What Is the Disability Evaluation Unit (DEU) in a California Workers’ Compensation Case?
The Disability Evaluation Unit (DEU) is a division within California’s Division of Workers’ Compensation (DWC) that reviews medical reports and calculates permanent disability ratings. These ratings are used to determine how much compensation an injured worker may receive for a lasting impairment resulting from a work-related injury or illness.
The DEU plays an important role in ensuring that permanent disability benefits are calculated fairly and according to California’s workers’ compensation laws and rating schedules.
What Does the DEU Do?
The DEU evaluates medical reports issued by treating physicians, qualified medical evaluators (QMEs), or agreed medical evaluators (AMEs) to calculate a percentage of permanent disability. This percentage reflects how much the injury affects the worker’s ability to earn a living.
The DEU considers several factors, including:
- The physician’s impairment rating
- The worker’s occupation and age
- Adjustments based on apportionment
- The date of injury and applicable rating schedule
The resulting permanent disability percentage is then used to calculate the amount and duration of permanent disability payments.
When Does the DEU Issue a Rating?
The DEU may provide a permanent disability rating in several situations:
- At the request of an injured worker who is not represented by an attorney
- At the request of a judge or hearing officer
- When a dispute exists about the correct rating
- As part of a formal evaluation before a hearing or trial
In cases where the injured worker is represented by an attorney, the parties often agree on a rating or negotiate a settlement based on their own evaluation. However, a DEU rating may still be used to assist in resolving disputes.
Types of Ratings Provided by the DEU
The DEU may issue different types of ratings depending on the situation:
- Summary rating: Used in cases involving unrepresented workers
- Formal rating: Used in cases that are proceeding to hearing before a workers’ compensation judge
- Consultative rating: Provided upon request to assist parties in evaluating a claim
Why the DEU Matters
Permanent disability ratings affect how much compensation a worker receives. An inaccurate or incomplete medical report can result in a lower rating, reducing the benefits awarded. The DEU’s rating is an important step in protecting the injured worker’s right to full compensation for lasting impairments.
Get Help With Disability Ratings and the DEU
If you believe your permanent disability rating is too low or you have questions about how the DEU calculated your benefits, legal guidance can help. The Law Offices of Norman J. Homen works with injured workers throughout California to review medical evaluations, challenge improper ratings, and pursue fair compensation.
