What determines the level of impairment for an injured worker?

The level of impairment for an injured worker is primarily determined by the adjuster's findings based on medical assessments and evaluations. Adjusters utilize medical documentation and guidelines established by the state's workers' compensation system to assess the extent of an individual's injuries and associated impairments. This evaluation includes examining objective medical evidence, functional limitations, and any permanent disabilities as determined by medical professionals.

The adjuster's role is crucial in interpreting these findings and deciding the degree of impairment, which plays a significant role in determining the entitlement to benefits under the workers' compensation program. While other factors, such as the worker's job role or the type of medical treatment received, may have implications for the overall case, they do not directly dictate the level of impairment. The length of time off work can indicate the severity of the injury but does not inherently assess the impairment itself. This makes the adjuster's findings the cornerstone for determining impairment levels in workers' compensation cases.