Permanent Partial Disability (PPD)
If, at the end of the healing period, there is a permanent impairment to one of the parts of the body listed below, the employee may be entitled to receive a set period of benefits without regard to his or her ability to earn wages. Total loss of use of the body part entitles the employee to his or her weekly compensation rate (equal to two-thirds of his or her average weekly wage, up to the applicable maximum weekly compensation rate), multiplied by the number of weeks shown following the body part below. Benefits for less than total loss are figured on a percentage basis. For example, a 20 percent permanent impairment rating of the index finger is calculated as follows: 45 weeks x .20 = 9 weeks of compensation at the employee’s weekly compensation rate.
| Part of Body | Number of Weeks | Part of Body | Number of Weeks |
|---|---|---|---|
| Thumb | 75 weeks | Arm | 240 weeks |
| First or index finger | 45 weeks | Foot | 144 weeks |
| Second or middle finger | 40 weeks | Leg | 200 weeks |
| Third or ring finger | 25 weeks | Eye | 120 weeks |
| Fourth or little finger | 20 weeks | Hearing (one ear) | 70 weeks |
| Great toe | 35 weeks | Hearing (both ears) | 150 weeks |
| Any other toe | 10 weeks | Back | 300 weeks |
| Hand | 200 weeks |
The percentage of disability is determined based on physicians’ ratings of the percentage of physical permanent impairment. If the employee is dissatisfied with the treating physician’s rating, he or she may obtain the “second opinion” of another doctor limited solely to the percentage of the impairment rating. The employee is entitled to a single second opinion rating by a doctor of his or her choice at the employer’s expense. If there is a dispute between physicians regarding impairment ratings, either party may file a Form 33 to request a hearing and the Commission will determine the percentage of disability. The Industrial Commission Rating Guide can provide guidance as to the appropriate impairment rating.