Inability to undertake any physical activity greater than 3 METs

Erectile dysfunction - Inability to undertake any physical activity greater than 3 METs Factor

RMA definition

A "MET" is a unit of measurement of the level of physical exertion.  1 MET = 3.5 ml of oxygen/kg of body weight per minute or, 1.0 kcal/kg of body weight per hour, or resting metabolic rate.

General information

A MET approximates to the energy required to rest quietly in bed.  A 70 kg man would use about 3 METs when walking at 4 km per hour.

Note:

• The factor requirements are a severe test of a limited capacity for exertion.  The MET ratings for common activities provides guidance for assessing whether or not certain activities meet the RMA SOP factor.
• The SOP factor requires "an inability to undertake any physical activity greater than 3 METs …".  Therefore, there must be a physical or mental incapacity that prevents the person engaging in such activity.  The incapacity must be due a physical inability with a generalised, rather than localised, effect on the level of physical activity able to be undertaken.  For example the person with adhesive capsulitis may not be able to work as a mechanic or play golf, but can readily engage in other activities where the level of energy expended is greater than 3 METs.  Similarly, the person with osteoarthrosis of the knees can undertake upper arm activities and/or swimming at levels easily exceeding 3 METs.
• Lifestyle choices, lack of opportunity, or lack of facilities do not constitute an inability to undertake any physical activity greater than 3 METs.

Last reviewed for CCPS 5 October 2005.

Investigative Documents

Preliminary questions [35246]

33534 there is some evidence that an inability to undertake any physical activity greater than 3 METs may be a factor in the development or worsening of the condition under consideration.

33535 the veteran has been unable to undertake any physical activity greater than 3 METs for at least 5 years at some time.

33536 the veteran was unable to undertake any physical activity greater than 3 METs for at least 5 years as a result of an illness or injury which is identifiable.

35247  the veteran has established the causal connection between the inability to undertake any physical activity greater than 3 METs and operational service for erectile dysfunction.

35248   the veteran has established the causal connection between the inability to undertake any physical activity greater than 3 METs and operational service for the clinical onset of erectile dysfunction.

or

7334     the clinical onset of the condition under consideration occurred after the end of the veteran's last period of VEA service.

7335     the condition under consideration permanently worsened.

35249   the veteran has established the causal connection between the inability to undertake any physical activity greater than 3 METs and operational service for the clinical worsening of erectile dysfunction.

Clinical onset and operational service [35248]

33499 the identified illness or injury made a material contribution to the veteran's inability to undertake any physical activity greater than 3 METs for at least the five years before the clinical onset of the condition under consideration.

33538  the identified illness or injury which prevented the veteran from undertaking any physical activity greater than 3 METs is causally related to operational service.

Clinical worsening and operational service [35249]

33500 the identified illness or injury made a material contribution to the veteran's inability to undertake any physical activity greater than 3 METs after the clinical onset and for at least the five years before the clinical worsening of the condition under consideration.

33538  the identified illness or injury which prevented the veteran from undertaking any physical activity greater than 3 METs is causally related to operational service.

33539 the clinical onset of the condition under consideration occurred prior to that part of operational service to which the identified illness or injury that prevented the veteran from undertaking any physical activity greater than 3 METs is causally related.