Permanent disability

Impairment Ratings And MMI

Impairment ratings and MMI can affect permanent benefits, work restrictions, future medical care, and settlement posture.

Understand what MMI changes

Maximum medical improvement does not always mean fully healed. It usually means the medical condition has reached a point where rating, restrictions, or long-term treatment questions may be addressed.

Rating review checklist

Review pointQuestion
Accepted conditionDoes the rating address every accepted body part or condition?
Medical recordDoes it match imaging, surgery, therapy, and objective findings?
RestrictionsAre permanent restrictions clear enough for real job duties?
Future careDoes the report address medication, follow-up, injections, surgery, or durable equipment?

When to ask questions

  • The rating ignores a treated body part.
  • The report says no restrictions but job duties still exceed medical limits.
  • The rating conflicts with the treating doctor.
  • A settlement offer arrives right after the rating.

Exact formulas must be verified

Permanent benefit calculations and rating methods vary by state or federal program. Verify the applicable rule before relying on a number.

Frequently asked questions

Does MMI end my case automatically?

No. It may shift the claim into rating, permanent benefits, future medical, or settlement questions.

Can a rating be disputed?

Dispute paths vary, but a rating can raise questions when it conflicts with the medical record or accepted condition.