Permanent impairment awardsIf you sustain a work related injury or illness that results in a permanent and measurable change (termed an impairment) to how the affected part of your body functions, you may be entitled to a permanent partial impairment (PPI) award. This benefit is based on the loss of function caused by your injury and age and is set according to The Workers Compensation Act. It is separate from, and in addition to, other WCB benefits.Decision processAn assessment for and rating of a permanent impairment will occur when you have recovered as much as possible from the WCB-accepted injury or illness. This is considered at a minimum of one year after an injury or related surgery.WCB Healthcare reviews medical information from your file that shows possible impairment (such as an audiogram in a hearing loss case). In many cases, it is necessary to have a WCB healthcare consultant examine you to determine if your injury has resulted in a loss of function and, if so, to what extent.The examination and other evidence will be used to determine if you have a permanent partial impairment as outlined in our Impairment Policy. A recommendation will be made to your Case Manager regarding an impairment rating.Impairment ratingImpairment ratings are established based on the WCB Impairment Rating Schedule as a percentage of the whole body and are based on the following factors (either separately or in combination): loss of a body partloss of mobility in the jointsloss of organ functioncosmetic disfigurement of the bodyFor example, the loss of part of an index finger represents an impairment, for which the WCB Permanent Partial Impairment Rating Schedule provides an impairment rating of between 1.0% and 7.0%, depending on how much of the finger was lost. Once your rating is determined, the WCB will assign a dollar value to the rating based on the legislated amount and the year of your claim.For example, if your injury occurred in 2025, the permanent partial impairment award amount would be $1,740 for each full percentage of impairment up to 30% and $2,090 for each full percentage over 30%.If you have a pre-existing condition, you are still eligible for an impairment award; however, it may be reduced, depending on the effect of the pre-existing condition on your work-related impairment.For additional information about the calculation of benefits, please call your WCB representative. This is provided for general information. It is not intended to be legal advice and should not be relied on as such. See The Workers Compensation Act and Regulations and WCB Policies for more specific information.FAQs What if I disagree with the rating of my impairment? If you disagree with the impairment rating established by the WCB, you can appeal this decision. In writing, explain where you feel the error was made and on what grounds you’re basing your appeal. For more information, please see, Appealing a decision. What happens if my impairment gets worse? If your condition worsens after your impairment rating is determined, you can ask for a review of the degree of your impairment. A review will occur no sooner than two years from the last assessment. Does the award include money for pain and suffering? No. The Workers Compensation Act does not provide impairment ratings for pain and suffering. Do benefits for the same impairment from programs other than WCB affect my permanent partial impairment award from the WCB? No. You are entitled to collect payments from other insurance programs for the same permanent partial impairment. We will not deduct these amounts from your benefits or award. Related linksWorkers compensation benefitsWage loss benefitsIncome assistance benefitsCollateral benefitsWorker rights and responsibilities
