Certified Disability Management Specialist (CDMS) Practice Exam

The transition of benefits from temporary to permanent disability in a Workers' Compensation case is primarily triggered by reaching maximum medical improvement (MMI) alongside the presence of residual impairment. Maximum medical improvement refers to the point in the treatment process where a patient's condition has stabilized to the extent that no further significant medical improvements are anticipated, even with continued treatment.

When a worker has reached MMI but still experiences lingering effects that impair their ability to work or perform daily tasks, this indicates that they have a residual impairment. This residual impairment serves as a basis for determining the need for permanent disability benefits, as it reflects the ongoing impact of the work-related injury or illness despite treatment.

In contrast, complete recovery implies a return to pre-injury health and functional capacity, leading to a cessation of any disability benefits. A return to work signifies that the individual has resumed their job duties, often indicating that temporary benefits may no longer be necessary. An employer's request does not directly influence the medical assessment of disability; it is the medical evaluation and the status of the employee’s condition that primarily govern the transition of benefits.