How are Permanent Partial Disability (PPD) benefits calculated?

Permanent Partial Disability (PPD) benefits in West Virginia are calculated based on the percentage of disability that an individual has sustained as a result of a work-related injury. This means that the benefits reflect the degree of permanent impairment to the injured worker's ability to perform their job or other employment activities.

When determining the PPD benefits, the assessment involves evaluating the extent of the disability as a percentage of the total body or use of a specific body part. This evaluation often involves medical assessments and expert opinions that take into account the individual's capacity to work after the injury. As such, the percentage assigned directly correlates to the earned benefit, ensuring that individuals receive compensation that reflects their specific level of impairment.

This method of calculation allows for a more individualized assessment compared to a flat rate or fixed amount, which may not accurately represent the varying degrees of disabilities workers can experience. Therefore, option C accurately describes the nature of PPD benefits, focusing on the percentage of total permanent disability rather than a fixed payment or reliance on other factors.