Is Permanent Partial Disability measurable until maximum medical improvement has been reached?

Is Permanent Partial Disability measurable until maximum medical improvement has been reached?

• A. FALSE
• B. SOMETIMES
• C. TRUE
• D. UNKNOWN

Answer: (C)

Permanent partial disability is assessed after the injury has stabilized at maximum medical improvement, meaning medical status is stable and further significant improvement with treatment is not expected. Because the impairment rating reflects a fixed, permanent loss of function, you can measure PPD only once MMI is reached; before that point, the condition may still change and the rating isn’t final. Once MMI is established, the permanent impairment is determined and translated into the partial disability amount. This makes the statement true.

Permanent partial disability is assessed after the injury has stabilized at maximum medical improvement, meaning medical status is stable and further significant improvement with treatment is not expected. Because the impairment rating reflects a fixed, permanent loss of function, you can measure PPD only once MMI is reached; before that point, the condition may still change and the rating isn’t final. Once MMI is established, the permanent impairment is determined and translated into the partial disability amount. This makes the statement true.