Inability to undertake more than a mildly strenuous level of physical activity

RMA Definition

The RMA has defined “a mildly strenuous level of physical activity” as any physical activity greater than 3 METS, where 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.

Note:

• The factor requirements are a severe test of a limited capacity for exertion.  The MET ratings for common activities provides guidance for considering whether or not certain activities meet the RMA definition.
• The Statement of Principle (SOP) requires that there is "an inability to undertake more than a mildly strenuous level of physical activity".  This means there must be a factor operating that prevents the person undertaking more strenuous activity.  Generally, this would mean a medical condition that prevents such activity, i.e. a physical condition with a generalised rather than localised effect on the level of physical activity able to be undertaken.
• Lifestyle choices, lack of opportunity, or medical conditions with only narrow restrictions do not constitute an inability – e.g. 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.

Last reviewed for CCPS 12 March 2008.

Investigative Documents

Preliminary questions [33306]

9385     there is some evidence that an inability to undertake more than a mildly strenuous level of physical activity may be a factor in the development or worsening of the condition under consideration.

7968     the veteran was unable to undertake more than a mildly strenuous level of physical activity for at least 5 years at some time.

7969     the veteran was unable to undertake more than a mildly strenuous level of physical activity for at least 5 years as a result of an illness or injury which is identifiable.

33307  the veteran has established the causal connection between the inability to undertake more than a mildly strenuous level of physical activity and VEA service for hypertension.

7980     the identified illness or injury made a material contribution to the veteran's inability to undertake more than a mildly strenuous level of physical activity for at least five years immediately before the clinical onset of the condition under consideration.

33308   the veteran has established the causal connection between the inability to undertake more than a mildly strenuous level of physical activity and VEA service for the clinical onset of hypertension.

33311  the veteran has established the causal connection between the inability to undertake more than a mildly strenuous level of physical activity and operational service for the clinical onset of hypertension.

or

33310  the veteran has established the causal connection between the inability to undertake more than a mildly strenuous level of physical activity and eligible service for the clinical onset of hypertension.

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.

33982  the identified illness or injury made a material contribution to the veteran's inability to undertake more than a mildly strenuous level of physical activity for at least five years after the clinical onset and immediately before the clinical worsening of the condition under consideration.

33309  the veteran has established the causal connection between the inability to undertake more than a mildly strenuous level of physical activity and VEA service for the clinical worsening of hypertension.

33312  the veteran has established the causal connection between the inability to undertake more than a mildly strenuous level of physical activity and operational service for the clinical worsening of hypertension.

or

33313  the veteran has established the causal connection between the inability to undertake more than a mildly strenuous level of physical activity and eligible service for the clinical worsening of hypertension.

Clinical onset and operational service [33311]

7982     the identified illness or injury which prevented the veteran from undertaking more than a mildly strenuous level of physical activity is causally related to operational service.

Clinical onset and eligible service [33310]

7983     the identified illness or injury which prevented the veteran from undertaking more than a mildly strenuous level of physical activity is causally related to eligible service.

Clinical worsening and operational service [33312]

7982     the identified illness or injury which prevented the veteran from undertaking more than a mildly strenuous level of physical activity is causally related to operational service.

7986     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 more than a mildly strenuous level of physical activity is causally related.

Clinical worsening and eligible service [33313]

7983     the identified illness or injury which prevented the veteran from undertaking more than a mildly strenuous level of physical activity is causally related to eligible service.

9221     the clinical onset of the condition under consideration occurred prior to that part of eligible service to which the identified illness or injury that prevented the veteran from undertaking more than a mildly strenuous level of physical activity is causally related.