WAC 388-448-0035

Effective September 1, 2000

WAC 388-448-0035 How we assign severity ratings to your incapacity

  1. "Severity rating" means a rating of the extent of your incapacity, and how severely it impacts your ability to perform the basic work activities. Severity ratings are assigned in Steps II through IV of the PEP. The following chart provides a description of levels of limitations on work activities and the severity ratings that would be assigned to each.  

Effect on work activities

Severity rating
  1. There is no effect on your performance of basic work-related activities.
 1
  1. There is no significant effect on your performance of basic work-related activities.

2
  1. There are significant limits on your performance of at least one basic work-related activity.

3
  1. There are very significant limits on your performance of at least one basic work-related activity.

4
  1. You are unable to perform at least one basic work-related activity.

5

  1. We use the severity rating given by the medical evidence provider:

    1. If the rating is supported by and consistent with the medical evidence;

    2. If the provider’s assessment of your limitations is consistent with our definition of the rating; and

    3. If the rating is consistent with other medical evidence provided to us.

  2. If the medical evidence provider assigns a severity rating that is not consistent with the objective evidence and your symptoms from your impairment as described in the medical evidence, we take the following action:

    1. If your limitations are more severe than the rating given, we raise your severity rating; or

    2. If your limitations are less severe than the rating given, we lower your severity rating; and

    3. We give clear and convincing reasons for adjusting the rating.

This is a reprint of the official rule as published by the Office of the Code Reviser. If there are previous versions of this rule, they can be found using the Legislative Search page.