Permanency Ratings are used in Workers’ Compensation cases.

A permanency rating (also known as a Partial Permanent Disability or “PPD” rating) is a doctor’s rating for loss of use, range of motion, strength, sensation, etc., to an arm, leg, eye, etc.  The rating is given when a doctor determines that the patient has reached “maximum medical improvement” — sometimes referred to as “MMI” or “stationary and plateaued” — and is not likely to get much better or worse.

Under Virginia law, a PPD rating is to be based upon American Medical Association (AMA) guidelines, so only medical doctors — as opposed to chiropractors, physical therapists, occupational therapists or other non-medical doctors — can perform these ratings.

As an example, the amputation of a leg would yield a PPD rating of 100%, whereas losing half the use of a leg may result in a permanency rating of 50%.

In a future post we will explain how a PPD rating is used to determine an award amount in a workers’ compensation case. If you or someone you know has been injured in an on-the-job accident and there are questions as to what laws apply, email or call Abrams Landau, Ltd. at once (703-796-9555).  Do not delay, as there are certain time deadlines which must be met.