For injuries on or after January 1, 2005, maximum WPI is 100%. If necessary, it may be increased based on pain-related impairment assessment.

• A. It cannot be increased
• B. It may increase based on pain-related impairment assessment if necessary
• C. It always equals 100%
• D. It decreases with age

Answer: (B)

After injuries occurring on or after January 1, 2005, the impairment system sets a cap of 100% WPI, but it can be adjusted upward when a pain-related impairment assessment shows additional disability beyond the standard rating. This means the rating isn’t fixed at 100% in all cases; if the pain-related impairment demonstrates greater impact on function, the WPI may be increased to reflect that. The other options don’t fit because the WPI can be increased with the proper pain-related impairment evidence, it isn’t always fixed at 100%, and age isn’t a factor that automatically reduces the WPI in this context.