What is Considered Evidence of Permanency?
Key Elements of a Strong Evidence of Permanency Report
Clear Diagnosis and Description: The report should include a clear diagnosis, the method used to reach the diagnosis, and detailed descriptions of the symptoms and impacts.
Statement of Permanency: The report must explicitly state that the condition is permanent or likely to be permanent, avoiding vague language like "long-term" without further clarification.
Details on Treatments Tried and Their Effectiveness: Outline the treatments attempted, their outcomes, and reasons why no further treatment can alter the course of the condition.
Professional Credentials: The report should come from a health professional qualified to diagnose or manage the condition. Depending on the disability, this might be a GP, neurologist, psychiatrist, psychologist, occupational therapist, etc.
Focus on Functional Impact: Tie the evidence of permanency to the daily challenges the participant faces. This gives context to how the permanency of the condition limits the person’s ability to function independently.
What to Avoid in Permanency Evidence
Ambiguous or weak statements: Such as “the condition is severe” without mentioning that it is permanent or unlikely to improve significantly.
Lack of professional backing: Reports that aren’t signed or provided by a qualified healthcare professional won’t be considered valid evidence.
Over-reliance on participant self-reports: Self-reports are valuable but must be corroborated by a professional assessment.
Example of Strong Evidence Statement
To illustrate what a strong report might look like, here’s an example excerpt:
“Patient X has a diagnosis of Spinal Cord Injury resulting from a traumatic accident in 2018. This diagnosis was made by a spinal surgeon at the Royal Rehabilitation Hospital based on MRI and clinical findings. The injury is permanent, resulting in a loss of function in both lower limbs. While ongoing physiotherapy is recommended to maintain the current level of mobility, substantial improvement beyond current function is not anticipated. The patient will continue to require wheelchair mobility, daily assistance with transfers, and support with personal care due to the irreversible nature of the injury.”
This example clearly establishes the permanency of the disability, includes a statement from a qualified professional, and addresses the lack of further curative options.
Final Checklist for Evidence of Permanency
✔ Clearly defined diagnosis and when it was made.
✔ Professional opinion on the disability being permanent or lifelong.
✔ Description of past and current treatments and outcomes.
✔ Details showing that no significant further improvement is expected.
✔ Qualified professional’s credentials and signature.