Overview of Disability Ratings
Workers' compensation disability ratings quantify the extent of an employee's injury‑related impairment and determine the compensation owed. Ratings are expressed as a percentage of whole‑body impairment, reflecting loss of earning capacity and the need for medical care.
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Permanent Total (PT) vs. Permanent Partial (PP)
Permanent Total (PT) indicates the worker can no longer perform any gainful employment in any occupation. Compensation typically includes full wage replacement until retirement. Permanent Partial (PP) means the worker retains the ability to work in some capacity; benefits are calculated based on the impairment percentage and may be paid as a lump sum or periodic payments.
Temporary Total (TT) and Temporary Partial (TP)
Temporary Total (TT) applies while the employee is completely unable to work during the recovery phase but is expected to return to work. Benefits mirror wage loss for the duration of the disability. Temporary Partial (TP) covers periods when the worker can perform limited duties and receives a proportion of wages based on the reduced work output.
Rating Scales and Determination
Most states follow the American Medical Association (AMA) Guides to the Evaluation of Permanent Impairment, which assign numeric values to specific injuries. The final rating combines multiple body‑part impairments using a formula that reduces the overall percentage as more areas are added.
Key Factors Influencing the Rating
- Nature and severity of the injury
- Medical evidence and physician assessments
- Occupational demands of the claimant's prior job
- State-specific statutes and guidelines
Comparison of Common Rating Types
| Rating Type | Typical Duration | Compensation Basis |
|---|---|---|
| Permanent Total (PT) | Indefinite, often until retirement | Full wage replacement |
| Permanent Partial (PP) | Indefinite, may end with age‑related retirement | Impairment percentage of wages |
| Temporary Total (TT) | Weeks to months, until medical clearance | Actual lost wages |
| Temporary Partial (TP) | Weeks to months, concurrent with reduced work | Proportional wage loss |
What Claimants Should Verify
Review the medical reports used to calculate the rating, confirm the correct AMA guide edition was applied, and check state-specific rules for benefit calculations. If discrepancies appear, request a peer review or file an appeal with the workers' compensation board.