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The Impairment Tables (1.1.I.10) have been reviewed to ensure that they are consistent with contemporary medical and rehabilitation practice. From 1 January 2012, revised Impairment Tables are to be used for the assessment of new DSP claims and reviews.
The Guidelines to the Impairment Tables have been updated to reflect the 1 January 2012 changes.
The Guidelines provide further explanation of the Impairment Tables and include background information as well as case studies.
Guidelines to the Tables for the Assessment of Work-related Impairment for DSP (from 1 January 2012) - Adobe Acrobat pdf format
Act reference: Social Security (Tables for the Assessment of Work-related Impairment for Disability Support Pension) Determination 2011
The Guide to the Impairment Tables (prior to 1 January 2012) should be referred to for claims, reviews or appeals that have a date of claim before 1 January 2012.
A Guide to the Tables for the Assessment of Work-Related Impairment for DSP (prior to 1 January 2012) - Rich Text format
A Guide to the Tables for the Assessment of Work-Related Impairment for DSP (prior to 1 January 2012) - Adobe Acrobat pdf format
Act reference: SSAct pre-1 January 2012 Schedule 1B Tables for the assessment of work-related impairment for disability support pension
The objective of these Guidelines is to assist in the application of Tables for the Assessment of Work-Related Impairment for Disability Support Pension (the Tables).
The Tables and the rules to be complied with in applying them, are contained in the Social Security (Tables for the Assessment of Work-related Impairment for Disability Support Pension) Determination 2011 (the Determination) made by the Minister under the applicable provisions of the SSAct.
These Guidelines do not in any way alter or substitute the contents of the Tables and the rules for their application contained in the Determination. They are intended to provide assistance in interpreting these rules and the Tables' contents, consistent with their intent.
It should be emphasised that the Determination is the primary instrument to be used when applying the Tables while these Guidelines are a supporting source. As such, the Determination is always to be used when assessing impairments with the Guidelines to be used if further assistance in applying the provisions of the Determination is required.
Note: The Determination must always be used when assessing impairment. The Guidelines alone must never be used in applying the Tables.
To reflect these dependencies, the structure of the Guidelines corresponds with the structure of the Determination.
Although examples have been used in the Guidelines to assist in applying the Tables, it is emphasised that these examples are not intended to be strictly prescriptive for the purpose of assessing functional impact of impairment caused by medical conditions. Functional impact of each person's impairment must be assessed on an individual basis to account for the varying levels of impact a particular medical condition and its resulting impairment may have on different people.
Act reference: Social Security (Tables for the Assessment of Work-related Impairment for Disability Support Pension) Determination 2011
This section contains the following topics:
3.6.3.05 Guidelines to the Rules for Applying the Impairment Tables
3.6.3.07 Case Examples of Table Use for Permanent Conditions
3.6.3.10 Guidelines to Table 1 - Functions Requiring Physical Exertion & Stamina
3.6.3.20 Guidelines to Table 2 - Upper Limb Function
3.6.3.30 Guidelines to Table 3 - Lower Limb Function
3.6.3.40 Guidelines to Table 4 - Spinal Function
3.6.3.50 Guidelines to Table 5 - Mental Health Function
3.6.3.60 Guidelines to Table 6 - Functioning Related to Alcohol, Drug & Other Substance Use
3.6.3.70 Guidelines to Table 7 - Brain Function
3.6.3.80 Guidelines to Table 8 - Communication Function
3.6.3.90 Guidelines to Table 9 - Intellectual Function
3.6.3.100 Guidelines to Table 10 - Digestive & Reproductive Function
3.6.3.110 Guidelines to Table 11 - Hearing & Other Functions of the Ear
3.6.3.120 Guidelines to Table 12 - Visual Function
3.6.3.130 Guidelines to Table 13 - Continence Function
3.6.3.140 Guidelines to Table 14 - Functions of the Skin
3.6.3.150 Guidelines to Table 15 - Functions of Consciousness
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Last reviewed: 1 June 2012
