With range of motion loss in multiple planes of the same joint the impairment ratings are added.When dealing with multiple hand values, the values are added.
Everything else is combined! NOTE: When combining is necessary, use the Combined Values Chart found in Section 15. Combining the largest figure with the next largest, and so on, is a good rule ‘to follow.
ExampleTo combine 35, 40, and 10: 40 combined with 35 = 61 61 combined with 10= 65
| 6.
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Pre-existing conditions may not be rated unless there is objectively documented
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evidence of an increased loss of function to the affected area as a result of the industrial injury.
| 7.
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For those permanent impairments that are subject to confirmation only through
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the administration of diagnostic tests and procedures that although characterized as subjective in nature, are generally accepted and used in the medical discipline involved, the injured employee is entitled to an impairment rating of 2% of the body as a whole. This rating cannot be added or combined to another impairment for a condition provided for in other sections of this Guide. For example, if an injured worker has a back injury and in addition has headaches as determined by subjective complaints, the headaches are not ratable since they are included in the rating allowed for the back injury and the impairment rating is only as determined by evaluating the back injury alone.
| 8.
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Employees shall be rated for a permanent impairment, if any, as of the date of
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maximum medical improvement or six weeks before the expiration of 104 weeks of temporary benefits, whichever occurs first, as provided for in Section
440. 15(3)(a)4.
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