5.3.3 Respiratory Conditions - Table 2.1

Respiratory function assessment requirements

Measurements of Forced Expiratory Volume over one second (FEV1) and Forced Vital Capacity (FVC), performed with a spirometer or equivalent instrument, are used to assess ventilatory function under table 2.1 of the DRCA Guide.

Table 2.1 requires that ‘three readings of FEV1 and FVC should be performed and the largest of these results used to calculate impairment’.

For the purposes of table 2.1, the largest result means the best result or the result indicating the greatest degree of health (i.e. the best degree of ventilatory function) and consequently, the lowest degree of impairment.  

Clients over 70 years of age

Respiratory conditions are assessed under Table 2.1, which is accompanied by Figure 2.1 – prediction nomograms for males and females up to the age of 70. After 70, any predictive data becomes too unreliable due to age-related factors and deterioration in general body condition.

When assessing permanent impairment for a veteran aged over 70, delegates should instead obtain a specialist respiratory function test, which will normally provide extrapolated predicted values for that veteran.

As long as the delegate is satisfied the evidence is reliable and consistent, the delegate may then use the FEV 1 or FVC percentage of predicted value provided by the specialist to calculate the whole person impairment rating under table 2.1.