Review of Korean Disability Evaluation Systems and Suggestions for the Improvement Direction

Li, Zhe; Kang, Se Hoon; Lee, Soong Deok

Abstract

In case of accident, appropriate payment for the injured is important in the point of justice or even for the early social rehabilitation of the injured. To evaluate the exact status of the injured is the prerequisite for this. The physical status is converted to social or legal status using impairment or disability evaluation system. For this many different systems are used in Korea right now, that are several legislations such as 'Nation Compensation Law', or popular McBride and AMA(American Medical Association) guidelines. These guidelines are not similar in main idea or in detail items. Furthermore as these are from another country, these could not reflect our national status. Several national legislations are also far from appropriateness. There are many cases that showed different evaluation results depending on what guidelines are adopted. To overcome this irrational situation, many trials have been made to establish Korean guideline for the disability evaluation by different groups of specialists using different concepts. In this study the irrational status that showed different rating results depending on different guideline adopted were showed through several case works. With thorough review of the related materials, the pros and cons of the major systems in Korea were pointed out. Guideline suggested recently in Korea by different groups were also reviewed thoroughly. To know the points that must be considered in making new guideline, many specialists and business mans who are actively participating in compensation related works were questioned on the major topics. With the introduction of major concept in compensation medicine, author tried to present the plausible way for the improvement of our system. Author believe that this results would be helpful in making direction for the Korean guideline for the disability evaluation and contribute in settling down the social or legal dispute around the disability evaluation around us.