– what is medical disability?
Permanent medical disability (PMD) is a measure of the impact that the occupational disease has had on you. It is assessed once the condition has stabilised and reflects the permanent physical and/or psychological impairment caused by the illness. Permanent medical disability is determined using a disability table, and it forms the basis for compensation for permanent injury.
For example, if you have developed solvent injury at work, you may suffer from reduced cognitive function such as concentration problems, fatigue or memory issues. Your condition is then assessed using a disability table, resulting in a percentage score known as permanent medical disability (PMD).
Read more: Compensation for permanent injury
What is a disability table?
You can find the disability table in the regulation on compensation for permanent injury. The regulation lists different injuries and diseases along with corresponding percentage ranges that reflect their severity. This percentage is what is referred to as permanent medical disability.
Good to know – the insurance company will usually cover legal costs if you are entitled to compensation for an occupational disease.
When is medical disability assessed?
The condition must be permanent before medical disability can be assessed. The occupational disease must be stable, meaning that all relevant treatment and rehabilitation measures have been completed. The aim is to ensure that your condition is unlikely to improve or worsen significantly in the near future, so that the percentage assessment is as accurate as possible.
Who determines medical disability?
Doctors have different areas of specialisation. In occupational disease cases, an occupational medicine specialist will typically assess you, review your documentation, evaluate the exposure you have been subjected to, and determine whether there is a connection between that exposure and your condition.
How is medical disability assessed?
The specialist receives a mandate prior to the assessment outlining what must be evaluated. They are also provided with medical records and background information from your employer regarding your work, exposure type, duration and level.
The specialist will ask questions about your work, how your condition has developed, and how it affects your daily life and ability to work. After examination, a medical report is prepared, and the disability table is used to determine your level of permanent medical disability.
Why is the choice of specialist important?
Medical assessments involve professional judgment, and different specialists may reach different conclusions. Some specialists regularly work with insurance companies, which may influence their approach. It is therefore important to be aware of the background and experience of the specialist involved.
At Unneland Law Firm, we have more than 30 years of experience handling occupational disease claims. We can help ensure that the right specialist is chosen for your case, which can be crucial for the outcome.
Questions about choosing a specialist? Contact us.
What is medical disability used for?
The percentage representing your permanent medical disability is used to determine how much you will receive in compensation for permanent injury.
Read more: Compensation for permanent injury
Read more: Regulation on compensation for permanent injury
Does medical disability reflect your ability to work?
Many people believe that medical disability corresponds directly to work capacity. This is not correct. Medical disability and work ability are two different concepts. For example, a person may have significant physical impairment but still be able to work full-time in a different role, while another person with a relatively low disability percentage may be unable to continue in their profession.
Does medical disability affect disability benefits from NAV?
Although there is no direct link between medical disability and work disability, a high level of medical disability often corresponds to a greater reduction in work capacity. Conversely, a lower level of medical disability generally reflects less severe impairment.
