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©2013 UpToDate ® Print Email The American Medical Association classification scheme for respiratory impairment Parameter* Class 1 (no impairment of thewhole person) Class 2 (10 to 25%, moderateimpairment of the whole person) Class 3 (30 to 45%, moderateimpairment of the whole person) Class 4 (50 to 100%, severeimpairment of the whole person) FVC ≥80%predicted 60 to 79% predicted 51 to 59% predicted ≤50%predicted and or or or FEV1 predicted ≥80%predicted 60 to 79% predicted 51 to 59% predicted ≤40%predicted and or or or FEV1/FVC x 100 ≥70% 60 to 69% 41 to 59% ≤40% and or or or DLCOsb ≥80%predicted 60 to 79% predicted 41 to 59% predicted ≤40%predicted and or or or VO2 max ≥25mL/(kg min) Between 20 and 25 mL/(kg min) Between 15 and 20 mL/(kg min) <15 mL/(kg min) FVC: forced vital capacity; FEV1: forced expiratory volume in the first second; DLCOsb: single-breath carbon monoxide diffusing capacity of the lungs; V02 max: maximum aerobic power. * Predicted values based on height, age, and sex of white Americans. These prediction values should be used when applying the American Medical Association criteria for respiratory impairment. Adapted from Guidelines to the Evaluation of Permanent Impairment, 3. Chicago, American Medical Association, 1988, p.107.