Which disability type describes permanent impairment with possible alternate employment?

Which disability type describes permanent impairment with possible alternate employment?

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

Answer: (C)

Permanent partial disability describes a permanent impairment that reduces earning capacity but does not prevent all work, so the worker may take alternate or modified employment. This fits the idea of a lasting impairment while still allowing some job opportunities, possibly in a different role. Temporary total disability means no work during recovery with the expectation of returning to work, permanent total disability means no substantial gainful work is possible on a lasting basis, and temporary partial disability means the impairment is temporary even though duties are limited for a period. So the best match for permanent impairment with possible alternate employment is permanent partial disability.

Permanent partial disability describes a permanent impairment that reduces earning capacity but does not prevent all work, so the worker may take alternate or modified employment. This fits the idea of a lasting impairment while still allowing some job opportunities, possibly in a different role. Temporary total disability means no work during recovery with the expectation of returning to work, permanent total disability means no substantial gainful work is possible on a lasting basis, and temporary partial disability means the impairment is temporary even though duties are limited for a period. So the best match for permanent impairment with possible alternate employment is permanent partial disability.