When a workplace injury leaves an employee with lasting limitations, Utah workers’ compensation law may provide compensation through Permanent Partial Disability (PPD) benefits. Unlike temporary disability benefits, PPD addresses long-term impairment that affects a worker’s ability to perform their job or future work.

This guide explains what PPD is, who qualifies, how it is calculated in Utah, and how it impacts workers’ compensation cases.

What Is Permanent Partial Disability (PPD)?

Permanent Partial Disability refers to lasting impairment caused by a workplace injury that does not completely prevent you from working, but reduces your physical capacity or limits your ability to perform certain tasks.

PPD differs from other types of workers’ comp benefits:

• Temporary Total Disability (TTD): Paid when you cannot work at all temporarily.

• Temporary Partial Disability (TPD): Paid when you return to work with reduced wages temporarily.

• Permanent Total Disability (PTD): Paid when you cannot work at all permanently.

PPD is specifically for permanent, partial loss of function or permanent restrictions.

Who Qualifies for PPD in Utah?

PPD benefits are available to any injured worker whose injury:

• Results in lasting physical limitations

• Reduces your ability to perform job tasks

• Requires ongoing restrictions

• Causes a permanent loss of mobility, strength, or use of a body part

Examples include:

• Partial loss of a hand, finger, or limb

• Reduced range of motion in the back, shoulders, knees, or neck

• Permanent hearing loss or vision impairment

• Chronic pain from a work-related injury

• Nerve damage or tendon injuries

Workers must reach Maximum Medical Improvement (MMI) before PPD benefits are calculated.

How PPD Benefits Are Determined in Utah

PPD benefits in Utah are calculated using a formula based on:

1. Impairment Rating – A doctor determines the percentage of permanent impairment based on medical evaluation.

2. Scheduled Injuries vs. Non-Scheduled Injuries – Utah law provides set compensation for certain body parts (like fingers, arms, and legs), while injuries affecting multiple parts or the whole body may be calculated differently.

3. Average Weekly Wage (AWW) – Benefits are based on your average earnings before the injury.

4. State Compensation Rate – Utah sets a compensation rate that multiplies with the impairment rating and scheduled weeks.

Scheduled vs. Non-Scheduled Injuries

Scheduled Injuries

Utah provides a fixed number of weeks of compensation for injuries to specific body parts. Examples include:

• Finger, thumb, or toe

• Arm, hand, leg, or foot

• Eye or partial vision loss

• Hearing loss

The formula for scheduled injuries:

PPD Payment = (AWW × Compensation Rate) × Scheduled Weeks × Impairment Percentage

Non-Scheduled Injuries

For injuries that affect the whole body, spine, or multiple parts, the calculation is more flexible and may consider:

• Impact on ability to perform your job

• Reduction in earning capacity

• Long-term disability potential

Non-scheduled PPD cases may require vocational evaluation or additional evidence.

Maximum Medical Improvement (MMI) and PPD

You must reach MMI before receiving PPD benefits. MMI is the point at which your injury is stable and not expected to improve with further treatment.

Once MMI is reached:

• Your doctor issues an impairment rating

• PPD benefits are calculated based on that rating

• Future medical needs may still be covered separately

How Long PPD Benefits Last

PPD benefits are paid for a fixed number of weeks, determined by Utah law and the severity of your impairment.

• Scheduled body part injuries have statutory maximums (e.g., 312 weeks for a leg, fewer for fingers or arms)

• Non-scheduled injuries may vary based on your earning capacity and disability impact

PPD payments are not indefinite unless combined with other benefits like PTD in severe cases.

What Affects the Value of PPD Benefits

Several factors influence how much PPD compensation you receive:

• Severity of injury – Greater permanent impairment results in a higher payout

• Body part affected – Scheduled injuries have fixed maximums

• Your pre-injury wages – Higher average weekly wages increase total benefit

• Ability to return to work – If the injury prevents full return to your job, payout may increase

• Future medical treatment – Additional treatments can affect case negotiations

Accurate medical documentation and impairment ratings are crucial for maximizing PPD benefits.

Can You Appeal a PPD Rating?

Yes. If you disagree with your impairment rating, you may:

• Request a second medical opinion

• Challenge the rating through the Utah Labor Commission

• Provide additional medical evidence supporting higher impairment

Many PPD disputes arise when the insurance company assigns a lower impairment rating than your doctor recommends.

PPD and Return to Work

PPD benefits do not prevent you from returning to work. You may:

• Resume full-duty work

• Work with restrictions if necessary

• Receive PPD benefits simultaneously while working

Returning to work may affect temporary disability benefits but does not reduce PPD compensation.

Conclusion

Permanent Partial Disability (PPD) in Utah ensures that workers with lasting impairments are compensated fairly, even if they can return to some form of work. Understanding how PPD is calculated, when you qualify, and how impairment ratings affect your claim can help injured workers maximize their benefits. Accurate medical documentation, reaching MMI, and working with experienced professionals are key to a successful PPD claim.