How Does an Impairment Rating Evaluation (IRE) Affect My Benefits?
IRE Results and Your Benefits: Total Disability vs. Partial Disability After you undergo an Impairment Rating Evaluation (IRE) in Pennsylvania, the results of that exam will have a direct and lasting impact on your workers’ compensation benefits. This video will explain how your IRE rating can change the status of your benefits from total disability to partial disability and what that means for your future.
The 50% Threshold: We’ll restate the crucial 50% threshold.
IRE rating is less than 50%: Your benefits will be reclassified from total disability to partial disability.
IRE rating is 50% or more: You will continue to receive total disability benefits.
Total vs. Partial Disability: We’ll explain the difference:
Total Disability: You are considered unable to perform any work, and your wage loss benefits can continue indefinitely, as long as you remain disabled.
Partial Disability: You are considered to have some capacity to work, and your benefits are limited to a maximum of 500 weeks (approximately 9.6 years) from the date of the reclassification.
Fighting a Low Rating: We’ll emphasize that an IRE rating is not the final word. If the IME doctor gives you a low rating, your attorney can challenge it in court. This may involve obtaining an opinion from your own doctor to counter the IRE rating.
Don’t Let Them Cut You Off: This video is for any injured worker in Pennsylvania who is concerned about their benefits being reduced or cut off after an IRE. We’ll give you the knowledge you need to fight back and protect your long-term benefits.
