South Dakota Impairment Rating Guide
South Dakota workers' compensation uses the 6th Edition of the AMA Guides to the Evaluation of Permanent Impairment under SDCL § 62-7-39.
Which Edition?
AMA Guides Edition 6th Edition
Statutory Authority
SDCL § 62-7-39(opens in a new tab)
PPD Calculation
South Dakota doesn't have a single across-the-board "PPD max weeks" number the way some states do. It splits permanent partial disability into two categories under SDCL 62-4-6: Scheduled injuries — each listed body part has its own fixed number of weeks. Examples from the schedule: thumb 50 weeks, index finger 35 weeks, second finger 30 weeks, and so on down the list. Unscheduled / "body as a whole" injuries — for permanent disfigurement or permanent disability to a body part not listed in the schedule, compensation is that portion of three hundred twelve weeks which is represented by the percentage that the permanent partial disability bears to the body as a whole.
Notes
AMA Guides 6th Edition is the current reference.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which edition of the AMA Guides does South Dakota use?
South Dakota uses the 6th Edition of the AMA Guides to the Evaluation of Permanent Impairment under SDCL § 62-7-39. 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 South Dakota?
South Dakota doesn't have a single across-the-board "PPD max weeks" number the way some states do. It splits permanent partial disability into two categories under SDCL 62-4-6: Scheduled injuries — each listed body part has its own fixed number of weeks. Examples from the schedule: thumb 50 weeks, index finger 35 weeks, second finger 30 weeks, and so on down the list. Unscheduled / "body as a whole" injuries — for permanent disfigurement or permanent disability to a body part not listed in the schedule, compensation is that portion of three hundred twelve weeks which is represented by the percentage that the permanent partial disability bears to the body as a whole.
Where can I find a certified impairment rater in South Dakota?
Browse our directory of certified impairment raters listed for South Dakota. 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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