A person's lifestyle rating is expected to be broadly consistent with the degree of medical impairment from the accepted conditions. In most cases, a lifestyle rating that falls within the shaded area of Table 23.1 or Table 23.2 of GARP M is broadly consistent with the degree of medical impairment. Accordingly GARP M states:
“The self-assessed rating should not usually be queried although further information may be requested if necessary. It is expected that the self-assessed lifestyle rating would be broadly consistent with the level of impairment. A delegate may reject a self-assessment of lifestyle rating because it overestimates, or underestimates, the level of rating that is broadly consistent with the level of impairment from accepted conditions”
In addition to this, the DVA form D2670 – Lifestyle Rating (the form sent to clients to enable them to choose the optional methods of lifestyle assessment in accordance with Chapter 22) states, “The Department relies on your honesty when filling in the self assessment. However, we will check a small number of forms and may ask for more information. It is important that you fill in the self assessment carefully.”
Delegates should accept a client self assessed rating unless there is evidence to indicate that it is a vast over or underestimation.