Minnesota Administrative Rules

5223.0180 RESPIRATORY SYSTEM.

Subpart 1.

Evaluation procedures.

The procedures used in evaluating permanent partial disability of the respiratory system shall include the following:

A.

complete history and physical examination with special reference to cardiopulmonary symptoms and signs;

B.

chest roentgenography (posteroanterior in full inspiration, posteroanterior in full expiration timed, three seconds, lateral);

C.

hematocrit or hemoglobin determination;

D.

electrocardiogram;

E.

performance of the following tests of ventilation:

(1)

one second forced expiratory volume (FEV1), expressed as a percentage of the normal values set forth in the A.M.A. Guides, pages 69 and 71;

(2)

forced vital capacity (FVC), expressed as a percentage of the normal values set forth in the A.M.A. Guides, pages 70 and 72;

F.

diffusing capacity studies must be performed when complaints of dyspnea continue unabated in spite of forced spirometric measurement results above the cutoff limits.

Subp. 2.

Measurement of respiratory loss of function.

Table 1 shall be used to calculate the percentage of disability of the whole body due to permanent partial disability of the respiratory system.

TABLE 1

Symptoms	Forced Spirometry Measurements 1/2 (FEV1 + FVC) (Test three times)	Diffusing Capacity*	Percent Disability of Whole Body
When dyspnea occurs, is consistent with the circumstances of activity.	Not less than 85 percent of normal	Not Applicable	0
Dyspnea does not occur at rest and seldom occurs during the performance of the usual activities of daily living.	70 to 85 percent of normal	Not Applicable	15
Dyspnea does not occur at rest but does occur during the usual activities of daily living.	50 to 70 percent of normal	Usually Not Applicable	30
Dyspnea occurs during activities such as climbing one flight of stairs or walking one block on the level.	25 to 50 percent of normal	40 percent or less of normal	60
Confined to bed and oxygen dependent.	Less than 25 percent of normal	20 percent or less of normal	85

* The diffusing capacity studies must be performed when complaints of dyspnea continue unabated in spite of forced spirometric measurement results above the cutoff limits set forth in Table 1.

Subp. 3.

Asthma.

Asthma which is not medically controllable and which requires at least six hospitalizations in 12 months, 25 percent.

Statutory Authority:

MS s 176.105

History:

10 SR 1124

Published Electronically:

August 7, 2013