What is Impairment Rating?
Updated January 24, 2026
A percentage assigned by a physician that measures the degree of permanent physical impairment resulting from an injury, based on standardized medical guidelines.
Understanding Impairment Rating
Impairment ratings are typically assigned using the American Medical Association's Guides to the Evaluation of Permanent Impairment. They are expressed as a percentage of whole-body impairment. These ratings are critical in workers' compensation cases for determining benefits and in personal injury cases for quantifying the severity of permanent injuries. A higher rating generally corresponds to greater compensation.
Examples
- 1Doctor assigning 15% whole-body impairment rating for herniated disc
- 2Workers' compensation benefits calculated based on 25% impairment
- 3Disagreement between treating doctor and defense doctor on rating percentage
Related Terms
Maximum Medical Improvement (MMI)
The point in recovery when a worker's condition has stabilized and further medical treatment is unlikely to result in significant improvement.
Functional Capacity Evaluation
A comprehensive series of physical tests performed by a trained evaluator to measure an injured person's ability to perform work-related and daily living tasks.
Residual Functional Capacity (RFC)
An assessment of the most an individual can do in a work setting despite their physical or mental limitations from medical conditions.
Defense Medical Exam
A medical examination arranged and paid for by the defendant or their insurance company to independently evaluate the plaintiff's injuries and medical claims.
Medical Malpractice
Professional negligence by a healthcare provider whose treatment falls below the accepted standard of care, resulting in injury or death to the patient.
For Personal Injury cases
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