On July 20, 2010, the Board of Directors approved amendments to policy item #39.12, Enhancement, and policy item #39.13, Devaluation, of the Rehabilitation Services & Claims Manual, Volume II (“RS&CM”).

The policy changes clarify when permanent disability awards are enhanced or devalued. Changes to policy item #39.12 provide that enhancement:

• Applies to bilateral disabilities involving both arms, or both legs
• Applies to disabilities that impede assisted ambulation
• Does not apply to two or more disabilities of the spinal column
• Is only applied to awards assessed under the Permanent Disability Evaluation Schedule

Policy item #39.13, Devaluation, has been revised to delete the devaluation formula and add a statement that multiple disabilities involving one limb cannot exceed the amputation value of that limb.

As well, the Board of Directors approved consequential amendments to policy item
 #39.21, Amputation of Digits of the Hand, and policy item #39.32, Thumb Restrictions, of the RS&CM.

The amendments came into effect on January 1, 2011 and apply to all decisions made on or after that date.