Clients with only DRCA and/or VEA impairment ratings
Cohort 1: DRCA only
When impairment compensation has been received under the DRCA, the percentage value of whole person impairment ratings are expressed as impairment points and combined, from highest to lowest, using Table 18.1 of GARP M 2026 to find the baseline impairment rating. Where more than one whole person impairment percentage rating relates to the same functional loss, only the highest value is included.
Cohort 2: VEA only
When impairment compensation has been received under the VEA, the ‘unrounded’ impairment points from the VEA assessment resulting in eligibility for the Disability Compensation Payment will become the baseline impairment rating.
Cohort 3: DRCA and VEA
When impairment compensation has been received under both the VEA and the DRCA, the VEA and DRCA ratings/points are identified using the same method as for cohorts 1 and 2, with an additional step, as follows:
- Where the same condition has been recognised under both the VEA and the DRCA, only the VEA condition is considered. This ensures impairment ratings are not counted twice.
To determine the baseline impairment rating, the individual VEA impairment points and the DRCA impairment ratings are combined, from highest to lowest, using Table 18.1 of GARP M.
Clients with MRCA and DRCA or VEA impairment ratings
Cohort 4
As this cohort of clients have already received a MRCA PI impairment rating under the GARP M, the baseline impairment rating will simply be the latest overall impairment rating resulting in an accepted MRCA PI claim (i.e. the latest Step 1 of Chapter 25 rating).
All subsequent claims
Cohort 5
For all subsequent claims moving forward, the ‘baseline impairment rating’ will be the latest overall impairment rating resulting in an accepted MRCA PI claim.
For more detail on the formulas for calculating the baseline impairment rating for each cohort, delegates can refer to Chapter 26 of the GARP M 2026 on the Federal Register of Legislation at www.legislation.gov.au/F2026L00595/asmade/text