If you recently completed a Permanent Partial Disability (PPD) rating exam in Reno, you’re likely wondering what happens next. The short answer: your rating report gets submitted to both the insurer and state, your disability percentage is calculated, and you may receive a PPD award with lump sum options or the right to challenge results. The post-evaluation process in Nevada involves several critical steps and deadlines that directly affect your compensation. Understanding each stage helps you protect your benefits and avoid costly mistakes with your workers comp claim in Reno NV.
If you have questions about your PPD rating or next steps, the team at Shook and Stone is ready to help. Call 702-570-0000 or reach out online to discuss your claim today.
How the PPD Rating Report Gets Processed After Your Exam
Once your PPD rating exam is complete, the rating physician prepares a formal report documenting your impairment percentage. The rating physician must submit the completed PPD evaluation within 14 calendar days under NAC 616C.148(1), and the insurer must schedule a rating appointment within 30 days of receiving a stable-and-ratable report under NAC 616C.103 and NRS 616C.490. NAC 616C.109 instead governs the presence of a representative during the rating evaluation. This window is important because delays can hold up your entire claim.
The rating must be performed by a physician or chiropractor on the Nevada rating panel list maintained by DIR. Before the exam, a medical provider must confirm you’ve reached maximum medical improvement and are in “stable and ratable” condition. If either requirement wasn’t met, the rating’s validity could be challenged later.
💡 Pro Tip: Keep personal copies of all documents related to your PPD rating exam, including the scheduling notice and insurer correspondence. Your own records can be critical if disputes arise about timing or the rating’s scope.
What Happens After Impairment Rating Results Are Returned
After the insurer receives your PPD report, it uses the disability rating percentage along with other factors to calculate your PPD award. Under NRS 616C.490, except in the case of claims accepted pursuant to NRS 616C.180, no factors other than the degree of physical impairment of the whole person may be considered in calculating the entitlement to compensation for a permanent partial disability. The monthly payment amount is calculated using the disability percentage and your average monthly wage, with a rate multiplier determined by the date of injury; age does not affect the award amount but does determine the duration of payments. Depending on these factors, you may have the option under NRS 616C.495 to elect payment as a lump sum, installments, or a combination. Each variable can significantly change your final award amount.
Nevada law prohibits collecting multiple workers’ comp benefits for the same claim simultaneously. Under NRS 616C.405, you cannot receive TTD, PPD, Temporary Partial Disability, Permanent Total Disability, or Rehabilitation Maintenance benefits at the same time. Your PPD payments typically begin after TTD benefits end.
Understanding the PPD Award Calculation
The PPD award is not a flat payment, it’s formula-driven and unique to your situation. Below are the key variables:
|
Factor |
How It Affects Your Award |
|---|---|
|
Disability rating percentage |
Higher percentage generally means a larger award |
|
Average monthly wage |
A higher wage typically increases the award amount |
|
Age at time of injury |
Age affects the duration of payments, not the award amount |
|
Date of injury |
Determines which statutory formula and benefit rates apply |
💡 Pro Tip: If your TTD benefits were miscalculated, that error affects your average monthly wage, which could carry over into your PPD award. Review your TTD payment history before accepting any offer.
Your Right to Challenge the PPD Rating in Nevada
If you believe your impairment rating is too low or fails to account for all injured body parts, Nevada law gives you the right to dispute it. Under NRS 616C.100, you may obtain a second determination by selecting the next physician or chiropractor at random from the qualified panel list. You pay for this second rating upfront, but if the new rating is higher, you may request a hearing officer or appeals officer to order reimbursement from the insurer.
This right to a second opinion is one of the most valuable protections available to injured workers. Many workers accept the first rating without question, not realizing impairment percentages can vary between physicians. A difference of even a few percentage points can meaningfully change your PPD award. Under NRS 616C.145, you may also request an independent medical examination for a PPD rating.
What to Know Before Requesting a Second Rating
Timing matters when considering a challenge. Act promptly after receiving the initial PPD report, and don’t elect a lump sum payment before pursuing a second rating if you have concerns. Under NRS 616C.495, electing a lump sum terminates all benefits for compensation and constitutes a final settlement of all factual and legal issues, including disputes over the impairment percentage or covered body parts.
💡 Pro Tip: Under NRS 629.620, your attorney may be present during the evaluation. Subsection 3 of that statute authorizes the rating physician to suspend the exam if the attorney or observer disrupts or attempts to participate. NAC 616C.109 separately governs the presence of a representative during a workers’ comp PPD rating evaluation.
