DWD 80.025(2)(d)(d) The name of the employing firm or firms at the time of the claimed injury or illness; DWD 80.025(3)(3) Requesters may inspect claim files only in the division’s Madison office and under the supervision of division staff. Requesters shall direct requests to inspect files to the receptionist between the hours of 7:45 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Requesters shall return all files by 4:30 p.m. DWD 80.025(4)(4) Requesters may not remove files from the division offices without written authorization from the administrator of the division. DWD 80.025(5)(5) Requesters wishing to make copies of all or a part of a file may do so under the supervision of division staff on the coin-operated copy machine provided for that purpose. DWD 80.025(6)(6) The division of hearings and appeals shall provide transcripts of testimony taken or proceedings had before the division only in accordance with s. HA 4.13. DWD 80.025(7)(7) The division shall furnish copies of documents from worker’s compensation claim files as requested, with the following limits: DWD 80.025(7)(a)(a) At least one week must be allowed before copies can be delivered or mailed. DWD 80.025(7)(b)(b) Advance payment shall not be required except as provided in par. (e). The division shall send an invoice to the requester for the necessary costs as set forth in par. (c). DWD 80.025(7)(c)3.3. $3.00 per request for postage and handling when copies are to be mailed. DWD 80.025(7)(d)(d) Upon a proper showing of inability to pay, the division shall furnish the requested copies upon such terms as may be agreed. DWD 80.025(7)(e)(e) If the requester has unpaid copying fees from prior requests outstanding in an amount that exceeds $5.00, the division shall require the requester to pay the amount owed before providing more copies. DWD 80.025 HistoryHistory: Cr. Register, March, 1986, No. 363, eff. 4-1-86; correction in (6) under s. 13.92 (4) (b) 6., 7., Stats., Register May 2018 No. 749. DWD 80.03(1)(1) Whenever an employer and an employee enter into a compromise agreement concerning the employer’s liability under ch. 102, Stats., for a particular injury to that employee, the following conditions shall be fulfilled: DWD 80.03(1)(a)(a) The compromise agreement shall be in writing, or in the alternative, oral on the record at the time of scheduled hearing; DWD 80.03(1)(b)(b) The compromise agreement shall be mailed to the department unless made on the record; DWD 80.03(1)(c)(c) The compromise agreement must be approved by the department; and DWD 80.03(1)(d)(d) No compromise agreement may provide for a lump sum payment of more than the incurred medical expenses plus sums accrued as compensation or death benefits to the date of the agreement and $10,000 in unaccrued benefits where the compromise settlement in a claim other than for death benefits involves a dispute as to the extent of permanent disability. Lump sum payments will be considered after approval of the compromise in accordance with s. DWD 80.39. DWD 80.03(1)(e)(e) Compromise agreements which provide for payment of a lump sum into an account in a bank, trust company or other financial institution, which account is subject to release as the department directs, will be authorized. DWD 80.03(1)(g)(g) All written compromise agreements submitted to the department shall contain the following: The employee has the right to petition the department of workforce development to set aside or modify this compromise agreement within one year of its approval by the department. The department may set aside or modify the compromise agreement. The right to request the department to set aside or modify the compromise agreement does not guarantee that the compromise will in fact be reopened.
DWD 80.03(2)(2) If the department approves the compromise agreement, an order shall be issued by the department directing payment in accordance with the terms of the compromise agreement. No compromise agreement is valid without an order of the department approving the agreement. DWD 80.03(3)(3) Section 102.16 (1), Stats., places upon the department the responsibility for reviewing, approving, modifying, setting aside and issuing awards on compromise agreements. The action that is taken on any individual claim is dependent upon the facts, circumstances and judgment of the merits of compromise in that specific case. In arriving at a judgment of the merits the department will take into account the following general considerations: DWD 80.03(3)(a)(a) Medical reports, statements or other information submitted by the parties to show that there is a genuine and significant basis for a dispute between the parties. DWD 80.03(3)(b)(b) Estimates of the disability by the physicians, chiropractors or podiatrists which do not vary significantly in estimates of the scheduled or nonscheduled disability will not be presumed to demonstrate a basis for dispute. DWD 80.03(3)(c)(c) The length of time since active treatment has been necessary. The presumption is that the longer the interval the less likely that treatment will be required in the future. DWD 80.03(3)(d)(d) Scientific knowledge or experience indicating that there may be further progression of the disability or that future treatment may be required. Examples of such conditions are: skull fractures with laceration of the dura, sub-capitol fractures of the femur, silicosis and asbestosis. DWD 80.03(3)(f)(f) Any and all other factors that bear on the equity of the proposed compromise. DWD 80.03 HistoryHistory: 1-2-56; am., Register, April, 1975, No. 232, eff. 5-1-75; r. and recr. Register, September, 1982, No. 321, eff. 10-1-82; am. (1) (d), cr. (1) (f) and (g) and (3), Register, September, 1986, No. 369, eff. 10-1-86; CR 07-019: am. (1) (d) and (g), Register October 2007 No. 622, eff. 11-1-07. DWD 80.06DWD 80.06 Parties. The parties to the controversy shall be known as the applicant and the respondent. The party filing the application for relief shall be known as the applicant and an adverse party as the respondent. Any party may appear in person or by an attorney or agent. DWD 80.06 HistoryHistory: 1-2-56; am. Register, September, 1982, No. 321, eff. 10-1-82. DWD 80.07DWD 80.07 Service. All service of papers, unless otherwise directed by the department or by law, may be made by mail and proof of such mailing shall be prima facie proof of such service. Time within which service shall be made shall be the same as in courts of record unless otherwise specified by rule