Example 1 - Captain Johnson
Captain Johnson is a DRCA-only client with service-related conditions of hypertension and cervical spondylosis. DRCA PI compensation was previously paid at 15% WPI for hypertension and 20% WPI for cervical spondylosis.
To find Captain Johnson’s baseline, the DRCA PI ratings are first expressed as impairment points and then combined. Both ratings are counted, because there is no overlap or doubling up on functional losses.
The DRCA PI WPI percentage ratings expressed as impairment points are 15 points and 20 points.
These are then combined using scale 18.1 in Chapter 18 – Combined Values. Captain Johnson’s baseline is 32 impairment points.
Example 2 - Private Harris
Private Harris is a DRCA-only client with four lower limb conditions. DRCA PI was paid for three lower limb conditions at 20% WPI and one lower limb condition at 30% WPI. Private Harris also has one mental health condition compensated at 10% WPI.
To find Private Harris’ baseline, only the highest lower limb rating is counted. The mental health impairment rating is also counted, as it is the single, mental health functional loss impairment.
The DRCA PI WPI percentage ratings expressed as impairment points are therefore 30 points and 10 points. These impairment points are then combined using scale 18.1 in Chapter 18 – Combined Values. Private Harris’ baseline is 37 impairment points.
Example 3 – Warrant Officer Williams
WO Williams is a VEA and DRCA client. Under the VEA, her accepted conditions are PTSD, bruxism, tinea and bilateral shoulder osteoarthritis. She is receiving a VEA DCP of 100%, which is 65 points (unrounded) under GARP V.
Under the DRCA, her accepted conditions are PTSD, bruxism, tinea, bilateral shoulder osteoarthritis and lumbar spondylosis. Lumbar spondylosis is the only condition unique to the DRCA and PI was paid for 10% WPI which is expressed as 10 impairment points.
To find WO Williams’ baseline, the VEA GARP V points and unique DRCA PI ratings expressed as impairment points are combined, from highest to lowest, using scale 18.1 in Chapter 18 – Combined Values.
Example 4 - Major Smith
Major Smith has a loss of efficient use (LOEU) rating of 20% for a lower limb condition under the 1971 Act. LOEU ratings are not counted towards the baseline impairment rating. Major Smith’s baseline is therefore 0 impairment points.