In the case of an elbow injury resulting in loss of motion, what is the maximum impairment percentage for a 40-year-old forester?

• A. 30%
• B. 31%
• C. 34%
• D. 40%

Answer: (B)

In determining the maximum impairment percentage for a 40-year-old forester with an elbow injury resulting in a loss of motion, it is important to examine specific guidelines and percentages typically used in these assessments.

The American Medical Association (AMA) Guides to the Evaluation of Permanent Impairment provides structured frameworks for evaluating physical impairments, including upper extremity injuries like those affecting the elbow. For injuries resulting in loss of motion in the elbow, there are established maximum impairment percentages based on the individual’s age and occupational demands.

The correct answer, indicating a maximum impairment of 31%, falls within the range allocated for significant yet not total loss of function in the elbow, taking into account both the range of motion and the functional capacity required by a forester in their line of work. It reflects a nuanced understanding of how injuries can affect someone who relies heavily on their arms and elbow function for physical tasks, such as lifting, carrying, and manipulating equipment in a forestry context.

Options that suggest significant impairment percentages such as 34% or 40% are generally reserved for more severe cases that could involve complete loss of motion or function, which doesn’t align with a scenario where there is an impairment but not complete loss. Thus, the choice of 31