CICA Claims

Tariff-Based Evaluations

Expert psychiatric evaluation for Tariff-Based Evaluations assessing the severity and duration of mental injury under the Criminal Injuries Compensation Scheme. We provide CPR Part 35 compliant evidence with Urgent reports available, subject to expert availability and documentation access.

Section 12 Approved Psychiatrists
CPR Part 35 Compliant
Urgent Reports Available

Expert Type

  • Consultant Forensic Psychiatrist
  • Consultant Clinical Psychologist
  • Consultant Neuropsychologist

Applicable Law

  • Criminal Injuries Compensation Scheme 2012
  • Civil Procedure Rules (CPR) Part 35
  • Human Rights Act 1998
  • Mental Health Act 1983 (as amended)

When Needed

This evaluation is essential when a victim of violent crime seeks financial compensation for a disabling mental illness through the CICA.

What Is a Tariff-Based Evaluation?

A Tariff-Based Evaluation is a specialized clinical assessment designed to quantify the severity and duration of a psychological injury following a criminal act. The CICA Scheme requires expert evidence to determine if a claimant meets the specific thresholds for a financial award based on statutory compensation bands.

The assessment focuses on whether the claimant suffers from a disabling mental illness, as opposed to temporary anxiety or distress. Our experts categorize the condition into tariff levels that correlate with the impact on the individual’s daily life and the expected duration of their symptoms.

  • Disabling mental illness — the requirement for a diagnosed condition that significantly impairs daily functioning
  • Clinical diagnosis — formal identification of conditions such as PTSD or depression using ICD-11 criteria
  • Duration of symptoms — categorisation of the injury as lasting 6-28 weeks, 28 weeks to 2 years, 2-5 years, or permanent
  • Causation — establishing a clear clinical link between the criminal incident and the psychiatric presentation
  • Pre-existing conditions — identifying and accounting for prior mental health history to determine the extent of new trauma
  • Prognosis — expert opinion on the likelihood of recovery and the necessity for future psychological intervention

Our experts provide CPR Part 35 compliant reports that are specifically structured to meet the evidentiary requirements of the CICA and the First-tier Tribunal. These evaluations ensure that the forensic evidence accurately reflects the claimant’s functional impairment and psychological needs.

The resulting opinion provides a robust clinical formulation and prognosis, which is vital for legal representatives to secure the correct statutory award under the current compensation framework.

Key Assessment Components

Our assessment evaluates the following areas:

Clinical Interview

A comprehensive assessment of the claimant’s psychiatric history and current mental state following the incident.

Diagnostic Formulation

Formal diagnosis using ICD-11 / DSM-5-TR criteria to validate the claim for a disabling mental illness.

Functional Assessment

Detailed analysis of how the mental illness impairs the claimant’s occupational, social, and domestic functioning.

Causation Analysis

Expert opinion on the etiology of psychiatric symptoms relative to the criminal offence versus other life stressors.

Tariff Alignment

Precise matching of clinical findings with CICA tariff descriptions to ensure accurate compensation banding.

Rehabilitative Recommendations

Identification of future treatment needs, such as trauma-focused therapy, to support the claimant’s long-term recovery.

Conditions That May Affect This Assessment

A range of psychiatric and psychological conditions can affect this assessment. These include:

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)
Major Depressive Disorder
Complex PTSD (C-PTSD)
Adjustment Disorders
Panic Disorder

The clinical presentation can vary significantly over time, requiring an expert who understands symptom fluctuation in trauma survivors.

Assessment Process

  1. Instruction Received

    We review the Letter of Instruction and relevant CICA documentation to ensure the scope of the evaluation is clearly defined.

  2. Expert Matched

    We select the most appropriate forensic psychiatrist or psychologist based on the specific nature of the trauma and the claimant’s needs.

  3. Assessment Conducted

    A thorough clinical examination is performed, including a review of medical records to establish a longitudinal view of the injury.

  4. Report Delivered

    A comprehensive, CPR Part 35 compliant report is delivered, categorizing the injury according to the CICA tariff system.

Turnaround Times

Urgency Level Timescale
Standard Report 4-6 weeks from assessment
Priority Report 1-2 weeks
Urgent Report 1-4 days
We offer urgent reports for Tariff-Based Evaluations to meet tight CICA or Tribunal deadlines.

What’s Included in the Report

ICD-11 / DSM-5-TR Diagnosis
Detailed Symptom Chronology
Review of GP and Psychiatric Records
Analysis of Occupational Impact
Assessment of Social and Domestic Functioning
Pre-existing Condition Differential
CICA Tariff Band Recommendation
Estimated Duration of Symptoms
Prognosis and Recovery Estimates
CPR Part 35 Statement of Truth

Our reports are designed for use in both initial CICA applications and appeals to the First-tier Tribunal.

Frequently Asked Questions

Need a Tariff-Based Evaluation Report?

Contact us today for expert forensic reports tailored to the CICA tariff system. We provide CVs and transparent quotes promptly upon enquiry.