Iowa Impairment Rating Guide
Iowa workers' compensation uses the 5th Edition of the AMA Guides to the Evaluation of Permanent Impairment under 876 Iowa Administrative Code 2.4.
Which Edition?
AMA Guides Edition 5th Edition
Statutory Authority
876 Iowa Administrative Code 2.4(opens in a new tab)
PPD Calculation
Statutory Maximum Weeks 500 weeks
Scheduled injuries: Scheduled member weeks × impairment %. Whole-body injuries: up to 500 weeks, with benefits based on functional impairment or industrial disability depending on the circumstances under Iowa Code § 85.34.
Notes
AMA Guides 5th Edition is explicitly required. Iowa distinguishes "functional" impairment from "industrial" disability. NOTE: SB 454 was introduced on 2/26/25 that would change this to "most recent edition." You can check on its status at https://www.legis.iowa.gov/legislation/BillBook?ba=SF454&ga=91.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which edition of the AMA Guides does Iowa use?
Iowa uses the 5th Edition of the AMA Guides to the Evaluation of Permanent Impairment under 876 Iowa Administrative Code 2.4. 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 Iowa?
Scheduled injuries: Scheduled member weeks × impairment %. Whole-body injuries: up to 500 weeks, with benefits based on functional impairment or industrial disability depending on the circumstances under Iowa Code § 85.34.
Where can I find a certified impairment rater in Iowa?
Browse our directory of certified impairment raters listed for Iowa. 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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