A 100% upper extremity impairment is what percentage of a whole person impairment?

A 100% upper extremity impairment is what percentage of a whole person impairment?

• A. 10%
• B. 1%
• C. 5%
• D. 3%

Answer: (D)

In California’s impairment rating system, the percentage for whole person impairment (WPI) is not the same as the limb’s impairment. A completely nonfunctional upper extremity contributes only a small portion to overall bodily function, so it maps to a relatively small WPI value. The standard conversion used in this framework assigns 3% Whole Person Impairment for a 100% impairment of the upper extremity. That’s why the correct choice is 3%. The other percentages would imply a much larger impact on overall function than the limb alone would justify under this rating schedule.

In California’s impairment rating system, the percentage for whole person impairment (WPI) is not the same as the limb’s impairment. A completely nonfunctional upper extremity contributes only a small portion to overall bodily function, so it maps to a relatively small WPI value. The standard conversion used in this framework assigns 3% Whole Person Impairment for a 100% impairment of the upper extremity. That’s why the correct choice is 3%. The other percentages would imply a much larger impact on overall function than the limb alone would justify under this rating schedule.