Chapter DWD 80

DWD 80.26(2)(a)4. 4. The percentage of central visual acuity efficiency of the eye in question shall be the result of the weighted values assigned to these 2 percentages for distance and for near. A onefold value is assigned to distance vision and a twofold value to near vision. Thus, if the central visual efficiency for distance is 70% and that for near is 40%, the percentage of central visual efficiency for the eye in question would be:

DWD 80.26(2)(a)5. 5. The Snellen test letters or characters as published by the Committee on Compensation for Eye Injuries of the American Medical Association and designated “Industrial Vision Test Charts” subtend a 5 minute angle, and their component parts a 1 minute angle. These test letters or the equivalent are to be used at an examining distance of 20 feet for distant vision (except as otherwise noted on the Chart where vision is very poor), and of 14 inches for near vision, from the patient. The illumination is to be not less than three foot candles, nor more than ten foot candles on the surface of the chart.

DWD 80.26(2)(a)6. 6. Table 1 shows the percentage of central visual acuity efficiency and the percentage loss of such efficiency, both for distance and for near, for partial loss between 100% and zero vision for either eye.

DWD 80.26(2)(b) (b) Field vision.

DWD 80.26(2)(b)1. 1. The extent of the field of vision shall be determined by the use of the usual perimetric test methods, a white target being employed which subtends a 1 degree angle under illumination of not less than 3 foot candles, and the result plotted on the industrial visual field chart. The readings should be taken, if possible, without restriction to the field covered by the correction worn.

DWD 80.26(2)(b)2. 2. The amount of radial contraction in the 8 principal meridians shall be determined. The sum of the degrees of field vision remaining on these meridians,divided by 420 (the sum of the 8 principal radii of the industrial visual field) will give the visual field efficiency of one eye in per cent, subject to the proviso stated in the section on “Minimum Limits” that a concentric central contraction of the field to a diameter of 5 degrees reduces the visual efficiency to zero.

DWD 80.26(2)(b)3. 3. Where the impairment of field is irregular and not fairly disclosed by the 8 radii, the impaired area should be sketched upon the diagram on the report blank, and the computation be based on a greater number of radii, or otherwise, as may be necessary to a fair determination.

DWD 80.26(2)(c) (c) Binocular vision.

DWD 80.26(2)(c)1. 1. Binocular vision shall be measured in all parts of the motor field, recognized methods being used for testing. It shall be measured with any useful correction applied.

DWD 80.26(2)(c)2. 2. Diplopia may involve the field of binocular fixation entirely or partially. When diplopia is present, this shall be plotted on the industrial motor field chart. This chart is divided into 20 rectangles, 4 by 5 degrees in size. The partial loss due to diplopia is that proportional area which shows diplopia as indicated on the plotted chart compared with the entire motor field area.

DWD 80.26(2)(c)3. 3. When diplopia involves the entire motor field, causing an irremediable diplopia, or when there is absence of useful binocular vision due to lack of accommodation or other reason, the loss of coordinate visual efficiency is equal to 50% loss of the vision existing in one eye (ordinarily the injured, or the more seriously injured, eye); and when the diplopia is partial, the loss in visual efficiency shall be proportional and based on the efficiency factor value of one eye as stated in table 2. When useful correction is applied to relieve diplopia, 5% of total motor field efficiency of one eye shall be deducted from the percent of such efficiency obtainable with the correction. A correction which does not improve motor field efficiency by at least 5% of total will not ordinarily be considered useful.

DWD 80.26(3) (3) Industrial visual efficiency of one eye. The industrial visual efficiency of one eye is determined by obtaining the product of the computed coordinate efficiency values of central visual acuity, of field of vision, and of binocular vision. Thus, if central visual acuity efficiency is 50%, visual field efficiency is 80% and the binocular vision efficiency is 100%, the resultant visual efficiency of the eye will be 50 × 80 × 100 = 40%. Should useful binocular vision be absent in all of the motor field so that binocular efficiency is reduced to 50%, the visual efficiency would be 50 × 80 × 50 = 20%.

