When both objective/subjective index and work capacity index are used and yield different disability ratings, which rating is used?

• A. The higher rating.
• B. The lower rating.
• C. An average of the two.
• D. A rating chosen by the physician.

Answer: (A)

When both objective/subjective impairment and work capacity indices are used and they come back with different disability ratings, you apply the higher rating. The disability determination should reflect the greater impact of the injury on the person’s functioning.

Here's why that makes sense: the objective/subjective impairment index measures the severity of impairment based on medical findings and symptoms, while the work capacity index assesses how much the person can still work given those impairments. If the work limitation is more severe than what the impairment score alone would suggest, using the higher rating ensures the worker is compensated for the greatest level of disability shown. It also avoids underestimating the degree of restriction the individual faces in real-world activities or employment.

Choosing the lower rating or averaging would understate the true impact, and letting a physician pick arbitrarily would undermine consistency. The rule to take the higher rating keeps the process fair and aligned with the goal of accurately reflecting the person’s functional limitations.