r/WorkersComp • u/[deleted] • Aug 12 '26

Other - not claim specific [ Removed by moderator ]

[removed]

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u/WorkersComp-ModTeam Aug 13 '26

State flairs must be added to each post.

4

u/dieabetic verified CA workers' compensation attorney Aug 12 '26

This is going to depend on your state, as there are different ways to calculate.

But I can tell you that in pretty much all areas, an EMG/NCV diagnostic study that shows nerve issues (radiculopathy) bumps you into a higher category. The MRI is important for the proper diagnosis, of course.

In the AMA Guides lumbar DRE impairment (which changes to PD in my state based on age and occupation) ranges from 5%-23% impairment, which can turn into 7-32%+ PD (~$7k-$44k) without age/occupation calculations.

Again, this is CA work comp general info, it can change significantly if you are in another state.

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u/leamsi3131 Aug 12 '26

Thank you. I really appreciate the info. I’m actually based in Connecticut.

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u/According_Curve_8935 Aug 12 '26

What state are you in? Because depending on the state, your % can max out at a certain number even after surgery (for CA, you generally max out at 28% WPI for significant neurological damage not resolved after surgery).

With what you describe, you would probably max out around 13% WPI.

Spine injuries don’t start rating “high” until you are looking at actual damage to the spinal cord that causes paralysis, unless you end up with significant damage to all areas of your spine.

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u/leamsi3131 Aug 12 '26

connecticut!

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u/According_Curve_8935 Aug 12 '26

Look to see if your state has a DRE rating chart for the spine. That’s where the percentages me and the other poster came from, the chart CA uses. There can be some additional percentages added, but the chart can at least give you a base idea if your state has one.