Permanent disability with a rating less than 100% is called:

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

Answer: (B)

Permanent partial disability is used when an injury leaves a lasting impairment that does not totalize the worker’s abilities. The impairment is rated as a percentage, and when that rating is less than 100%, the disability is permanent but not total. In other words, the person has a permanent impairment they must live with, yet there is still some functional capacity or potential to work with restrictions. This contrasts with permanent total disability, where the impairment is 100% and essentially eliminates earning capacity, and with temporary conditions where the impairment or loss of function is not expected to be permanent.