DWD 80.26(4) (4) Computation of compensation for impairment of vision. When the percentage of industrial visual efficiency of each eye has been thus determined, it is subtracted from 100%. The difference represents the percentage impairment of each eye for industrial use. These percentages are applied directly to the specific schedules of the Worker’s Compensation Act.

DWD 80.26(5) (5) Types of ocular injury not included in the disturbance of coordinate factors. Certain types of ocular disturbance are not included in the foregoing computations and these may result in disabilities, the value of which cannot be computed by any scale as yet scientifically possible of deduction. Such are disturbances of accommodation not previously provided for in these rules, of color vision, of adaptation to light and dark, metamorphopsia, entropion, ectropion, lagophthalmos, epiphora, and muscle disturbances not included under diplopia. For such disabilities additional compensation shall be awarded, but in no case shall such additional award make the total compensation for loss in industrial visual efficiency greater than that provided by law for total permanent disability.

DWD 80.26(6) (6) Miscellaneous rules.

DWD 80.26(6)(a) (a) Compensation shall not be computed until all adequate and reasonable operations and treatment known to medical science have been attempted to correct the defect. Further, before there shall be made the final examination on which compensation is to be computed, at least 3 months shall have elapsed after the last trace of visible inflammation has disappeared, except in cases of disturbance of extrinsic ocular muscles, optic nerve atrophy, injury of the retina, sympathetic ophthalmia, and traumatic cataract; in such cases, at least 12 months and preferably not more than 16 months shall intervene before the examination shall be made on which final compensation is to be computed. In case the injury is one which may cause cataract, optic atrophy, disturbance of the retina, or other conditions, which may further impair vision after the time of the final examination, note thereof should be made by the examining physician on his report.

DWD 80.26(6)(b) (b) In cases of additional loss in visual efficiency, when it is known that there was present a preexisting subnormal vision, compensation shall be based on the loss incurred as a result of eye injury or occupational condition specifically responsible for the additional loss. In case there exists no record or no adequate and positive evidence of preexisting subnormal vision, it shall be assumed that the visual efficiency prior to any injury was 100%. In order to effect the above purpose, the examining physician should carefully distinguish, in regard to each of the coordinate factors, between impairments resulting from the injury and impairments not so resulting as established by the type of proof here stated. Such other impairments should, however, be also reported, separately. Computation must occasionally also be made of impairment of vision not resulting from the injury, as, for instance, for the purpose of computing additional indemnity due under the provisions of the Worker’s Compensation Act on account of preexisting disability of one or both eyes.

DWD 80.26 Note Note: Example of computation covering partial disability to a single eye

DWD 80.26 Note Note: Example of computation covering partial disability to both eyes

DWD 80.26 Note Note: Example of compensation covering enucleation of one eye and partial disability of the other eye

DWD 80.27 DWD 80.27 Forms. A sample copy of all forms referred to in these rules may be obtained upon a request to the Worker’s Compensation Division, Department of Workforce Development, Post Office Box 7901, Madison, WI 53707.

DWD 80.27 History History: Cr. Register, October, 1957, No. 22, eff. 11-1-57; am. (1), Register, October, 1965, No. 118, eff. 12-1-65; am. Register, April, 1975, No. 232, eff. 5-1-75; r. and recr. Register, September, 1982, No. 321, eff. 10-1-82; correction made under s. 13.93 (2m) (b) 6., Stats., Register, July, 1996, No. 487, eff. 8-1-96.

DWD 80.29 DWD 80.29 Value of room or meals. For the purpose of determining the value of lodging and meals for wage purposes under ch. 102, Stats., the allowance provided under ch. DWD 272 shall apply.

DWD 80.29 History History: Cr. Register, October, 1960, No. 58, eff. 11-1-60; am. (1) (a) and (b), Register, October, 1963, No. 94, eff. 11-1-63; r. and recr. Register, January, 1967, No. 133, eff. 2-1-67; am. Register, November, 1970, No. 179, eff. 12-1-70; r. and recr. Register, April, 1975, No. 232, eff. 5-1-75; correction made under s. 13.93 (2m) (b) 7., Stats., Register, July, 1996, No. 487, eff. 8-1-96; correction made under s. 13.93 (2m) (b) 7., Stats., Register, December, 1997, No. 504.

