The law defines PPD as a disability partial in character but permanent in quality resulting in a loss or loss of use of body members or from the partial loss of use of the injured employee’s body. In other words, the PPD rating is a medical assessment as to whether the work injury permanently affected the injured worker’s range of motion or overall body functioning. Generally, the PPD rating is issued by the authorized treating physician after the injured employee reaches “maximum medical improvement” where the employee is “about as good as he or she is going to get.” The physician will make the determination of the PPD rating by using the American Medical Associations’ Guide to Impairment. This rating will be issued in percentage compared to overall functioning.
Georgia’s Workers’ Compensation Act provides compensation in relation to the physician’s impairment assessment. This table is found in O.C.G.A. §34-9-263 or on our website. In certain circumstances, doctors may disagree as to the ratings and they can differ. Also, you may have the option of seeking a second opinion. If you have any questions about the PPD rating, please contact me at 404-355-3431.
