Inability to undertake any physical activity greater than 3 METs

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.

Investigative Documents

Preliminary questions [9833]

33917 there is some evidence that an inability to undertake any physical activity greater than 3 METs may be a factor in the development of the condition under consideration.

14791  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 malignant neoplasm of the colorectum.

14792   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 malignant neoplasm of the colorectum.

or

9862     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 malignant neoplasm of the colorectum.

Clinical onset and operational service [9862]

9860     the veteran was unable to undertake any physical activity greater than 3 METs for at least 10 years, within the 30 years before the clinical onset of malignant neoplasm of the colorectum.

33920 the veteran's inability to undertake any physical activity greater than 3 METs for at least 10 years within the 30 years before the clinical onset of malignant neoplasm of the colorectum was due to an illness or injury which is identifiable.

33921  the identified illness or injury which caused the inability to undertake any physical activity greater than 3 METs is causally related to operational service.

Clinical onset and eligible service [14792]

14793 the veteran was unable to undertake any physical activity greater than 3 METs for at least 20 years within the 30 years before the clinical onset of malignant neoplasm of the colorectum.

33920 the veteran's inability to undertake any physical activity greater than 3 METs for at least 10 years within the 30 years before the clinical onset of malignant neoplasm of the colorectum was due to an illness or injury which is identifiable.

25875 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 20 years, within the 30 years before the clinical onset of malignant neoplasm of the colorectum.

33922  the identified illness or injury which caused the inability to undertake any physical activity greater than 3 METs is causally related to eligible service.