Seafarers Rehabilitation and Compensation Act 1992 – Guide to the Assessment of the Degree of Permanent Impairment Edition 3.0
253Use the grading system shown in [Figure 9-C](#Figure_9_C).
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Table 9.6.2b: Motor impairment due to peripheral nerve injuries affecting the lower extremities
Motor grading
Femoral 0 3 6 9 13 15
Obturator 0 1 1 2 3 3
Superior gluteal 0 5 10 15 21 25
Inferior gluteal 0 3 6 9 13 15
Sciatic 0 6 12 18 26 30
Common peroneal 0 3 6 9 13 15
Tibial 0 3 6 9 13 15
Medial plantar 0 0 1 1 2 2
Lateral plantar 0 0 1 1 2 2
9.7 Lower extremity function
254 Table 9.7: Lower extremity function should only be used to assess impairment from objectively identified orthopaedic or neurological conditions arising in and affecting the lower extremities. It may not be used to assess impairment from conditions manifesting principally as pain with no clinically demonstrable lower extremity pathology.
256 If permanent, conditions such as sesamoiditis, plantar fasciitis, plantar tendonitis, and pes planus, should be assessed under Table 9.7: Lower extremity function.
Section 253 - Seafarers Rehabilitation and Compensation Act 1992 – Guide to the Assessment of the Degree of Permanent Impairment Edition 3.0 - Use the grading system shown in [Figure 9-C](#Figure_9_C). | Zoe
258 A single assessment only may be made under Table 9.7: Lower extremity function, regardless of whether one or two extremities are affected by the injury. The impairment assessed under Table 9.7 is of overall lower extremity function, rather than that of individual extremities. However, where a pre-existing injury results in permanent impairment to the same lower extremity function the subsequent injury should be assessed by reference to the functional capacities of a normal healthy person (see Principles of Assessment, paragraph 39 above).
259 Before using Table 9.7: Lower extremity function the assessor should check the instructions (see Part I – Introduction) preceding the specific joint impairment tables (Table 9.1: Feet and toes, Table 9.2: Ankles, Table 9.3: Knees and Table 9.4: Hips) and use Table 9.7 strictly in accordance with those instructions. In particular, Table 9.7 cannot be used where the condition causes a reduction in the range of motion of a joint and an assessment can be made under any one or more of Table 9.1, Table 9.2, Table 9.3 or Table 9.4.
260 Where only one limb is affected, regardless of the number of impairments found in that limb, the limb should be assessed using the relevant tables other than Table 9.7: Lower extremity function and all impairments combined using the combined values table (see Appendix 1). The combined impairment rating should then be compared with the rating taken from the relevant row in Table 9.7 and the higher rating obtained from the two methods chosen.
261 Where both limbs are affected, each limb should be assessed using the relevant tables other than Table 9.7: Lower extremity function and all impairments in both limbs combined using the combined values table (see Appendix 1). The combined impairment rating should then be compared with the rating taken from the relevant row in Table 9.7 and the higher rating obtained from the two methods chosen.
262 Table 9.7: Lower extremity function may be used to assess lower extremity impairment arising as a result of spinal cord damage. Observe the special procedure set out in the introduction to Part III of this Chapter (see Part III – Introduction). However, Table 9.7 may not be used to assess lower extremity impairment arising as a result of nerve root compression, or other neurological sequelae of other spinal conditions. These should be assessed under:
a) tables dealing with spinal nerve root impairments and peripheral nerve injuries affecting the lower extremities:
263 To fulfil the requirements of a WPI rating in Table 9.7: Lower extremity function, there must be one major criterion and at least two minor criteria present (where minor criteria are listed).
264 ‘Manifest difficulty’ is difficulty (such as stumbling, or an altered gait) evident to the assessor. The difficulty must be tested clinically: history alone cannot be relied upon in the assessment.
Table 9.7: Lower extremity function
| %WPI | Major criteria (at least one required) | Minor criteria (at least two required where listed) |
| 0 | Walks at a normal pace in comparison with peers on level ground or uneven ground and can avoid obstacles.<br>or<br>Distance walked is not restricted by the condition being assessed (although other factors such as the level of fitness may cause restriction). | |
| 5 | Walks at a normal pace in comparison with peers on level ground but has manifest difficulty negotiating uneven ground and avoiding obstacles.<br>or<br>Walking is restricted to 1000m or less (may be able to walk further after resting). | Legs give way or lock occasionally without causing falls.<br>and<br>Can negotiate three or more stairs or a ramp (up and down) without the use of a walking aid or hand rails. |
| 10 | Walks at a normal pace in comparison with peers on level ground but is unable to negotiate uneven ground without use of a walking aid or personal assistant.<br>or<br>Walking is restricted to 500m or less (may be able to walk further after resting). | Legs give way or lock occasionally without causing falls.<br>and<br>Is unable to negotiate three or more stairs or a ramp (up and down) without the use of a walking aid or hand rails. |
| 20 | Walks at a moderately reduced pace in comparison with peers on level ground.<br>or<br>Walking is restricted to 250m or less (may be able to walk further after resting). | At least two of the following:<br>Legs give way occasionally, causing falls.Is unable to negotiate three or more stairs or a ramp (up and down) without use of a walking aid or hand rails.Is unable to rise from sitting to standing position without use of one hand but can stand without support. |
| 30 | Walks at a significantly reduced pace in comparison with peers on level ground.<br>or<br>Walking is restricted to 100m or less (may be able to walk further after resting). | At least two of the following:<br>Legs give way frequently, causing falls.Demonstrated medical need for a brace or walking aid (walking stick or crutches) on level ground.Is unable to negotiate three or more stairs or a ramp (up and down) without assistance from another person.Is unable to rise from sitting to standing position without use of both hands but can stand without support. |
| 40 | Walks at a greatly reduced pace in comparison with peers on level ground.<br>or<br>Walking is restricted to 50m or less (may be able to walk further after resting). | At least two of the following:<br>Is restricted to walking around house and yard.Demonstrated medical need for a walking aid (walking stick or crutches) when walking on level ground.Is unable to negotiate three or more stairs or a ramp (up and down) under any circumstances.Is unable to rise from sitting to standing position without personal assistance and is unable to stand without support. |
| 50 | Walks at a very slow pace in comparison with peers on level ground.<br>or<br>Walking is restricted to 25m or less (may be able to walk further after resting). | At least two of the following:<br>Is restricted to walking around house.Demonstrated medical need for a quad stick or walking frame as support when standing and walking.Is unable to negotiate any steps or ramps.Is unable to rise from sitting to standing position without personal assistance and is unable to stand without support. |
| 60 | Can stand with support of personal assistant but is unable to walk. | |
| 65 | Unable to stand or walk. | |
PART II – THE UPPER EXTREMITIES – HANDS AND FINGERS, WRISTS, ELBOWS AND SHOULDERS