Guidelines for the assessment of permanent impairment Version 3

Specific Interpretation of the AMA 5 Guides8.7 The claimant needs to bring to the assessment the results of recent investigations that havedetermined the lung function parameters listed at 8.3 above. It is anticipated that some workerswill also have had their maximum oxygen consumption assessed.Asthma (AMA 5 Guides, Section 5.5)8.8 In assessing permanent impairment arising from occupational asthma, the assessor will requireevidence from the treating physician that:⎺⎺at least three lung function tests have been performed over a six month period and that theresults were consistent and repeatable over that period;the worker has received maximal treatment and is compliant with his/her medication regimen.8.9 Bronchial challenge testing should not be performed as part of the impairment assessment, thereforein AMA 5 Guides, Table 5-9 (p 104) ignore column four (PC20 mg/mL or equivalent, etc).8.10 Permanent impairment due to asthma is rated by the score for the best post-bronchodilator forcedexpiratory volume in one second (FEV1) (score in column 2, AMA 5 Guides, Table 5-9) plus per centof FEV1 (score in column 3) plus minimum medication required (score in column 5). The total scorederived is then used to assess the percent impairment in AMA 5 Guides, Table 5-10 (p 104).Obstructive sleep apnoea (AMA 5 Guides, Section 5.6)8.11 This section needs to be read in conjunction with AMA 5 Guides, Section 11.4 (p 259) and Section13.3c (p 317).8.12 Before permanent impairment can be assessed, the person must have appropriate assessment andtreatment by an ear, nose and throat surgeon and a respiratory physician who specialises in sleepdisorders.8.13 Degree of permanent impairment due to sleep apnoea should be calculated with reference to AMA5 Guides, Table 13-4 (p 317).Hypersensitivity pneumonitis (AMA 5 Guides, Section 5.7)8.14 Permanent impairment arising from disorders included in this section are assessed according to theimpairment classification in AMA 5 Guides Table 5-12.WCT Guidelines 1 October 2011 55