How is the enhancement factor applied when a compensable lung condition affects a non-compensable heart disease?
When, at the same time, a worker has both: 1) a compensable permanent impairment of the respiratory system, and 2) a disabling degree of non-compensable heart disease, the WCB considers that the compensable impairment of lung function affects the non-compensable heart disease. The non-compensable heart disease may pre-exist or be diagnosed after the compensable lung condition. In recognition of the resulting increased disability, the WCB applies an enhancement factor of 50% of the permanent clinical impairment rating assigned to the respiratory disease. For example, if the permanent clinical impairment rating assigned to the worker’s compensable respiratory condition is 35%, the enhancement factor is 17.5%. If the clinical impairment for the compensable respiratory condition increases, the enhancement factor will be increased proportionately, provided the combined value does not exceed 100% impairment. Limitations The worker’s benefit entitlement for the non-compensable heart disease i
