One of the criteria for payment of interim PI is that the impairment suffered by the person must constitute a minimum number of IPs. The number required varies according to the circumstances of each case and is the same threshold as is required under section 69 as explained at Chapter 5.2.1. Where additional compensation is being considered, and the outcome continues to be interim, the threshold points required is as per the criteria of s71(1) and s71(2), i.e. a 5 point increase.
Impairment point thresholds may be made up of a single interim condition, or contributed to by multiple conditions, one of which is interim. It is not necessary for the unstable condition alone to meet the threshold points, providing the overall points threshold will be met by the inclusion of all conditions being assessed including the interim condition.
For clients with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depressive disorder, anxiety disorder, substance use disorder or alcohol use disorder included in their assessment, the minimum number of IP’s will be considered to be reached if their current impairment from that condition/s is 10 points or more i.e. these clients will receive interim PI compensation at a minimum of 10 points.
Example 1:
Accepted Conditions | Status | Points |
thoracolumbar spine strain | Permanent | Currently 20 but expected to improve to 10 with treatment over the next 6 months. |
In this case, because the condition is not yet stable, an assessment under section 68 is not possible, therefore an assessment is undertaken under s75 for interim compensation for the accepted condition. As the final points at the end of treatment is expected to be 10, eligibility for interim permanent impairment compensation has been reached as it meets the minimum threshold for an initial claim of 10 points. Interim compensation is determined based on 10 interim impairment points plus the appropriate lifestyle rating (being generally the bottom of the shaded area). A review date is set for 6 months to assess the stability of the thoracolumbar spine strain.
Example 2:
Accepted Conditions | Status | Points |
Left and right knees | Permanent & Stable | 5 points |
thoracolumbar spine disc disruption | Permanent & Stable | |
Hearing Loss | Permanent & Stable | 5 points |
Post Traumatic Stress Disorder | Permanent | Currently 50 but expected to improve to 30 with active treatment over the next 6 months. |
Major Depressive Disorder | Permanent | |
Total Combined Interim Points |
| 37 |
In this case, because one or more of the conditions is not yet stable, an assessment under section 68 is not possible, therefore an assessment is undertaken under s75 for interim compensation for all of the combined conditions. As the overall points at the end of any active treatment is expected to be 37, eligibility for interim permanent impairment compensation has been reached as it meet the minimum threshold for an initial claim of 10IP. Interim compensation is determined based on 37 interim impairment points plus the appropriate lifestyle rating (being generally the bottom of the shaded area).
Example 3:
Accepted Conditions | Status | Points previously determined s68 | New points on reassessment |
Left and right knees | Permanent & Stable | 10 points | Currently 30 points but expected to be reduced to 20 points after surgery (spine) |
thoracolumbar spine | Permanent | ||
Hearing Loss | Permanent & Stable | 10 points | 10 points |
Post Traumatic Stress Disorder | Permanent & stable | 20 | 20 |
Total Combined Points | 35 (previously determined) | 42 (current interim points) | |
In this case, because one or more of the conditions is not yet stable, an assessment under section 71 for additional compensation is not possible, therefore an assessment is undertaken under s75 for interim compensation for all of the combined conditions. As the overall points at the end of any active treatment is expected to be 42, eligibility for additional interim permanent impairment compensation has been reached as it meets the minimum threshold for an additional claim of 5IP. The claim for additional compensation is paid based on 42 impairment points plus the appropriate lifestyle rating (being generally the bottom of the shaded area), and taking into account previously paid PI compensation.