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Inability to undertake any physical activity greater than 3 METs

Document
Last amended 
10 June 2015

Ischaemic heart disease - Inability to undertake any physical activity greater than 3 METs Factor

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 27 April 2010.

Investigative Documents
Type Title PDF Format Word Format
Claimant Report
Inability to Undertake Physical Activity
CR9147.pdf
CR9147.docx
Medical Report
Inability to Undertake Physical Activity
MR9045.pdf
MR9045.docx
Preliminary questions [7886]

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.

7970     the veteran has established the causal connection between the inability to undertake any physical activity greater than 3 METs and VEA service for ischaemic heart disease.

7973     the veteran has established the causal connection between the inability to undertake any physical activity greater than 3 METs and VEA service for the clinical onset of ischaemic heart disease.

7976     the veteran has established the causal connection between the inability to undertake any physical activity greater than 3 METs and eligible service for the clinical onset of ischaemic heart disease.

or

7975     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 ischaemic heart disease.

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.

7974     the veteran has established the causal connection between the inability to undertake any physical activity greater than 3 METs and VEA service for the clinical worsening of ischaemic heart disease.

9219     the veteran has established the causal connection between the inability to undertake any physical activity greater than 3 METs and eligible service for the clinical worsening of ischaemic heart disease.

or

7977     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 ischaemic heart disease.

Clinical onset and operational service [7975]

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 onset and eligible service [7976]

7979     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 seven years.

7984     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 seven years before the clinical onset of the condition under consideration.

33537  the identified illness or injury which prevented the veteran from undertaking any physical activity greater than 3 METs is causally related to eligible service.

Clinical worsening and operational service [7977]

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.

Clinical worsening and eligible service [9219]

7979     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 seven years.

9220     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 seven years before the clinical worsening of the condition under consideration.

33537  the identified illness or injury which prevented the veteran from undertaking any physical activity greater than 3 METs is causally related to eligible service.

33540 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 any physical activity greater than 3 METs is causally related.