What is permanent total disability, and when might it be awarded?

• A. A temporary impairment rating
• B. A lasting, total loss of wage-earning capacity; awarded when medical condition prevents any substantial employment
• C. A partial loss of earning capacity that may improve
• D. A temporary wage loss

Answer: (B)

Permanent total disability means a lasting, total loss of wage-earning capacity because the medical condition prevents the worker from engaging in any substantial employment. It isn’t about a temporary setback or a partial loss that could improve with time or retraining. The determination looks at whether, given the person’s age, education, work history, and current medical prognosis, there is any kind of substantial gainful work they can realistically do. When the evidence shows no such work is possible, a permanent total disability award is appropriate.

This differs from a temporary impairment, which involves short-term limitations, and from a partial disability, which is a partial loss of earning capacity that might improve over time. It also isn’t about a temporary wage loss.