Impairment and Settlement

What is the name of your state? Workers Comp Claim is in Texas. We live in Montana.

I finally got an impairment rating from my doctor. He said it is 10%, if I undergo another surgery it would be 20%, as they would have to fuse 2 disks together. I would be in less pain but also less mobile. If I send the 10% to WC now if I elect to get the surgery in the future can I get an additional 10%?

rrcain said:

What is the name of your state? Workers Comp Claim is in Texas. We live in Montana.

I finally got an impairment rating from my doctor. He said it is 10%, if I undergo another surgery it would be 20%, as they would have to fuse 2 disks together. I would be in less pain but also less mobile. If I send the 10% to WC now if I elect to get the surgery in the future can I get an additional 10%?

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All state law are different, but I think if you take the %10 rating now and have the surgery later, you still only receive the money for the %10 rating..
If you elect to have the surgery, that does'nt really mean you will be %20, you could feel better and they might give you a lower rating..
It is up to you to decide what is best for you..
You get an impairment rating, get percentage and have a certain amount of money's awarded to you, also have the option to elect to have a future surgery, does not change your first rating percentage..
You decide to contest the rating and have the second surgery, then have a doctor rate you and you may or may not get a higher or lower rating..
You need to ask yourself these question's and decide what is best for you.
Just because you have a fusion does not mean less pain..