DWD 80.30 DWD 80.30 Average weekly earnings for members of volunteer fire companies or fire departments. The maximum average weekly earnings under the provisions of s. 102.11, Stats., which are in effect on the date of injury shall be used in computing the amount of compensation payable to an employee as defined by s. 102.07 (7), Stats., except as specific showing may be made in an individual case that such wage is not proper.

DWD 80.30 History History: Cr. Register, June, 1961, No. 66, eff. 7-1-61.

DWD 80.32 DWD 80.32 Permanent disabilities. Minimum percentages of loss of use for amputation levels, losses of motion, sensory losses and surgical procedures.

DWD 80.32(1) (1) The disabilities set forth in this section are the minimums for the described conditions. However, findings of additional disabling elements shall result in an estimate higher than the minimum. The minimum also assumes that the member, the back, etc., was previously without disability. Appropriate reduction shall be made for any preexisting disability.

DWD 80.32 Note Note: An example would be where in addition to a described loss of motion, pain and circulatory disturbance further limits the use of an arm or a leg. A meniscectomy in a knee with less than a good result would call for an estimate higher than 5% loss of use of the leg at the knee. The same principle would apply to surgical procedures on the back. The schedule of minimum disabilities contained in this section was adopted upon the advice of a worker’s compensation advisory council subcommittee after a survey of doctors experienced in treating industrial injuries.

DWD 80.32(2) (2) Amputations, upper or lower extremities

All ranges of joint motion or degrees of ankylosis not listed below are to be interpolated from existing percent of disability listed.

DWD 80.32(3) (3) Hip

DWD 80.32(4) (4) Knee

DWD 80.32(5) (5) Ankle

DWD 80.32(6) (6) Toes

DWD 80.32(7) (7) Shoulder

DWD 80.32(8) (8) Elbow

DWD 80.32(9) (9) Wrist

DWD 80.32(10) (10) Complete Sensory Loss

DWD 80.32(11) (11) Back

DWD 80.32 Note Note: It is the subcommittee’s intention that a separate minimum 5% allowance be given for every surgical procedure (open or closed, radical or partial) that is done to relieve from the effects of a disc lesion or spinal cord pressure. Each disc treated or surgical procedure performed will qualify for a 5% rating. Due to the fact a fusion involves 2 procedures a 1) laminectomy (dissectomy) and a 2) fusion procedure, 10% permanent total disability will apply when the 2 surgical procedures are done at the same time or separately.

DWD 80.32(12) (12) Fingers

DWD 80.32(12)(a) (a) Complete ankylosis

DWD 80.32(12)(b) (b) Loss of Motion

DWD 80.32(13) (13) Kidney

DWD 80.32(14) (14) Loss of Smell

DWD 80.32 History History: Cr. Register, October, 1965, No. 118, eff. 11-1-65; r. and recr. Register, April, 1975, No. 232, eff. 5-1-75; r. and recr. (1), Register, September, 1982, No. 321, eff. 10-1-82; cr. (13) and (14), Register, September, 1986, eff. 369, eff. 10-1-86; am. (intro.), (3) to (5), (7), (9), (11) and (12) (a) and (b), Register, June, 1994, No. 462, eff. 7-1-94; reprinted to restore dropped copy in (1), Register, March, 1995, No. 471; CR 07-019: am. (11), Register October 2007 No. 622, eff. 11-1-07.

DWD 80.33 DWD 80.33 Permanent disabilities; fingertip amputations. In estimating permanent disability as a result of fingertip amputations, amputation of the distal one-third or less shall be considered the equivalent of 45% loss of use of the distal phalanx, amputation of not more than the distal two-thirds but more than the distal one-third shall be considered the equivalent of 80% loss of use of the distal phalanx, and amputation of more than the distal two-thirds shall be considered as 100% loss of the distal phalanx, provided there is not added disability as a result of malformed nail or tissue. In no case shall the allowance be greater than it would have been for amputation of the entire distal phalanx.

DWD 80.33 History History: Cr. Register, October, 1965, No. 118, eff. 11-1-65; am. Register, November, 1970, No. 179, eff. 12-1-70.

