If you receive a QME report that shows more permanent disability than anticipated, what is used to determine the PD?

• A. Worker's testimony
• B. Probable earnings at age 18
• C. Medical evaluation
• D. Average weekly wage

Answer: (B)

In California workers’ comp, permanent disability isn’t set by the medical impairment alone. The amount of PD is determined using the Permanent Disability Rating Schedule, which converts the impairment rating from the QME into a PD percentage by applying nonmedical factors such as age, education, occupation, and the worker’s probable earnings at age 18. This probable-earnings figure helps estimate lifelong earning capacity and adjusts the PD rating accordingly. So even if the medical report shows a higher impairment, the final PD rating relies on that PD rating schedule and its consideration of probable earnings at age 18. The other items—testimony, average weekly wage, or medical evaluation alone—don’t determine the PD percentage in the same way.