Permanent disability with a rating less than 100% is called:

Permanent disability with a rating less than 100% is called:

• A. Permanent total disability
• B. Permanent partial disability
• C. Temporary total disability
• D. Temporary partial disability

Answer: (B)

Permanent partial disability is used when an injury leaves a lasting impairment that does not totalize the worker’s abilities. The impairment is rated as a percentage, and when that rating is less than 100%, the disability is permanent but not total. In other words, the person has a permanent impairment they must live with, yet there is still some functional capacity or potential to work with restrictions. This contrasts with permanent total disability, where the impairment is 100% and essentially eliminates earning capacity, and with temporary conditions where the impairment or loss of function is not expected to be permanent.

Permanent partial disability is used when an injury leaves a lasting impairment that does not totalize the worker’s abilities. The impairment is rated as a percentage, and when that rating is less than 100%, the disability is permanent but not total. In other words, the person has a permanent impairment they must live with, yet there is still some functional capacity or potential to work with restrictions. This contrasts with permanent total disability, where the impairment is 100% and essentially eliminates earning capacity, and with temporary conditions where the impairment or loss of function is not expected to be permanent.