What Is an Impairment Rating Evaluation in a Workers’ Compensation Case?
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If you’ve been receiving workers’ compensation for over 104 weeks in Delaware County or anywhere in Pennsylvania, you may be scheduled for an Impairment Rating Evaluation — also known as an IRE. This exam can dramatically impact the benefits you receive moving forward.
Here’s how it works, why it matters, and what to do if your benefits are at risk.
What Is an IRE?
An IRE is a medical exam used to determine how much your work injury impairs your overall physical functioning. It is typically requested by the insurance company after you’ve received two years (104 weeks) of total disability payments.
The IRE must be performed by a qualified physician agreed upon by the parties or designated by the Department.
Read more: What benefits are covered under PA workers’ comp?
How an IRE Affects Your Benefits
The doctor will assign a whole body impairment rating, which reflects the percentage of physical loss or limitation caused by your injury.
- If your rating is 35% or higher: You are presumed to have a continuing total disability and your full benefits continue.
- A qualifying rating below 35% can support partial-disability status and its 500-week limit. The status change alone does not reduce your weekly rate. The required process depends on when the insurer requested the IRE; a petition is not the only possible route.
See: Can your workers’ comp payments be stopped early?
What If You Disagree With the Rating?
You have the right to challenge an unfair IRE result by:
- Requesting an independent medical exam
- Filing a petition to dispute the impairment rating
- Taking your case before a Pennsylvania workers’ compensation judge
This process can be complex and time-sensitive — and insurance companies count on workers not knowing their rights.
Also read: What is my workers’ comp case really worth?
Talk to a Certified Workers’ Compensation Lawyer
An IRE is not just a routine exam — it’s a tool the insurance company uses to try to cut off your benefits. If you’re facing a scheduled IRE, or your benefits were recently reduced, now is the time to act.
At Schmidt, Kirifides, Rassias & Rio, our Certified Workers’ Compensation Specialists have helped injured workers across Delaware County and Media, PA fight back against unfair impairment ratings and keep their benefits.
Call 610-892-9300 or contact us online for a free consultation.