Permanent partial disability (PPD)

I recently received a Notice of Closure and I was awarded permanent partial disability (PPD). What is PPD?

Permanent partial disability is the permanent loss of use or function of any portion of your body resulting from your accepted conditions. PPD is based on a formula set by law and administrative rule and is not a settlement of your claim.

How does the insurer determine the amount of permanent partial disability I was awarded?

When your accepted conditions are determined to be medically stationary, the insurer can close your claim. An examination is conducted to determine if you have a permanent loss of use or function of any portion of your body as a result of your accepted conditions. The medical provider describes your permanent loss of use or function and the insurer uses these findings to rate your permanent disability using the standards set by law and the administrative rules.

The award of permanent disability is comprised of an impairment rating and work disability if you cannot return to your regular work due to the accepted conditions.

• Impairment measures your loss of use or function (e.g., strength loss, decreased range of motion, amputation, surgery, or sensory loss) of your accepted conditions.
• Work disability is awarded only when you cannot return to your regular work due to the accepted conditions. Work disability is based on your age, education, and vocational factors, including your job skills and nature of your regular work.

What if I disagree with the permanent partial disability (PPD) award?

If you disagree with the PPD award, you have the right to appeal the closure by asking the Workers' Compensation Division for reconsideration within 60 days from the mailing date printed in Box 1 on the front of the Notice of Closure. If you do not appeal within 60 days, you will lose all rights to appeal your claim closure. Your appeal rights and the mailing address to send your appeal are printed on the back of the Notice of Closure.

What is reconsideration?

Reconsideration is a Workers' Compensation Division review of the Notice of Closure. WCD will review the claim documents the insurer used to rate your permanent partial disability and may schedule an arbiter examination to obtain an additional medical opinion regarding your accepted conditions. We encourage you to seek legal representation when requesting reconsideration. Refer to: Need legal advice.