California Impairment Rating Guide
California workers' compensation uses the 5th Edition of the AMA Guides to the Evaluation of Permanent Impairment under Cal. Labor Code § 4660 / § 4660.1.
Which Edition?
AMA Guides Edition 5th Edition
Statutory Authority
Cal. Labor Code § 4660 / § 4660.1
PPD Calculation
California uses its own Permanent Disability Rating Schedule (PDRS) which adjusts AMA Guides WPI ratings by occupation, age, and a Future Earnings Capacity / diminished earnings factor. Calculator output is the unadjusted WPI input only.
Notes
California uses AMA Guides 5th Edition as the starting point for impairment, then applies the PDRS. Injuries on/after 1/1/2013 use the 2005 PDRS as amended.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which edition of the AMA Guides does California use?
California uses the 5th Edition of the AMA Guides to the Evaluation of Permanent Impairment under Cal. Labor Code § 4660 / § 4660.1. 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 California?
California uses its own Permanent Disability Rating Schedule (PDRS) which adjusts AMA Guides WPI ratings by occupation, age, and a Future Earnings Capacity / diminished earnings factor. Calculator output is the unadjusted WPI input only.
Where can I find a certified impairment rater in California?
Browse our directory of certified impairment raters listed for California. 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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