Permanent disability that results in a loss of earning capacity but is not a full 100 percent impairment is called:

• A. Permanent total disability
• B. Permanent partial disability
• C. Temporary total disability
• D. Permanent residual disability

Answer: (B)

In workers’ compensation terminology, disabilities are described by whether they are permanent or temporary and by whether they are total or partial. When a disability lasts and reduces earning capacity but does not amount to a complete loss of the ability to work, it is called permanent partial disability. This fits the scenario where the person has a lasting impairment that lowers their earning potential but still allows some work, rather than a complete inability to work. A permanent total disability would require a 100 percent loss of earning capacity, which isn’t implied here. Temporary total disability is only until healing, with expectation of return to work. Permanent residual disability might describe lingering impairment after treatment, but the standard way to denote a lasting, non-total loss of earning capacity is permanent partial disability.