or order of the department. DWD 80.07 HistoryHistory: 1-2-56; am. Register, April, 1975, No. 232, eff. 5-1-75. DWD 80.10DWD 80.10 Stipulations. Parties to a controversy may stipulate the facts in writing, and the department may thereupon make its order or award. Stipulations must set forth in detail the manner of computing the compensation due and must be accompanied by a report from a physician stating the extent of the disability. DWD 80.10 HistoryHistory: 1-2-56; am. Register, April, 1975, No. 232, eff. 5-1-75. DWD 80.21DWD 80.21 Reports by practitioners and expert witnesses. DWD 80.21(1)(1) Upon the request of the department, any party in interest to a claim under ch. 102, Stats., shall furnish to the department and to all parties in interest copies of all reports by practitioners and expert witnesses in their possession or procurable by them. DWD 80.21(2)(2) In cases involving nonscheduled injuries under s. 102.44 (2) or (3), Stats., any party in interest to a claim under the act shall, upon the request of the department, also furnish to the department and to all parties in interest any reports in their possession or reasonably available to them relating to the loss of earning capacity as set forth in s. DWD 80.34. DWD 80.21(3)(3) Any party who does not comply with the request of the department under sub. (1) or (2) shall be barred from presenting the reports or the testimony contained therein at the hearing. DWD 80.21(4)(4) No testimony or reports from expert witnesses on the issue of loss of earning capacity may be received unless the party offering the evidence has notified the department and the other parties of interest of the party’s intent to provide the testimony or reports and the names of expert witnesses involved as required under the provisions of s. 102.17 (7), Stats. DWD 80.21 HistoryHistory: 1-2-56; am. Register, April, 1975, No. 232, eff. 5-1-75; am. (1), cr. (2), (3) and (4), Register, September, 1982, No. 321, eff. 10-1-82; CR 02-094: r. and recr. (4) Register November 2002 No. 563, eff. 12-1-02. DWD 80.23DWD 80.23 Common insurance of employer and third party. In all cases where compensation becomes payable and the insurance carrier of an employer and of a third party shall be the same, or if there is common control of the insurer of each, the insurance carrier of the employer shall promptly notify the parties in interest and the department of that fact. DWD 80.23 HistoryHistory: 1-2-56; am. Register, April, 1975, No. 232, eff. 5-1-75. DWD 80.25DWD 80.25 Loss of hearing. The department adopts the following standards for the determination and evaluation of noise induced hearing loss, other occupational hearing loss and accidental hearing loss: DWD 80.25(1)(1) Harmful noise. Hearing loss resulting from hazardous noise exposure depends upon several factors, namely, the overall intensity (sound pressure level), the daily exposure, the frequency characteristic of the noise spectrum and the total lifetime exposure. Noise exposure level of 90 decibels or more as measured on the A scale of a sound level meter for 8 hours a day is considered to be harmful. DWD 80.25(2)(2) Measurement of noise. Noise shall be measured with a sound level meter which meets ANSI standard 1983 and shall be measured on the “A” weighted network for “slow response.” Noise levels reaching maxima at intervals of one second or less shall be classified as being continuous. The measurement of noise is primarily the function of acoustical engineers and properly trained personnel. Noise should be scientifically measured by properly trained individuals using approved calibrated instruments which at the present time include sound level meters, octave band analyzers and oscilloscopes, the latter particularly for impact-type noises. DWD 80.25(3)(3) Measure of hearing acuity. The use of pure tone air and bone conduction audiometry performed under proper testing conditions is recommended for establishing the hearing acuity of workers. The audiometer should be one which meets the specifications of ANSI standard 53.6-1969 (4). The audiometer should be periodically calibrated. Preemployment records should include a satisfactory personal and occupational history as they may pertain to hearing status. Otological examination should be made where indicated. DWD 80.25(4)(4) Formula for measuring hearing impairment. For the purpose of determining the hearing impairment, pure tone air conduction audiometry is used, measuring all frequencies between 500 and 6,000 Hz. This formula uses the average of the 4 speech frequencies of 500, 1,000, 2,000, and 3,000 Hz. Audiometric measurement for these 4 frequencies averaging 30 decibels or less on the ANSI calibration does not constitute any practical hearing impairment. A table for evaluating hearing impairment based upon the average readings of these 4 frequencies follows below. No deduction is made for presbycusis. DWD 80.25(5)(5) Diagnosis and evaluation. The diagnosis of occupational hearing loss is based upon the occupational and medical history, the results of the otological and audiometric examinations and their evaluation. DWD 80.25(6)(6) Treatment. There is no known medical or surgical treatment for improving or restoring hearing loss due to hazardous noise exposure. Hearing loss will be improved in non-occupational settings with the use of a hearing aid. Since a hearing aid relieves from the effect of injury the cost is compensable where prescribed by a physician. DWD 80.25(7)(7) Allowance for tinnitus. In addition to the above impairment, if tinnitus has permanently resulted due to work exposure, an allowance of 5% loss of hearing impairment for the affected ear or ears shall be computed. DWD 80.25(9)(9) Method for determining percent of hearing impairment. DWD 80.25(9)(a)(a) Obtain for each ear the average hearing level in decibels at the 4 frequencies, 500, 1,000, 2,000 and 3,000 Hz. DWD 80.25(9)(b)(b) See Table for converting to percentage of hearing impairment in each ear. DWD 80.25(9)(c)(c) To determine the percentage of impairment for both ears, multiply the lesser loss by 5, add the greater loss and divide by 6. Following are examples of the calculation of hearing loss: 1. Calculation of average hearing threshold level: 2. Calculation of hearing disability:
Smaller number (better ear)
8% × 5 = 40
Larger number (poorer ear)
40% × 1 = 40
Total 80 ÷ 6 = 13.33% loss
Therefore, a person with the hearing threshold levels shown in this audiogram would have a 13.33% hearing disability.
