Workers' Compensation Discussion Forums

Can someone explain the ratings to me and the other abbreviations. thanks

Ratings for what?

And it would matter to what State this is in...

as Boy says most work comp information depends on the state.
In regard to work injuries some states have an additional class of benefits (other then wage replacement monies) that are based on impairment and disability and some states use a combination of wage loss and impairment. Generally there are 2 ratings given in impairment states . The first is an impairment rating given by a physician based on the physical or functional loss with 100% designating those that cannot work at any job for the rest of their life. the second rating is a modification of the first and is called a disability rating. The impairment rating is used along with a state mandated conversion/calculation formula to generate benefit payments. It is usually given by the state comp commission.
all states have website where you can get information about either of the two ratings that might be used.
P.S. are you posting under different User IDs?

Sorry im in IL, had to change my user id.

1171 (and anyone else who knows ),
Would you be able to help me find the best website for my state (VA), where I can get the information re. either of these two types of ratings. I've had a difficult time finding much information regarding these 2 different types of ratings and how they are used etc.

As for my situation, the Dr. that did my MMI did 2 things. 1st, he rated both of my legs, for their permanent nerve damage. Then, he filled out a form re. what I could do as for work. He told me and my NCM, that he was going to rate both of my legs using the highest level allowed, using the AMA guide for patients who had multiple fusions, with complications. Then, as far as the work form went, he noted that I would not be able to work anywhere again. So, I am trying to figure out what that means for my future. I know they will have to pay my medical for life...but will they have to pay my weekly checks for life too, since I can not work anymore? I have a meeting set up with my lawyer, to ask these questions, but she is not one to fight unless I push her to. So, I'd like to know what my rights are, going into the meeting, at least as many of them as I can possibly learn between now and then .

Thanks!

foster: the AMA impairment rating guide is proprietary and not available for free. You may be able to review relevant sections by contacting your physician, atty or from a library.
the formula for converting a rating into disability is available from the code
http://leg1.state.va.us/cgi-bin/legp504....d+65.2-503

Thank you, I will see what I can find. The librarian and I spent a good amount of time trying to find anything and came up with nothing. I will check out this web site.

Thanks again

if you have access to a medical school there should be one there otherwise it's over $130 to purchase

Thank you for your help. Maybe I will go to a large book store and see if I can sit there with a cup of coffee and just read the pages that are of interest. I did go to the web site that you gave me and it had a lot of info. It may take me a while to digest it and understand it, but still worth printing and reading little by little. Thanks agian.