What implication does a permanent partial disability rating have on an employee's benefits?

A permanent partial disability rating indicates that an employee has sustained a lasting injury that partially limits their ability to perform work-related tasks. This rating acknowledges that while the employee is still capable of work, their overall capacity has diminished, which affects their earning potential. Consequently, the implications of this rating directly influence the disability benefits the employee is eligible for, as it leads to a reduction in benefits proportional to their loss of earning capacity.

In contrast, the other options suggest outcomes that do not accurately reflect the purpose or implications of a permanent partial disability rating. For instance, full wage compensation or lump-sum payments may not apply to every situation surrounding permanent partial disabilities, and the right to vocational rehabilitation is typically preserved unless specific circumstances dictate otherwise. The rating primarily serves to adjust the level of benefits based on the employee’s reduced ability to earn rather than negating other forms of support or compensation entirely.