module 7 part 1

Question 1

Define Permanent Disability (PD) in California WC.

Answer 1

Any lasting functional impairment that remains after Maximum Medical Improvement (MMI), affecting ability to compete in the open labor market.

Question 2

Define Whole Person Impairment (WPI).

Answer 2

A percentage rating from the AMA Guides that reflects how much an injury affects the person’s overall functioning of the whole body.

Question 3

How does PD differ from WPI?

Answer 3

WPI = medical impairment per AMA Guides; PD = adjusted rating that includes occupational and age factors per California schedule.

Question 4

Mnemonic for PD vs WPI

Answer 4

“W to P” — Whole → Permanent (WPI is converted into PD).

Question 5

What is the role of the AMA Guides in PD ratings?

Answer 5

Provides standardized criteria for calculating impairment percentages (WPI) before conversion to PD.

Question 6

Which AMA Guides edition is used in CA WC?

Answer 6

The AMA Guides, 5th Edition.

Question 7

What is conversion in this context?

Answer 7

The process of taking the medical WPI rating and adjusting it for occupation, age, and other statutory factors to arrive at a PD %.

Question 8

Mnemonic for conversion steps

Answer 8

“WOA” — Whole person, Occupation, Age.

Question 9

What is the Schedule for Rating Permanent Disabilities (2005 PDRS)?

Answer 9

California’s statutory system for converting WPI into PD considering age, occupation, and diminished earning capacity.

Question 10

Why is age included in PD ratings?

Answer 10

Older workers are assumed to have greater difficulty adapting to impairment, so PD increases with age.

Question 11

Why is occupation included in PD ratings?

Answer 11

Jobs with heavy physical demands are more affected by the same impairment than sedentary jobs, increasing PD rating.

Question 12

Example: 10% WPI for a secretary vs construction worker.

Answer 12

Secretary’s PD may remain 10%, but construction worker’s PD may increase to 20% due to occupational demands.

Question 13

What is DFEC (Diminished Future Earning Capacity) adjustment?

Answer 13

A statutory multiplier (from 2005 PDRS) applied to WPI to reflect loss of earning ability.

Question 14

Mnemonic for conversion formula

Answer 14

“WAD” — WPI × Adjustment (DFEC) × Demographics (age/occupation).

Question 15

What is the role of QME in PD rating?

Answer 15

Provide accurate WPI rating per AMA Guides; state impairments clearly so DEU can apply conversion formula.

Question 16

Can QME assign final PD %?

Answer 16

QMEs give WPI ratings; final PD % is calculated by Disability Evaluation Unit (DEU) or WCAB judge.

Question 17

What is standard rating?

Answer 17

The WPI after DFEC adjustment, before applying occupation and age modifiers.

Question 18

What is adjusted rating?

Answer 18

The final PD % after applying age and occupation modifiers.

Question 19

Example: 15% WPI in a 60-year-old laborer.

Answer 19

After DFEC, age, and occupation adjustments, the final PD may reach 30%.

Question 20

What is a rating string?

Answer 20

The calculation chain showing how WPI is converted step-by-step into final PD %.

Question 21

Mnemonic for rating string

Answer 21

“W → D → A → P” — WPI → DFEC → Age/Occupation → PD.

Question 22

Why is clarity important in WPI reporting?

Answer 22

Ambiguous or incomplete descriptions prevent proper conversion, leading to disputes.

Question 23

Can pain increase WPI?

Answer 23

Yes, under AMA Guides 5th, up to 3% WPI can be added for pain if documented.

Question 24

What is apportionment’s role in PD?

Answer 24

After PD % is calculated, apportionment is applied to determine what portion is industrial.

Question 25

Why must QMEs cite chapter/page of AMA Guides?

Answer 25

Ensures transparency and allows DEU/judge to verify rating methodology.