B28/1993 PROCEDURES FOR GARP MEDICAL IMPAIRMENT ASSESSMENTS

DATE OF ISSUE: 14 May 1993

PROCEDURES FOR GARP MEDICAL IMPAIRMENT ASSESSMENTS

It has become apparent that some Departmental staff (mainly Departmental Medical Officers and Determining Officers) in assessing respiratory function under GARP are using estimations of FEV 1 and FVC based on estimations of normal values made by spirometry machines or provided by external practitioners.

2.The Commission is bound by Sub‑section 29(4) of the VEA 1986, to the effect that, any procedure in respect to the assessment or re‑assessment of the extent of incapacity of a veteran resulting from war‑caused disability, shall be in accordance with the relevant provisions of the approved Guide to the Assessment of Rates of Veterans' Pensions.

3.It is imperative that estimations of normal FEV 1 and FVC for the purposes of GARP assessments are made by use of nomograms on pages 20, 21 and 22 of the GARP booklet.

4.This does not mean that there should be any variation in the number of medical examinations performed in Branch Office. Clinical estimations of FEV 1 and FVC from external providers are perfectly valid. However, calculation of the normal values varies from practitioner to practitioner, and these cannot be used in making a correct assessment under GARP.

5.With the implementation of CCPS all assessments will be made according to the Guide. Until that time, you are instructed to adhere strictly to the provisions of the Guide.

PETER HAWKER

NATIONAL PROGRAM DIRECTOR

BENEFITS