Who is responsible for assigning the permanent disability rating?

A rating specialist in the Disability Evaluation Unit is responsible for assigning the permanent disability rating. This specialist has the specific training and expertise required to evaluate the medical findings, apply the appropriate rating schedules, and ensure compliance with legal and regulatory standards relevant to permanent disability ratings.

Their role is essential because they are trained in assessing the severity of a worker's injuries and determining the impact of those injuries on the individual’s ability to perform work-related tasks. This formalized process helps to establish a standard of measurement for equivalent disabilities, making the evaluation consistent and fair across different cases.

While a physician trained in disability evaluation may conduct examinations and produce medical reports, the authority to assign the final rating lies with the rating specialist. Other options, such as the claims administrator and the injured worker's legal representative, may be involved in managing the claim or providing support, but they do not possess the specialized qualifications or responsibility for making determinations regarding permanent disability ratings.