170 day absence in a single year

Hi all,

It will be great to hear from someone who's been in a similar situation, or has some insight.

I'm currently on a Tier 1 General visa.
In one of the qualifying years 2013-14 I have an absence of 170 days (broken up as: 160 days + 10days).
I was on an unpaid sabbatical during this time, for which I have a letter from my previous employer, with whom I continued my employment upon return.
On the ILR Form it says to supply : "Evidence of all work-related absences (including paid annual leave) is required from those applying under Tier 1 (General); ..."
This was obviously not a work-related absence nor paid annual leave. Can anyone confirm if it's at all okay to have a long unexplained absence still under 180 days, or are the UKVI going to give me a hard time about this?

thanks in advance!

*bump*
to put it simply the only question is:
a maximum of 180 days absence is allowed in a single year, but does it have to be work-related or on compassionate grounds? Or can it be for any reason whatsoever?

thanks!