Case study: Functional Capacity Assessment for Multiple Sclerosis.

The presentation

An adult in their 30s, working part-time, diagnosed with relapsing-remitting Multiple Sclerosis four years ago. Independent on a good day, but afternoon fatigue and post-exertional cognitive slowing significantly reduce capacity from about 2 PM onwards. Past plan-review history: previous supports approved at a level appropriate for 'best-day' functioning, leaving the participant under-supported on flare days.

What the FCA documented

Functional capacity assessed across three diary windows — early morning (high capacity), afternoon (declining), and post-flare recovery (low). Standardised scoring (WHODAS 2.0, Modified Fatigue Impact Scale) anchored the variability. Mobility section documented safe transfers in the morning but contact-guard supervision needed for transfers after 3 PM. Self-management section documented preserved planning in the morning, executive fatigue by mid-afternoon. Each section described capacity at both ends of the participant's daily curve.

What was recommended

Why the report was defensible

Recommendations were anchored to documented evidence — every support hour mapped to a specific functional limitation documented in the assessment, with the time-of-day pattern made explicit. The NDIS Act reasonable-and-necessary mapping was set out section-by-section. No claims were made that exceeded the documented evidence.

Compliance note

All names, ages, locations and biographical details have been changed or removed. No real participant data is shown. Funding outcomes are illustrative — no NDIS outcome is guaranteed by FCA Reports Australia.