When a work injury leaves lasting effects even after you've healed as much as you're going to, you may be entitled to permanent disability (PD) benefits. PD compensates you for the permanent impact of the injury on your body and your ability to earn a living.
"Permanent and stationary" comes first
PD is evaluated once your condition is permanent and stationary (P&S) — also called reaching maximal medical improvement. That's the point where your doctor decides your condition has stabilized and further significant recovery isn't expected.
How impairment becomes a rating
At P&S, a doctor assigns an impairment rating using the AMA Guides. That number is then adjusted for your occupation and age and run through California's rating formula to produce a final permanent disability percentage, from 1% to 100%. That percentage determines how many weeks of PD payments you receive and at what rate.
What the percentage means
- A higher percentage means more weeks of benefits and a larger total award.
- 100% PD is total permanent disability and can mean lifetime payments.
- The dollar value per point is set by statute and depends on your injury date.
Because the rating drives the entire value of this part of your claim, disputes over impairment are common — and they're often resolved through a QME or AME evaluation.
Apportionment
California allows apportionment — dividing your disability between the work injury and other causes (like a prior injury or a pre-existing condition). The insurer only pays for the share caused by the work injury. How apportionment is calculated is frequently contested, and it can significantly change your award.
Job displacement help
If your injury prevents you from returning to your old job and your employer doesn't offer suitable modified work, you may also qualify for a Supplemental Job Displacement Benefit — a voucher for retraining or education. See our return-to-work guide.