Which term describes a permanent disability where the worker cannot perform any job?

Which term describes a permanent disability where the worker cannot perform any job?

• A. Temporary Total Disability
• B. Permanent Total Disability
• C. Permanent Partial Disability
• D. Temporary Partial Disability

Answer: (B)

In workers’ compensation, disabilities are sorted by how long they last and how much work capacity remains. A permanent total disability is when the injury or condition lasts indefinitely and leaves the worker unable to perform any job for which they are reasonably suited by education, training, or experience. That total loss of earning capacity across all suitable occupations is what makes it “permanent” and “total.” This differs from a permanent partial disability, which is a permanent impairment but still allows some work capacity, and from temporary disabilities (whether total or partial), which are expected to improve or resolve with time.

In workers’ compensation, disabilities are sorted by how long they last and how much work capacity remains. A permanent total disability is when the injury or condition lasts indefinitely and leaves the worker unable to perform any job for which they are reasonably suited by education, training, or experience. That total loss of earning capacity across all suitable occupations is what makes it “permanent” and “total.”

This differs from a permanent partial disability, which is a permanent impairment but still allows some work capacity, and from temporary disabilities (whether total or partial), which are expected to improve or resolve with time.