Division of Energy Employees Occupational Illness Compensation (DEEOIC)

Emphysema, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), Bronchitis, Asbestosis, Chronic Respiratory condition must have the following reported within the past twelve months before impairment rating can take place:

Note from Physician with the following information

  • Current symptoms
  • Physical exam findings of the area(s) affected
  • Current treatment(s) including prescriptions
  • Pulmonary Function Test (PFT) with DLCO with pre/post bronchodilator

The 12 month requirement ensures that the Division of Energy Employees Occupational Illness Compensation (DEEOIC) submits the most current information available to the physician conducting the impairment rating. Without a PFT, a physician must rely solely on the detrimental effect that the ratable respiratory disease has on the employee’s ability to perform activities of daily living. The application of PFT results in an impairment rating allows for a more precise and objective impairment assessment, based on Table 5-12 of the AMA Guides to the Evaluation of Permanent Impairment, 5th Edition.*

Excerpt from BULLETIN NO. 19-02