1. Average hearing threshold level: Therefore, the hearing loss is 4.8% left ear
1. Average hearing threshold level (use 93 db maximal value): 2. Hearing disability:
Smaller number (better ear)
88% × 5 = 440
Larger number (poorer ear)
100% × 1 = 100%
Total 540 × 6 = 90% loss
Therefore, the hearing disability is 90%.
DWD 80.25 HistoryHistory: 1-2-56; am. Register, January, 1960, No. 49, eff. 2-1-60; am. Register, October, 1965, No. 118, eff. 11-1-65; r. and recr. Register, September, 1972, No. 201, eff. 10-1-72; am. (1) to (4), r. (5), renum. (6) and (7) to be (5) and (6), cr. (7) and am. (8), Register, September, 1975, No. 237, eff. 10-1-75; am. (intro.), (2) to (4), (6), (8) and (9), Register, September, 1986, No. 369, eff. 10-1-86; CR 20-031: am. (9) (c) A. 2., C. 2. Register October 2021 No. 790, eff. 11-1-21. DWD 80.26DWD 80.26 Loss of vision; determination. The following rules for determining loss of visual efficiency shall be applicable to all cases settled after December 1, 1941, irrespective of the date of injury, except that, in the examples for computations of compensation payable and of the percentage of permanent total disability, the computation of the percentage of visual impairment must be applied to the provisions of the worker’s compensation act as they existed at the date of the injury. DWD 80.26(1)(1) Maximum and minimum limits of the primary coordinate factors of vision. In order to determine the various degrees of visual efficiency, a) normal or maximum, and b) minimum, limits for each coordinate function must be established; i.e., the 100% point and the 0% point. DWD 80.26(1)(a)(a) Maximum limits. The maximum efficiency for each of these is established by existing and accepted standards. DWD 80.26(1)(a)1.1. Central visual acuity. The ability to recognize letters or characters which subtend an angle of 5 minutes, each unit part of which subtends a 1 minute angle at the distance viewed is accepted as standard. Therefore a 20/20 Snellen or A.M.A. and a 14/14 A.M.A. are employed as the maximum acuity of central vision, or 100% acuity for distance vision and near vision respectively. DWD 80.26(1)(a)2.2. Field vision. A visual field having an area which extends from the point of fixation outward 65, down and out 65, down 55, down and in 45, inward 45, in and up 45, upward 45, and up and out 55 is accepted as 100% industrial visual field efficiency. DWD 80.26(1)(a)3.3. Binocular vision. Maximum binocular vision is present if there is absence of diplopia in all parts of the field of binocular fixation, and if the 2 eyes give useful binocular vision. DWD 80.26(1)(b)(b) Minimum limits. The minimum limit, or the 0% of the coordinate functions of vision, is established at that degree of deficiency which reduces vision to a state of industrial uselessness. DWD 80.26(1)(b)1.1. Central visual acuity. The minimum limit of this function is established as the loss of light perception, light perception being qualitative vision. The practical minimum limit of quantitative visual acuity is established as the ability to distinguish form. Experience, experiment and authoritative opinion show that for distance vision 20/200 Snellen or A.M.A. Chart is 80% loss of visual efficiency, 20/380 is 96% loss, and 20/800 is 99.9% loss, and that for near vision 14/141 A.M.A. Reading Card is 80% loss of visual efficiency, 14/266 is 96% loss, and 14/560 is 99.9% loss. Table 1 shows the percentage loss of visual efficiency corresponding to the Snellen and other notations for distant and for near vision, for the measurable range of quantitative visual acuity.