DWD 80.34 DWD 80.34 Loss of earning capacity.

DWD 80.34(1) (1) Any department determinations as to loss of earning capacity for injuries arising under s. 102.44 (2) and (3), Stats., shall take into account the effect of the injured employee’s permanent physical and mental limitations resulting from the injury upon present and potential earnings in view of the following factors:

DWD 80.34(1)(a) (a) Age;

DWD 80.34(1)(b) (b) Education;

DWD 80.34(1)(c) (c) Training;

DWD 80.34(1)(d) (d) Previous work experience;

DWD 80.34(1)(e) (e) Previous earnings;

DWD 80.34(1)(f) (f) Present occupation and earnings;

DWD 80.34(1)(g) (g) Likelihood of future suitable occupational change;

DWD 80.34(1)(h) (h) Efforts to obtain suitable employment;

DWD 80.34(1)(i) (i) Willingness to make reasonable change in a residence to secure suitable employment;

DWD 80.34(1)(j) (j) Success of and willingness to participate in reasonable physical and vocational rehabilitation program; and

DWD 80.34(1)(k) (k) Other pertinent evidence.

DWD 80.34 History History: Cr. Register, September, 1982, No. 321, eff. 10-1-82.

DWD 80.38 DWD 80.38 Assessment of administrative expenses.

DWD 80.38(1) (1) For purposes of determining assessment payments under s. 102.75, Stats., “indemnity paid or payable” excludes:

DWD 80.38(1)(a) (a) Payments made for medical, hospital or related expenses.

DWD 80.38(1)(b) (b) Additional payments for penalties and increased compensation.

DWD 80.38(1)(c) (c) Payments made into the work injury supplemental benefit fund.

DWD 80.38(1)(d) (d) Payments made from the work injury supplemental benefit fund other than those paid under s. 102.44 (1), Stats.

DWD 80.38(1)(e) (e) Payments made under ss. 102.475, 102.35, and 102.18 (1) (bp), Stats.

DWD 80.38(1)(f) (f) Payments made under statutory provisions other than those of ch. 102, Stats.

DWD 80.38(1)(g) (g) Payments made pursuant to a compromise agreement to the extent that they cannot be determined to be indemnity paid or payable under sub. (2).

DWD 80.38(2) (2) For purposes of determining assessment payments under s. 102.75, Stats., “indemnity paid or payable” includes:

DWD 80.38(2)(a) (a) Supplemental benefit payments made under s. 102.44 (1), Stats., from the work injury supplemental benefit fund if they were determined to be payable prior to the time the case is initially closed.

DWD 80.38(2)(b) (b) Death benefits paid under ss. 102.46, 102.47, 102.48 and 102.50, Stats.

DWD 80.38(2)(c) (c) Portions of social security benefits, sick leave, holiday pay, salary and other wage continuation payments which offset or are paid in lieu of the daily or weekly indemnity due.

DWD 80.38 History History: Cr. Register, September, 1984, No. 345, eff. 10-1-84.

DWD 80.39 DWD 80.39 Advance payment of unaccrued compensation.

DWD 80.39(1) (1) The department may order partial or full payment of unaccrued compensation to an employee or his or her dependents pursuant to s. 102.32 (6m), Stats., upon consideration of the following factors:

DWD 80.39(1)(a) (a) The length of time since the injury;

DWD 80.39(1)(b) (b) The total income of the employee or the dependent;

DWD 80.39(1)(c) (c) The income of others in the employee’s or the dependent’s household;

DWD 80.39(1)(d) (d) The age of the employee or the dependent;

DWD 80.39(1)(e) (e) The other available assets of the employee or the dependent;

DWD 80.39(1)(f) (f) The loss of benefits because of interest credit due to self-insured employer or insurance carrier;

DWD 80.39(1)(g) (g) The purpose for which the advancement is requested;

DWD 80.39(1)(h) (h) The other financial obligations of the employee or the dependent;

DWD 80.39(1)(i) (i) The employment status of the employee or the dependent;

DWD 80.39(1)(j) (j) If the advancement is requested for the purchase of real estate, the cost of the real estate and availability of other necessary financing for the real estate;