Which type of compensation pertains to permanent impairment while allowing some capacity to work?

Permanent Partial Disability (PPD) compensation is specifically intended for individuals who have suffered a lasting impairment due to a work-related injury but are still able to engage in some form of employment. The PPD classification recognizes that while the worker may have sustained a permanent impairment that affects their ability to perform certain tasks, they are not entirely incapacitated and can continue to work in a limited or modified capacity.

The essence of PPD is to provide financial support for the diminished earning capacity resulting from the injury. This could range from partial loss of function in a limb to permanent scarring, where the worker still possesses the ability to work but potentially at a reduced capacity or efficiency compared to before the injury.

In contrast, compensable injuries relate more broadly to any injury recognized under workers' compensation that may or may not have long-term implications. Temporary Total Disability (TTD) covers individuals who are completely unable to work temporarily due to their injury, while Temporary Partial Disability (TPD) addresses situations where an employee can work but only at limited capacity for a short duration. Understanding these distinctions clarifies why PPD is specifically designated for permanent situations where some work capacity still exists.