5.8 Interim permanent impairment compensation
In accordance with section 75 of the MRCA, interim permanent impairment compensation may be paid to a veteran when the delegate is satisfied:
- the impairment is permanent, however
- the final degree of impairment cannot be determined due to one or more conditions not being stable, and
- the degree of impairment will constitute at least the number of impairment points required for compensation to be payable under sections 68 or 71.
“Stable” means: the condition is unlikely to improve to any major degree. This should not be judged based on possible improvement in impairment ratings.
Note: for an interim to be paid, the first consideration for the delegate is whether the impairment is permanent. If the veteran is undertaking medical treatment for an impairment and the delegate is unable to determine the impairment is permanent, an interim is not appropriate.
For more information regarding impairments that are not permanent, please see Chapter 5.3.4 of the MRCA PI Manual.
Many conditions will have periods where symptoms may be more or less severe, including fluctuations of symptoms or ‘spikes’ as part of their normal manifestation. This may be especially true of mental health conditions.
Mental health conditions
For clients with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depressive disorder, anxiety disorder, substance use disorder or alcohol use disorder with a current level of impairment of 10 points or more, but who are not yet stable, an interim compensation payment must be offered based on a level of impairment at a minimum of 10 points.