Permanent Disability & Impairment Rating Guidance
Clear, experienced support for workers navigating long-term injury evaluations
Introduction
Helping NH Workers Understand Permanent Disability & Impairment Ratings
After a serious workplace injury, you may reach a point called Maximum Medical Improvement (MMI)—the stage where your condition has improved as much as expected. When that happens, your doctor may issue a Permanent Impairment Rating (PIR) or determine eligibility for Permanent Total Disability (PTD).
These ratings significantly impact the benefits you receive, your long-term financial stability, and your ability to return to work. Many workers don’t realize how important these evaluations are—or how often ratings are underestimated by insurers.
At Vanacore Law Office, we guide injured workers through the entire impairment rating and disability determination process, ensuring the results reflect the true extent of the injury.
Learn more about workers’ compensationAbout Us
Experienced in Complex Disability & Impairment Evaluations
Permanent disability claims often involve medical experts, impairment tables, appealable determinations, and long-term wage loss assessments. Attorney John G. Vanacore has over 40 years of experience representing injured workers in permanent disability hearings, appeals, and complex medical disputes.
Paralegal Cinzia Marson supports clients with documentation, communication, and case preparation to ensure every detail is thoroughly addressed.
Meet our team
Workers’ Compensation Case Results
Proven Success in Permanent Disability Determinations
Our firm has achieved significant results in long-term disability cases, including:
First Permanent Total Disability Award in NH
We secured what is believed to be New Hampshire’s first PTD award for a worker with severe cervical injuries who could return only in extremely limited capacity.
Supreme Court Victory for Spinal Injury
A worker suffering long-term neurological and spinal impairment received surgical care, full medical benefits, and ongoing disability pay, upheld by the New Hampshire Supreme Court.
$100,000 Settlement for Severe Injury Complication
We obtained a $100,000 settlement for a worker whose injury led to a long-term medical condition requiring ongoing care.
What Is a Permanent Impairment Rating?
Understanding the Rating Process
A Permanent Impairment Rating reflects the lasting loss of function caused by your workplace injury. It is determined using: – AMA Guides to the Evaluation of Permanent Impairment – Diagnostic testing (MRI, X‑ray, nerve studies) – Functional capacity evaluations (FCEs) – Specialist medical opinions
These ratings directly affect the amount of your Permanent Impairment Award (PIA).
What Is Permanent Total Disability (PTD)?
When Workers Cannot Return to Any Gainful Employment
A worker may qualify for Permanent Total Disability benefits if their injury prevents them from performing any work suited to their age, training, education, and physical capabilities.
PTD benefits provide long-term wage replacement and medical care.
Disputes Over Impairment Ratings
Why Workers Often Need Legal Representation
Insurers frequently:
– Push for lower impairment ratings
– Dispute causation
– Challenge specialist recommendations
– Require independent medical exams (IMEs)
– Misapply AMA impairment tables
Vanacore Law ensures your medical documentation, test results, and expert evaluations accurately reflect your condition.
Why Choose Us
Experienced, Honest & Worker-Focused Representation
40+ Years of Workers’ Compensation Experience
Decades handling the most complex impairment and disability cases.
Thorough Case Preparation
We gather detailed medical evidence, expert evaluations, and legal documentation.
Clear Communication
You always understand your rights, your rating, and your next steps.
What You May Receive
Benefits Related to Permanent Disability & Impairment Ratings
Depending on your case, you may be entitled to:
– Permanent Impairment Awards (PIA)
– Permanent Total Disability (PTD) benefits
– Ongoing medical coverage
– Vocational rehabilitation
– Assistive care or long-term treatment
Related pages:
Our Process
What to Expect During the Rating & Disability Determination Process
01
Initial Consultation
We review your injury, symptoms, and work limitations.
02
Medical Review & Strategy
We help coordinate evaluations and ensure your provider documents a complete impairment assessment.
03
Case Development
We gather medical records, challenge incorrect insurer IMEs, and prepare for hearings if needed.
04
Resolution & Long-Term Support
We secure fair awards and continue supporting workers throughout their recovery.
Call Us:
(603) 228-1180Testimonials
What Clients Say
Vanacore Law Office is the best. I have had multiple great outcomes here.
– RJ
Service Area
Helping Injured Workers Across New Hampshire
Vanacore Law supports clients statewide—including Concord, Manchester, Nashua, the Lakes Region, and the Seacoast.
Need Help With a Permanent Disability or Impairment Rating?
Call 603-228-1180 for trusted workers’ compensation guidance.