For an injury occurring on or after January 1, 2005, what is the maximum whole person impairment under the AMA guides?

• A. Adjusted for diminished future earnings capacity
• B. Adjusted for occupation and age
• C. 100%
• D. Increased based on pain-related impairment assessment if necessary

Answer: (C)

The maximum whole person impairment under the AMA Guides for injuries occurring on or after January 1, 2005, is indeed 100%. The AMA Guides to the Evaluation of Permanent Impairment provide a structured framework to assess the degree of an individual's impairment after a work-related injury or illness. When applied, these guidelines establish that the total possible impairment, or whole person impairment, can reach a 100% designation.

This means that a person can be rated as having a total impairment, signifying that they are completely unable to perform any work or daily activities due to their injury. It is essential to understand that while the rating evaluates the physical limitations, it does not automatically correlate to compensation. The assessment of impairment is a distinct process focused on the individual's medical condition.

While considerations like diminished future earning capacity, occupation, age, and pain-related impairments may influence the overall evaluation and subsequent discussions regarding benefits or compensation, they do not change the fact that the AMA Guides set the cap for whole person impairment at 100%.