Permanent Restrictions and Disability Ratings in California Workers' Comp

For injured firefighters, police officers, and other first responders, permanent work restrictions can change the course of a career. When injuries do not fully heal, doctors may assign lasting medical limitations that directly affect how permanent disability ratings are calculated under California workers’ compensation law.

Understanding how permanent restrictions and disability ratings in California workers’ comp work is essential to protecting your long-term benefits.

What Are Permanent Work Restrictions?

Permanent work restrictions are medical limitations that remain after a worker reaches Maximum Medical Improvement (MMI). Unlike temporary restrictions, these limitations are expected to be ongoing.

For first responders, permanent restrictions might include:

• No lifting heavy equipment

• No emergency response or field duty

• No prolonged standing, kneeling, or climbing

• No defensive tactics or physical confrontations

• Removal from high-stress or tactical assignments

These restrictions are meant to protect injured workers from further harm. Our guide on common work restrictions for firefighters and police explains how these limitations begin during recovery.

How permanent restrictions and Disability Ratings in California Affect Workers’ Comp

Once permanent restrictions are assigned, they become a key factor in determining a worker’s Permanent Disability (PD) rating. This rating influences how much long-term compensation an injured worker may receive.

Disability ratings are based on:

• Medical findings and functional loss

• Work restrictions and physical limitations

• Age and occupation

• Ability to return to usual duties

Because first responders have physically demanding jobs, even moderate restrictions can significantly increase disability ratings.

You can learn more about how restrictions connect to benefits in our article on work restrictions and permanent disability in California workers’ comp.

Why Disability Ratings Matter for First Responders

Permanent disability ratings impact:

• Long-term wage replacement

• Eligibility for disability retirement

• Future medical care

• Ability to work in any capacity

A firefighter who cannot carry equipment or a police officer restricted from field duty may be unable to return to their previous role, even if they could perform lighter work elsewhere.

The California Division of Workers’ Compensation provides general information on disability benefits through its official resources at dir.ca.gov/dwc.

Disputes Over Permanent Restrictions

Insurance companies sometimes argue that restrictions are “too limiting” or that the injured worker can still perform essential duties. When disagreements arise, a Qualified Medical Evaluation (QME) may be required.

A QME doctor reviews medical evidence and provides an opinion that can affect both restrictions and disability ratings. More information about the QME process is available from the DWC QME Unit.

Protecting Your Future Benefits

Permanent restrictions can shape the rest of a first responder’s career. Accurate medical documentation and experienced legal guidance help ensure:

• Restrictions reflect real job demands

• Disability ratings are fair

• Long-term benefits are protected

At West Coast Workers Comp Attorneys (WCWCA), we represent injured firefighters, police officers, and other first responders across California. We fight to make sure permanent restrictions are respected and disability ratings truly reflect the impact of the injury.

Call 415-218-5634 or visit our contact page to protect your rights.