Labor Code 4660 Permanent Disability Rating

What the Rating Does

A PD rating turns medical impairment into a benefit number. The rating can affect payment amount, settlement value, and the way the claim is resolved.

The rating usually starts with a doctor report. The report should describe impairment, work limits, body parts, and cause split. The rating then applies legal and rating rules to that report.

A low rating may be correct, but it should be checked. Missing body parts, wrong job facts, or unclear cause split can change the analysis.

What to Check

Read the doctor report first. Check the body parts. Check the work restrictions. Check whether the doctor used the correct job history.

Then compare the report with the rating sheet and payment notice. The numbers should match the medical reasoning.

Records That Help

Save the claim form, medical reports, benefit notices, death certificate if applicable, family records, wage records, and letters from the adjuster.

Make a simple timeline. Include the injury date, death date if relevant, first notice date, first payment date, and each denial or delay notice.

Ask for important decisions in writing. A written notice is easier to review than a phone call. Keep the envelope or email date when timing may matter.

Common Problems

Common problems include wrong job title, missing body parts, old medical history, or cause split that is not explained.

Do not focus only on the final percentage. The reason for the percentage matters. That reason shows what can be challenged.

Before Settlement

Before signing settlement papers, compare the rating with the latest medical report. Check whether future care is open or closed. Check whether any prior payments are credited.

Bring the rating sheet and doctor report to a consultation. Those papers are the starting point for review.

Steps to Take Now

Start with the most important record. For rating disputes, that is usually the doctor report. For death benefit disputes, it is usually the death record, family record, or claim notice.

Make a short timeline. Include the injury date, treatment dates, death date if relevant, first claim notice, and each payment or denial notice.

Keep copies of documents, not only photos on a phone. Full copies often show dates, claim numbers, and fine print that a cropped image misses.

Ask the adjuster what record is missing. Ask for the answer in writing. Save the response with the claim file.

If several family members are involved, keep each person's records separate. That helps avoid mixing relationship proof, support proof, and payment records.

Before signing any settlement or release, compare it with the latest claim notice and medical record. If the paper mentions credit, lien, support status, or closure of future rights, get advice before signing.

Questions to Ask

Ask what issue is actually disputed. It may be work cause, rating, relationship, support, payment amount, or missing documents. Each issue needs different proof.

Ask what document would change the decision. If the answer is a death record, doctor report, wage record, or family document, get a copy and keep proof that it was sent.

Ask whether a deadline applies. If a notice gives a deadline, save the notice and the envelope or email date.

Ask for a payment history if money has already been paid. The history should show dates, amounts, and the reason for each payment.

Bring the full file to a consultation. A lawyer can usually review a clean file faster than scattered screenshots or partial emails.

Before a Hearing or Settlement

Review the file one more time before a hearing or settlement. Check that all body parts, family members, payment periods, and disputed records are included.

Make a list of missing documents. Send requests in writing when possible. Keep proof of each request.

If a settlement is offered, compare it with the most recent benefit notice. Check whether future rights, medical care, or support claims are being closed.