Permanent Partial Disability Benefits

What PPD Is

PPD refers to a condition where an employee has suffered a permanent impairment from a workplace injury or illness, but can still perform some, though not all, of their work duties.

Unlike temporary disability, which provides unemployment benefits while the injured worker is recovering, PPD benefits are available to workers who have reached maximum medical improvement (MMI) but are still experiencing lasting limitations. These impairments can limit various body parts and functions, including the use of limbs, sensory organs, and cognitive abilities.

Types of Injuries That Can Result in Permanent Partial Disability

PPD can be categorized as two main types:

• Scheduled Injuries: These refer to specific body parts listed in workers’ compensation schedules, such as arms, legs, hands, or feet. Each scheduled body part has a set amount of time (weeks) that compensation will be paid in cases of permanent partial disability.
• Non-Scheduled Injuries: These are impairments that do not fall under specific body parts listings, such as injuries to the spine or internal organs. Non-scheduled injuries can be more complex and may need a longer, more detailed evaluation of the effects on the worker’s ability to perform specific job-related tasks.

Eligibility for PPD Benefits

To be eligible for permanent partial disability benefits, an employee’s work-related injury or illness must be assessed by a medical professional, who’ll determine the degree of impairment.

The process of determining whether it’s permanent involves several steps:

• Initial Medical Treatment and Assessment: The injured worker receives medical treatment, and the treating physician monitors their recovery and determines the long-term impact of the injury or illness.
• Reaching MMI: Once the worker’s condition has stabilized and no further recovery can be expected, they’re considered to have reached MMI. It’s at this point that their doctor will assess their level of permanent impairment.
• Impairment Rating: The doctor assigns an impairment rating, typically expressed as a percentage, which represents the extent of the permanent disability. This rating is crucial in determining the specific dollar amount and the length of time that PPD benefits will be paid.

Filing Your PPD Claim

The process of filing a PPD claim involves several steps:

1. Notifying Your Employer: You must notify your employer about the injury as soon as possible. Prompt notification ensures that deadlines are met and the claim process begins promptly.
2. Securing Medical Documentation: Obtaining detailed medical records and your impairment rating from your physician are crucial steps for supporting your claim. You should also ensure that all relevant medical documentation is complete and accurate.
3. Submitting Your Claim: You or your representative will submit a workers’ compensation claim to your state unemployment agency or insurance carrier. This claim should include all necessary documentation, such as medical reports and evidence of your injury or illness.
4. The Claims Review and Decision: Your state’s workers’ compensation agency or insurance carrier will review your claim, including your medical records and impairment rating. Based on this review, they may request more information or an independent medical examination.
5. Benefit Determination: Once your claim is reviewed, the agency or carrier will determine your eligibility for PPD benefits and, if eligible, the dollar amount, and the duration of your benefits, and you’ll receive a notification of the decision.