The percentage of medical disability is a percentage of disability determined by a physician of the National Insurance Institute (or of the Medical Board for General Disability) for medical impairments, depending on their severity. The percentage is established according to a list of impairments, which include a range of impairments with various degree of severity and percentages. Thus, for instance, a percentage of 10% is established for a minor high blood pressure, and 40 % for acute high blood pressure with repercussions on the heart's health.
The percentage of medical disability does not entitle in itself to a disability pension, but is a necessary prerequisite for determining the loss of earning capacity and the degree of incapacity. The overall percentage of medical disability must be of significant severity in order to enable the assessment of the degree of incapacity.
The degree of incapacity, expressed in percentages, shows to what extent (full, partial or null) did the disabled lose his capacity to work and earn a living. Concerning a housewife, her capacity to function in her household is examined. An individual will be entitled to a disability pension only if he was determined a degree of incapacity. Among the main factors influencing the degree of incapacity are the medical disability and its severity, education, occupation, employment history.
Assessment of capacity loss involves 4 degrees: 60%, 65%, 74% and 100%. A degree of incapacity rated at 100% entitles an individual to the maximum allowance rate.