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(opens in a new tab)
PPD Calculation
California uses its Permanent Disability Rating Schedule (PDRS). Physician-assigned Whole Person Impairment (WPI) is determined under the AMA Guides, Fifth Edition. For injuries on or after January 1, 2013, the WPI is multiplied by 1.4 and then adjusted for occupation and age to determine the final Permanent Disability rating. That rating is converted to benefits using California's graduated statutory benefit-week schedule; there is no single maximum number of PPD weeks. Calculator output represents the unadjusted WPI only.
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 Permanent Disability Rating Schedule (PDRS). Physician-assigned Whole Person Impairment (WPI) is determined under the AMA Guides, Fifth Edition. For injuries on or after January 1, 2013, the WPI is multiplied by 1.4 and then adjusted for occupation and age to determine the final Permanent Disability rating. That rating is converted to benefits using California's graduated statutory benefit-week schedule; there is no single maximum number of PPD weeks. Calculator output represents the unadjusted WPI 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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