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Claim Closure Notice and PPD Evaluation Requirements
Before an insurer can close your workers’ comp claim, it must follow specific procedures. Under NRS 616C.235, the insurer must send written notice and either provide a PPD evaluation date or explain in writing why it believes you have no possibility of permanent impairment. This prevents insurers from closing claims prematurely without addressing lasting disability.
If you receive a closure notice without a scheduled PPD evaluation and believe your injury caused permanent impairment, act quickly. Failing to respond or challenge the closure could result in losing your right to a PPD award. A Reno workers comp attorney can help evaluate whether the insurer followed proper procedures.
Other Nevada Workers Comp Benefits You May Still Be Eligible For
A PPD award is only one component of available benefits under Nevada’s workers’ compensation system. Depending on your situation, you may also be entitled to medical treatment, mileage reimbursement for doctor visits, and vocational rehabilitation services if you cannot return to your prior job. These benefits exist alongside your PPD award.
For the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2024, the maximum TTD benefit in Nevada is $5,630.43 per month. TTD benefits are generally two-thirds of your average monthly wage, up to that annual cap, and require more than five days off work. If a doctor determines you’re permanently and totally disabled rather than partially disabled, you may continue receiving monthly payments at your TTD rate. You can review current Nevada workers’ comp benefit rates for more detail.
💡 Pro Tip: Workers’ comp rights under NRS 616A.020 are the exclusive remedy for workplace injuries in Nevada. You generally cannot file a separate civil lawsuit against your employer for the same injury.
The Bigger Picture: Nevada’s Workers’ Comp Framework
The Nevada Industrial Insurance Act (NRS chapters 616A through 616D) and the Nevada Occupational Diseases Act (NRS chapter 617) together provide the full statutory framework governing your claim. Under NRS 616A.010, these provisions must be interpreted to ensure quick and efficient payment of compensation to injured employees at reasonable cost to employers. The law is designed to be balanced.
For injured workers navigating the impairment rating process in Reno, your claim should move forward without unnecessary delay. If your insurer is stalling, underpaying, or ignoring required procedures, those actions may conflict with the Act’s purposes. For a deeper dive, read our guide on Nevada’s PPD benefits.
💡 Pro Tip: Don’t sign settlement paperwork or elect a lump sum until you fully understand how it affects your right to appeal. Under NRS 616C.495, once you elect a lump sum, all benefits terminate and the election constitutes a final settlement of all issues.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What happens after impairment rating results are sent to the insurer?
The insurer uses your disability percentage, average monthly wage, age, and injury date to calculate a PPD award. Under NRS 616C.490, except in the case of claims accepted pursuant to NRS 616C.180, no factors other than the degree of physical impairment of the whole person may be considered in calculating the entitlement to compensation for a permanent partial disability. You should receive written communication about the award amount and payment options. If you disagree, you have the right to challenge it before electing a lump sum.
2. Can I have my attorney present during a PPD rating exam in Reno?
Yes, under NRS 629.620, an attorney or representative may attend the PPD evaluation. Subsection 3 of NRS 629.620 authorizes the rating physician to suspend the exam if the attorney or observer disrupts or attempts to participate. NAC 616C.109 separately governs the presence of a representative during a PPD rating evaluation.
3. What if I think my PPD rating is too low?
You may obtain a second determination under NRS 616C.100 by selecting the next qualified physician at random from the panel list. You pay for the second rating but may request reimbursement if the new percentage is higher. You may also request an independent medical examination under NRS 616C.145.
4. Can I receive TTD and PPD benefits at the same time?
No. Under NRS 616C.405, Nevada law prohibits receiving more than one workers’ comp benefit for the same claim during the same period. This includes TTD, PPD, Temporary Partial Disability, Permanent Total Disability, and Rehabilitation Maintenance benefits.
5. Should I accept a lump sum settlement right away?
Not necessarily. If you wish to dispute the impairment percentage or resolve pending issues, be aware that under NRS 616C.495, electing a lump sum terminates all compensation benefits and constitutes a final settlement of all issues. Consider all options carefully.
Protecting Your PPD Benefits Starts With Knowing Your Rights
Navigating the steps after a PPD rating exam can feel overwhelming, especially while recovering from a workplace injury. From understanding how your award is calculated to knowing when and how to challenge a rating you believe is too low, every decision affects your claim’s outcome. Nevada law provides real protections for injured workers, but only if you use them.
If you need guidance on your PPD rating or any part of your workers’ compensation claim in Reno, Shook and Stone is here to help. Call 702-570-0000 or contact us today to discuss your situation with a team that has extensive experience protecting injured workers across Nevada.
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