What is a primary factor considered in the apportionment of disability under AMA guidelines?

• A. Employment history
• B. Causation
• C. Reported symptoms
• D. Duration of injury

Answer: (B)

Under AMA guidelines, the primary factor in the apportionment of disability is causation. This refers to the need to determine the specific cause or causes of an individual's functional impairment or disability. Establishing causation is essential because it helps to identify what part of the disability is attributable to a particular injury or condition as opposed to other factors, such as pre-existing conditions or subsequent injuries.

Understanding causation allows for a more accurate assessment of an individual's disability and ensures that the apportionment reflects the true impact of the injury on the person's ability to function. The guidelines emphasize the importance of this factor, as it affects not only the evaluation process but also implications for compensation and rehabilitation. Other factors like employment history, reported symptoms, and duration of injury play a role in the overall evaluation but are secondary to understanding the cause of the disability.