Permanent disability is a reflection of an injured workers reduction in earning capacity due to a work related injury. Once you have received sufficient medical treatment, your doctor will determine if you have reached maximum medical improvement, meaning, your condition is unlikely to change substantially in the next year without medical treatment. If you have reached maximum medical improvement, your doctor will determine if you have permanent disability. Permanent disability reflects the percentage of permanent effect the industrial injury has had on your ability to compete in the open labor market. Like temporary disability payments, permanent disability payments are paid by the insurance carrier every two weeks.