If you know a worker will have permanent disability after a back surgery but you are unsure of the PD amount 14 days after return to work, what should you do?

• A. Pay estimated benefits up to 50%
• B. Pay estimated benefits
• C. Pay estimated benefits; Delay PD pending the QME report
• D. Pay nothing until the QME completes

Answer: (C)

When permanent disability is expected but the exact amount isn’t known yet, you should provide a provisional path for benefits rather than hold everything back. In this situation, start paying an estimated permanent-disability benefit now and continue to adjust once the Qualified Medical Evaluator issues the impairment rating. The QME report will establish the official PD amount, but delaying all PD payments would leave the worker uncompensated and can create compliance issues. Paying an estimate bridges that gap and aligns with the principle of prompt, fair compensation while the final rating is determined. It isn’t appropriate to cap payments at a fixed percentage or to withhold PD entirely until the QME completes, since the claim is already on track for PD and timely provisional benefits are appropriate.