California Code of Regulations
Title 8 - Industrial Relations
Division 1 - Department of Industrial Relations
Chapter 4.5 - Division of Workers' Compensation
Subchapter 1.6 - Permanent Disability Rating Determination
Section 10167 - Informal Ratings

(a) An informal rating will be prepared by the Disability Evaluation Unit upon the request of the employee and/or his/her representative and the employer, or at the request of an Information and Assistance Officer providing the necessary information. Such requests shall be submitted on forms and in a manner prescribed by the administrative director. Informal ratings shall be issued only in those instances where an Application for Adjudication of Claim has not been filed with the appeals board. All medical reports pertaining to the case must be submitted with the request.

(b) The Disability Evaluation Unit will issue the informal rating, which will contain a statement that the informal rating is not: a) a finding, award, order or decision of the appeals board, and b) evidence as to the existence of the factors of disability.

(c) Where the informal rating indicates a life pension, or provision for future medical treatment appears indicated, the Disability Evaluation Unit will forward a copy of the rating to an Information and Assistance Officer for the purpose of obtaining a stipulated award, or other action as may be appropriate.

(d) Self-ratings prepared by the employer are not acceptable substitutes for informal ratings prepared by the Disability Evaluation Unit.