Illinois Impairment Rating Guide
Illinois workers' compensation requires the latest edition of the AMA Guides to the Evaluation of Permanent Impairment under 820 ILCS 305/8.1b, rather than naming a specific edition.
Which Edition?
AMA Guides Edition Latest Edition
Statutory Authority
820 ILCS 305/8.1b(opens in a new tab)
PPD Calculation
Statutory Maximum Weeks 500 weeks
PPD weeks = Disability % × 500 weeks. Disability percentage is determined by the Commission using a five-factor analysis: AMA impairment rating, occupation, age, future earning capacity, evidence of disability / corroborating medical evidence.
Notes
"The most current edition of the American Medical Association's Guides to the Evaluation of Permanent Impairment shall be used by the physician in determining the level of impairment."
Frequently Asked Questions
Which edition of the AMA Guides does Illinois use?
Illinois does not name a specific edition. Under 820 ILCS 305/8.1b, the applicable edition is the latest edition of the AMA Guides to the Evaluation of Permanent Impairment. Because this is a moving reference rather than a fixed one, the controlling edition changes when the AMA publishes a new edition — confirm which edition governs the claim before rating.
How is permanent partial disability calculated in Illinois?
PPD weeks = Disability % × 500 weeks. Disability percentage is determined by the Commission using a five-factor analysis: AMA impairment rating, occupation, age, future earning capacity, evidence of disability / corroborating medical evidence.
Where can I find a certified impairment rater in Illinois?
Browse our directory of certified impairment raters listed for Illinois. 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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