Clients over 70 years of age

Respiratory conditions are assessed under Table 2.1, which is accompanied by Figure 2.1 – prediction nomograms for males and females up to the age of 70. After 70, any predictive data becomes too unreliable due to age-related factors and deterioration in general body condition.

When assessing permanent impairment for a veteran aged over 70, delegates should instead obtain a specialist respiratory function test, which will normally provide extrapolated predicted values for that veteran.

As long as the delegate is satisfied the evidence is reliable and consistent, the delegate may then use the FEV 1 or FVC percentage of predicted value provided by the specialist to calculate the whole person impairment rating under table 2.1.