value.
For example, to combine 35% and 20%, read down the side of the chart until you come to 35%. Then read
across the 35% row until come to the column indicated by 20% at the bottom of the chart. The intersection of the row
and column is the number 48. Therefore, 35% combined with 20% is 48%. Due to the construction of this chart, the
larger impairment value must be identified at the left side of the chart.
If three or more impairment values are to be combined, select any two and find their combined value as above.
Then use that value and the third value to locate the combined value of all. This process can be repeated indefinitely,
the final value in each instance being the combination of all the previous values. In each step of this process, the
larger impairment value must be identified at the left side of the chart.
Section 16: Definitions

Activity of Daily Living (ADL)The self-care, communication, and mobility skills required for
independence in everyday living.
DivisionThe Division of Workers Compensation within the Department of Labor and Employment
Security of the State of Florida.
Durable Medical Equipment (DME), Orthotics, and ProstheticsArticles of a more permanent
nature that are generally prescribed for prolonged or continuous use. Orthotics are mechanical appliances
used to support and correct deformities. Prosthetics are artificial substitutes used to replace missing parts
or a device to augment performance of a natural function.
DWCAn acronym for the Division of Workers Compensation, which is responsible for the
administration of the Florida Workers Compensation program. Current Workers Compensation forms,
including health care claim forms, have this designation. Health Care ProviderAs defined in s.440.13,
F.S., a physician or any recognized practitioner who provides skilled services pursuant to the prescription
of, or under the supervision or direction of, a physician.
Independent Medical Evaluation (IME)As defined in s.440.13(1)(k), F.S., means an objective
evaluation of the injured employees medical condition by a physician. An IME may be requested by the
carrier or the injured employee and may include the treating physician. Each party, however, is bound by
his or her selection of an independent medical examiner pursuant to s.440.13(5),
F.S. LES Form DWCAn acronym for Department of Labor and Employment Security, Division of
Workers Compensation, which is found on all forms, including appropriate health care forms that are
designed to report Workers Compensation information. (This acronym replaced the LES form BCL
acronym in April; 1990.)
Maximum Medical ImprovementThe date after which further recovery from, or lasting improvement
to, an injury or disease can no longer be reasonably anticipated, based upon reasonable medical
probability.
Medical ReportAny written transcript of information in outline or narrative form that documents
circumstances pertaining to a medical condition and services provided. This includes, but is not limited to,
clinical notes, test results, special reports, operative reports, etc.
Medical ServicesRemedial treatment, care, and attendance provided Workers Compensation
claimants by health care providers (s.440.13, F.S.).
Permanent ImpairmentAny anatomic or functional abnormality or loss, existing after the date of
Maximum Medical Improvement, which results from injury.
Permanent Impairment RatingRating the extent of dysfunction or loss, if any, to the body as a whole
based on criteria set forth in the Florida Impairment Rating Guide, 1996 edition.
PhysicianA physician licensed under chapter 458, an osteopath licensed under chapter 459, a
chiropractor licensed under chapter 460, a podiatrist licensed under chapter 461, an optometrist licensed
under chapter 463, or a dentist licensed under chapter 466, F.S.
PsychologistA psychologist licensed under chapter 470, F.S.

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1996

1996 FLORIDA UNIFORM PERMANENT IMPAIRMENT RATING SCHEDULE

1996 FLORIDA UNIFORM PERMANENT IMPAIRMENT RATING SCHEDULE

The 1996 Florida Uniform Permanent Impairment Rating Schedule

1996 FLORIDA UNIFORM PERMANENT IMPAIRMENT RATING SCHEDULE iii

1996 Florida Uniform

SECTION 1: MUSCULOSKELETAL THE SPINE ...........................................................................................5

SECTION 2: INTRODUCTION TO MUSCULOSKELETAL THE EXTREMITIES .................................14

SECTION 3: MUSCULOSKELETAL UPPER EXTREMITIES ....................................................................16

SECTION 4: MUSCULOSKELETAL LOWER EXTREMITIES ..................................................................42

SECTION 5: NERVOUS SYSTEM .........................................................................................................................52

1996 FLORIDA UNIFORM PERMANENT IMPAIRMENT RATING SCHEDULE iv

CENTRAL NERVOUS SYSTEM (BRAIN AND SPINAL CORD) ............................................................................................................ 52

SECTION 6: MENTAL AND BEHAVIORAL DISORDERS...............................................................................61

SECTION 7: RESPIRATORY SYSTEM................................................................................................................65

SECTION 8: CARDIOVASCULAR SYSTEM ......................................................................................................73

SECTION 9: THE HEMATOPOIETIC SYSTEM ................................................................................................86

SECTION 10: VISUAL SYSTEM ...........................................................................................................................88

SECTION 11: EAR, NOSE, THROAT, AND RELATED STRUCTURES .........................................................92

1996 FLORIDA UNIFORM PERMANENT IMPAIRMENT RATING SCHEDULE

SECTION 12: DIGESTIVE SYSTEM ..................................................................................................................101

SECTION 13: ENDOCRINE SYSTEM ................................................................................................................110

SECTION 14: SKIN DISORDERS ........................................................................................................................114

1996 FLORIDA UNIFORM PERMANENT IMPAIRMENT RATING SCHEDULE 1

Introduction to the 1996 Florida Uniform Permanent

1996 FLORIDA UNIFORM PERMANENT IMPAIRMENT RATING SCHEDULE 2

PHILOSOPHY AND CONCEPTS

1996 FLORIDA UNIFORM PERMANENT IMPAIRMENT RATING SCHEDULE 3

THE BASIC RULES

1996 FLORIDA UNIFORM PERMANENT IMPAIRMENT RATING SCHEDULE 4

1996 FLORIDA UNIFORM PERMANENT IMPAIRMENT RATING SCHEDULE 5

Section 1: Musculoskeletal The Spine

SPECIFIC DISORDERS OF THE SPINE TABLE

Impairment of the Whole Person

Compression of one vertebral body

When two or more compression fractures are present, COMBINE.

Healed vertebral odontoid, Jefferson, and slice fractures ....................................................................................5%

1996 FLORIDA UNIFORM PERMANENT IMPAIRMENT RATING SCHEDULE 6

INTERVERTEBRAL DISC OR OTHER SOFT TISSUE LESIONS

Herniated intervertebral disc single vertebral level, not surgically treated.

Surgically treated disc lesion with or without objective finding** neurological

Multiple levels of disc involvement with or without operation and

Multiple operations with or without residual signs of injury

1996 FLORIDA UNIFORM PERMANENT IMPAIRMENT RATING SCHEDULE 7

SPONDYLOLYSIS AND SPONDYLOLISTHESIS, UNOPERATED

Impairment of the Whole Person

Spondylolysis or Grade 1 (1%25% slippage), or Grade II (26%50% slippage) Spondylolisthesis,

SPINAL STENOSIS AND SEGMENTAL INSTABILITY

Unoperated with objective signs of injury

Unoperated, multiple levels.................................................................................................................. Add 1%/level

SPINAL STENOSIS, SEGMENTAL INSTABILITY, OR SPONDYLOLISTHESIS,

Single level operation without objective residual signs of injury

Single level operation with residual objective signs of injury

Multiple operations with residual, objective signs of injury

Any combination of the above using the Combined Values Chart.

1996 FLORIDA UNIFORM PERMANENT IMPAIRMENT RATING SCHEDULE 8

Impairment Due To Ankylosis of Cervical RegionFlexion/Extension

Region ankylosed at:

Region ankylosed at:

2. Cervical RegionLateral Flexion Technique of Measurement