Impairment rating and disability evaluation of the pulmonary system

An increasing number of patients are being seen by physicians for impairment and disability of the pulmonary system, partially because of the increasing prevalence of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and increased awareness of industrial and environmental hazards to the respiratory system. As legislative efforts and social expectations towards entitlement and compensation become more permissive, an increasing number of individuals with respiratory impairment are claiming disability and seeking compensation. Consequently, the physician whose practice includes pulmonary rehabilitation may be expected to evaluate and rate impairment and disability of the pulmonary system. Fortunately, for respiratory disorders, excellent objective measures of pulmonary function exist that are readily applicable to the process of disability assessment. This article highlights the diagnostic procedures and assessment criteria of choice for pulmonary disability determination.