Criteria: Table 5-12 Impairment Classification for Respiratory Diseases, Using Pulmonary Function and Exercise Test Results (107), Table 5-2b Normal FVC for Men (95), Table 5-3b Normal FVC for Women (96), Table 5-4b Normal FEV1 for Men (97), Table 5-5b Normal FEV1 for Women (98), Table 5-6b Normal Diffusing Capacity for Men (99), Table 5-7b Normal Diffusing Capacity for Women (100).
Guidance: Permanent impairment evaluation is based on Section 5.4d, Examinations, Clinical Studies, and Other Tests for Evaluating Respiratory Disease ( 91-102); Section 5.8, Pneumoconiosis (106); and Section 5.10, Permanent Impairment Due to Respiratory Disorders (107-111). Table 5-12, Impairment Classification for Respiratory Disorders, Using Pulmonary Function and Exercise Test Results (107), describes four classes of respiratory impairment determined by a person’s FVC, FEV1, FEV1/FVC (%), and Dco or by using the VO2max. The use of an exercise stress where the static tests of pulmonary function did not properly address the severity of the patient’s symptoms may be beneficial. There are broad ranges of impairment in Table 5-12; the examiner should consider the severity of the pulmonary function tests and the limitation on activities of daily living in determining where in the range of impairments the patient should be placed.
