What is permanent partial disability in US workers' comp?
Permanent partial disability (PPD) is a lasting impairment that partially, but not totally, limits your ability to work. After you reach maximum medical improvement, a physician assigns an impairment rating under the AMA Guides. The state converts that percentage into a number of compensable weeks paid at your PPD weekly rate.
How is a PPD award calculated?
For unscheduled (whole-body) injuries, most states multiply a statutory number of weeks (often 400-500 for the whole body) by your impairment percentage, then pay that many weeks at roughly 66 2/3% of your average weekly wage. Scheduled injuries (loss of a hand, arm, eye) use a fixed statutory week schedule instead.
What is the difference between scheduled and unscheduled PPD?
Scheduled awards apply to specific body parts listed in the statute (arm, leg, finger, eye) and pay a fixed number of weeks for the loss or loss of use of that part. Unscheduled awards apply to injuries not on the schedule (back, neck, internal) and are based on your whole-person impairment percentage or loss of earning capacity.
Is my PPD weekly rate capped?
Yes. Every state sets a maximum weekly compensation rate tied to the statewide average weekly wage. Even if 66 2/3% of your wage is higher, your PPD rate is capped at the state maximum, and there is also a statutory minimum for very low earners.