Workers Compensation Terms and Definitions

State Disability Insurance (SDI): A branch of the Employment Development Department that pays temporary disability benefits for non-industrial injuries or illnesses. Consultative Rating A rating of permanent disability provided by the DWC Disability Evaluation Unit when a claim is litigated or if the injured worker has an attorney. See Permanent Disability Rating. Subpoena A document that requires a witness to appear at a hearing. There must be an Application for Adjudication on file for a subpoena to be valid. Agreed Medical Examiner (AME) A physician selected by your attorney and the claims administrator who conducts a medical evaluation and submits a comprehensive report to the parties. Permanent Disability (PD) Any residual disability that impairs your ability to compete in the open labor market after you become permanent and stationary. Transportation Expenses A benefit to cover your out-of-pocket expenses for mileage, parking, and toll fees related to a claim, usually a reimbursement. Vocational Rehabilitation This benefit assists qualified injured workers in returning to work. Workers' Compensation Administrative Law Judge Judges at DWC district offices that conduct hearings, take evidence, issue decisions, and approve settlements. Compromise and Release (C&R) Generally, a final settlement of your workers' compensation case where the parties agree on a single lump sum payment. It usually settles all outstanding issues except for future vocational rehabilitation. Findings & Award (F&A) A Workers' Compensation Administrative Law Judge's decision finding that an applicant is entitled to disability benefit payments, future medical treatment, or both.

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	Did You Know?
	Brake and clutch repair work in the general industry standard is the activity engaged in by the largest group of asbestos exposed workers Brake and clutch repair work in the general industry standard is the activity engaged in by the largest group of asbestos exposed workers, although most of them are exposed sporadically and at low levels. Next largest are custodial workers who do not perform their duties as part of construction activities, but clean surfaces, sweep, buff, vacuum floors, and wash walls and windows in manufacturing plants and a wide variety of public and commercial buildings.