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

RMA definition

The RMA defines this as "the presence of an incapacity which prevents 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.  (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 considering whether or not certain activities meet the RMA definition.
• 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.
• Lifestyle choices, lack of opportunity, or medical conditions with only narrow restrictions do not constitute an incapacity – eg 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 20 DECEMBER 2002.

INVESTIGATIVE DOCUMENTS

PRELIMINARY QUESTIONS [32554]

32572 there is some evidence that an inability to undertake more than a mildly strenuous level of physical activity may be a factor in the worsening of the condition under consideration.

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.

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.

32559  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 atherosclerotic peripheral vascular disease.

CLINICAL WORSENING AND OPERATIONAL SERVICE [32559]

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.

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.