Understanding Impairment Ratings in Texas Workers Comp
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Your Impairment Rating Can Change Everything
If you’ve been injured at work in Texas, one of the most important numbers in your entire workers’ comp case is your impairment rating (IR). Impairment ratings in Texas workers comp determines how long you receive income benefits, how much compensation you get, and whether you qualify for additional benefits.
But here’s the problem:
Most injured workers don’t understand how impairment ratings work — and many receive ratings that are far too low.
This guide breaks down what an impairment rating is, how it’s calculated, and what to do if you disagree with the number assigned to you. Impairment ratings in Texas workers comp cases are very complex and gamed by insurance and designated doctors.
What Is an Impairment Rating (IR)?
An impairment rating is a percentage that reflects the permanent damage caused by your work‑related injury.
The rating measures:
- Loss of function
- Permanent physical limitations
- Long‑term effects of the injury
Ratings range from:
0% to 100%
A higher rating means more severe impairment — and more weeks of benefits. Impairment ratings in Texas workers comp cases come from a book called the AMA Guides To The Evaluation of Permanent Impairment, 4th Edition.
FAQs: Impairment Ratings in Texas Workers’ Comp
A percentage that reflects permanent damage from your work injury.
Using the AMA Guides, 4th Edition.
You receive 3 weeks of benefits for every 1% of impairment.
Yes — but you must act within 90 days.
Injured at work in Texas and your employer doesn’t have workers’ comp?
You may have the right to sue and recover full compensation.
Contact MLF Legal today for a free consultation. You pay nothing unless we win your case.
Who Assigns the Impairment Rating?
Your impairment rating may be assigned by:
- Your Treating Doctor
They may assign an IR when they believe you’ve reached Maximum Medical Improvement (MMI).
- A Designated Doctor
If there is a dispute, the Texas Division of Workers’ Compensation (DWC) may order a designated doctor exam to determine:
- Your MMI date
- Your impairment rating
The designated doctor’s opinion carries significant weight.
- An Insurance Doctor called an Independent Medical Examination (IME)
After a designated doctor exam, the insurance company has a right to send you to a doctor of it’s choice for a second opinion on your impairment rating.
When Do You Receive an Impairment Rating?
You receive an impairment rating after you reach Maximum Medical Improvement (MMI).
MMI is the point where your condition has improved as much as it is expected to improve — even if you are not fully healed.
How Is the Impairment Rating Calculated?
Texas uses the AMA Guides to the Evaluation of Permanent Impairment (4th Edition).
The doctor evaluates:
- Range of motion
- Strength
- Neurological function
- Structural damage
- Surgical outcomes
- Pain and functional limitations
Each body part has a specific formula. The doctor combines these values to calculate your final percentage.
How Your Impairment Rating Affects Your Benefits
Your impairment rating determines how long you receive Impairment Income Benefits (IIBs).
Formula:
3 weeks of IIBs for every 1% of impairment
Examples:
- 5% IR = 15 weeks of benefits
- 10% IR = 30 weeks of benefits
- 20% IR = 60 weeks of benefits
This is why insurance companies often push for lower ratings — it saves them money.
What Is a “Good” Impairment Rating?
There is no universal “good” rating, but generally:
- 1–5% = mild impairment
- 6–10% = moderate impairment
- 11–20% = significant impairment
- 21%+ = severe impairment
If your rating seems low compared to your symptoms, you may have grounds to dispute it. Impairment ratings in Texas workers comp claims that are 15% or greater may qualify for additional benefits called supplemental income benefits.
Common Problems With Impairment Ratings
❌ The doctor rushes the exam
Some exams last only a few minutes.
❌ The doctor doesn’t measure range of motion correctly
This is one of the most common errors.
❌ The doctor ignores pain or functional limitations
Pain must be considered if it affects function.
❌ The doctor assigns impairment from the wrong category
This is a constant problem with back and neck injuries
❌ The doctor uses the wrong AMA guidelines
Only the 4th Edition is allowed in Texas.
❌ The doctor assigns MMI too early
This can artificially lower your rating.
If any of these happened to you, your rating may be wrong.
What If You Disagree With Your Impairment Rating?
You have the right to dispute your impairment rating — but deadlines are strict.
You typically have 90 days to dispute the rating.
If you miss the deadline, the rating becomes final, even if it’s wrong.
You can dispute:
- The MMI date
- The impairment rating
- The designated doctor’s findings
- The treating doctor’s findings
- The insurance company doctor’s findings
This is one of the most common reasons injured workers contact MLF Legal.
How to Protect Yourself During the Impairment Rating Exam
✅ Be honest and consistent
Your statements must match your medical records.
✅ Don’t exaggerate — but don’t minimize
Many workers downplay their pain, which lowers their rating.
✅ Bring your restrictions and medication list
This helps the doctor understand your limitations.
✅ Stop if something hurts
Never push through pain.
✅ Take notes after the exam
Document what happened in case you need to dispute the rating.
What If Your Employer Is a Non Subscriber?
If your employer does not carry workers’ comp:
- You will not receive an official impairment rating
- You may undergo independent medical exams (IMEs)
- Your impairment may be evaluated for a personal injury lawsuit
- You may recover far more than workers’ comp provides
Impairment still matters — but in a different way.
Your Impairment Rating Is Too Important to Ignore
Your impairment rating affects your benefits, your income, and your future. If the rating is wrong, you may lose months of compensation.
You deserve someone who knows how to protect your rights. Our Texas workers comp attorneys review impairment ratings as part of our FREE consultation offer. We can even review them by email. Just give us a call at 214-357-1782.
Call MLF Legal For A FREE Impairment Rating Review
📞 Disagree with your impairment rating? Need help understanding your options?
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You pay nothing unless we win.
If you received a 0% impairment rating, you definitely want to let us take a look at your impairment rating. You’ve got nothing to lose with our FREE consultation offer.
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