Arkansas Impairment Rating Guide
Arkansas workers' compensation uses the 4th Edition of the AMA Guides to the Evaluation of Permanent Impairment under 11 CAR § 25-129.
Which Edition?
AMA Guides Edition 4th Edition
Statutory Authority
11 CAR § 25-129(opens in a new tab)
PPD Calculation
Statutory Maximum Weeks 450 weeks
PPD weeks = WPI% × 450 weeks for unscheduled injury. Scheduled members have fixed week values. Under A.C.A. § 11-9-522(b), if the injury is unscheduled, the Commission may award benefits in excess of the medical impairment rating by considering factors such as: age, education, work experience, future earning capacity, and other vocational factor.
Notes
Arkansas rule specifies the AMA Guides 4th Edition. A.C.A. § 11-9-522(g) directs the Commission to adopt an impairment rating guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which edition of the AMA Guides does Arkansas use?
Arkansas uses the 4th Edition of the AMA Guides to the Evaluation of Permanent Impairment under 11 CAR § 25-129. The applicable edition is generally determined by the worker's date of injury; consult counsel for cases that straddle effective-date transitions.
How is permanent partial disability calculated in Arkansas?
PPD weeks = WPI% × 450 weeks for unscheduled injury. Scheduled members have fixed week values. Under A.C.A. § 11-9-522(b), if the injury is unscheduled, the Commission may award benefits in excess of the medical impairment rating by considering factors such as: age, education, work experience, future earning capacity, and other vocational factor.
Where can I find a certified impairment rater in Arkansas?
Browse our directory of certified impairment raters listed for Arkansas. View the directory →
Does this information constitute legal or medical advice?
No. This page provides general statutory and methodological information for educational purposes only. Statutes change, case law shifts controlling interpretation, and individual cases turn on facts beyond what reference material can capture. Consult qualified legal counsel and a credentialed rating physician for any specific matter.
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