What is a Permanent Partial Disability Rating, and How Does It Affect My Benefits?

When you’re injured on the job, your ability to return to work may be permanently impacted—even if you can still perform some tasks. In Florida’s worker's compensation system, a Permanent Partial Disability (PPD) rating helps determine how much compensation you’re entitled to if you’ve suffered a lasting injury that doesn’t leave you totally disabled. Understanding how PPD ratings work can help you protect your rights and ensure you receive the full benefits you deserve.

What Is a Permanent Partial Disability (PPD) Rating?

Your treating physician assigns a PPD rating once you’ve reached Maximum Medical Improvement (MMI)—the point at which your condition is considered stable and not expected to improve further. If you still have a lasting impairment, the doctor will assess the degree of disability using a standardized guide, often expressed as a percentage.

For example, if your doctor assigns a 15% PPD rating to your arm, it means you’ve permanently lost 15% of the function in that arm. This rating plays a key role in determining how much compensation you’re eligible to receive under Florida’s worker's compensation laws.

How Does a PPD Rating Affect My Benefits in Florida?

Your PPD rating helps determine the amount and duration of your benefits after you’ve recovered as much as medically possible. In Florida:

• Benefits are generally paid every two weeks based on your impairment income benefits.
• The amount is calculated as 75% of your Temporary Total Disability (TTD) rate, subject to a statewide cap.
• The number of weeks you receive payments depends on your impairment rating. For example, a 10% impairment might entitle you to 30 weeks of benefits (3 weeks per percentage point).

In some cases, you can negotiate a lump sum settlement instead of receiving ongoing payments. However, accepting a settlement usually requires you to give up your right to future benefits. A worker's compensation attorney can help you evaluate whether this option makes sense for your situation.

Speak With a Florida worker's Compensation Attorney Today

If you’ve received a Permanent Partial Disability rating, don’t leave your benefits to chance. At Rooth Law Firm, we help injured workers across Florida understand how their impairment rating impacts their compensation and explore all available options—including potential settlements. Schedule a free consultation today or call us to discuss your rights and next steps.