How a permanent disability award is figured
After an on-the-job injury reaches maximum medical improvement, a doctor assigns an impairment rating and the state schedule says how many weeks of benefits that body part is worth. Multiply the weeks by your rating and by your weekly compensation rate and you have the size of a scheduled permanent partial disability award.
Legal basis: workers compensation is state law, not federal, so every number here comes from your own state act. Most states set the compensation rate at two-thirds of the pre-injury average weekly wage, subject to a statewide maximum tied to the state average weekly wage, and publish a schedule of weeks by body part - an arm, a hand, an eye. Federal employees are covered separately under FECA, 5 U.S.C. ยง8107, which lists its own schedule. Figures here are representative as of September 2026; your state schedule and maximum will differ, so check your state workers compensation board.
Unscheduled injuries such as a back or a whole-body rating are often calculated by loss of earning capacity instead. This calculator is for reference only and is not legal advice. Consult a licensed attorney about your specific situation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Your state workers compensation statute publishes a schedule listing weeks for each body part. The state board website usually reproduces it, and your claims adjuster can tell you the figure being applied.
Every state sets a maximum weekly benefit, usually pegged to the state average weekly wage and updated each year, so high earners receive less than two-thirds of their actual wage.
Yes. Temporary disability payments cover wages while you recover, and the permanent award compensates lasting impairment after you reach maximum medical improvement.