Table 4 - Skin Disorders

The two Skin Disorders Tables are:

Table 4.1 - Functional loss

Table 4.2 - Facial disfigurement

Table 4.1 - Functional Loss

NOTE:In the evaluation of impairment resulting from a skin disorder the actual functional loss is the prime consideration, rather than the extent of cutaneous involvement. Where the condition affects the face Table 4.2 may be more appropriate.

% WPI

DESCRIPTION OF LEVEL OF IMPAIRMENT

0

The condition is absent on examination or if present can easily be reversed by appropriate medication or treatment AND causes no interference with activities of daily living when present.

5

The condition requires treatment for lengthy periods AND causes no interference with activities of daily living when present.

10

The condition is absent on examination or if present can easily be reversed by appropriate medication or treatment AND causes minor interference with activities of daily living when present.

20

The condition requires treatment for periods in aggregate up to 3 months per year AND causes interference with activities of daily living when present.

30

The condition requires treatment for periods in aggregate up to 4 months per year AND causes minor interference with activities of daily living when present.

40

The condition requires treatment for periods in aggregate up to 4 months per year AND causes major interference with activities of daily living when present.

45

The condition requires treatment for periods in aggregate up to 6 months per year AND causes minor interference with activities of daily living when present.

50

The condition requires treatment for periods in aggregate up to 6 months per year AND causes major interference with activities of daily living when present.

60

The condition requires treatment for periods in aggregate up to 9 months per year AND causes major interference with activities of daily living when present.

70

The condition requires treatment for periods in aggregate up to 9 months per year AND causes major interference with activities of daily living when present.

75 to 100

The condition is present all the time and requires treatment for between 9 and 12 months of the year AND causes major interference with activities of daily living.

Table 4.2 - Facial Disfigurement

When evaluating impairment due to facial injury or disease, three factors need to be considered.

Firstly, the functional components of the face must be evaluated (for example the effects of the condition on communication, respiration, eating, visual function, hearing, etc).

Secondly, the cosmetic effects should be considered.  These are not truly an impairment, but for the purposes of evaluation are deemed to be equivalent to certain impairments. These deemed values are set out below.  Cosmetic defects should be assessed when all feasible cosmetic surgery has been completed and should take into account the beneficial effects of the use of cosmetics etc.

Thirdly, facial disfigurement may result in behavioural changes.  These should be assessed in accordance with the criteria in Table 5.1 “Psychiatric and Behavioural Disorders”.

Where more than one deformity is present from the same band or different bands, a value should be allotted to each and these should be combined using the Combined Values Table (Table 14.1).

% WPI

DESCRIPTION OF LEVEL OF IMPAIRMENT

0

Normal facial appearance  OR

Any scarring above the brow line

5

ANY ONE of the following:

  • cutaneous scars or pigmentation
  • unilateral facial paralysis
  • distortion of the nose
  • loss of deformity of the outer ear

10

ANY ONE of the following:

  • disfigurement of the orbit
  • bilateral facial paralysis
  • depression of the cheek
  • depression of the frontal bones
  • severe scarring below the upper lip

15

Loss of part of nose

25

Loss of the entire nose

35

Severe disfigurement of the entire area between the brow and the upper lip on BOTH sides.