WCB PCI (Permanent Clinical Impairment) Awards in Alberta

When PCI Applies

You may qualify for a PCI award if your workplace injury results in permanent limitations such as:

• Surgery leaving permanent loss of mobility (reduced range of motion, joint stiffness, or muscle weakness).
  
  

• Chronic pain or limitations after treatment that never fully resolve.
  
  

• Long-term hearing or vision loss caused or aggravated by your injury.
  
  

• Nerve or tendon damage leading to loss of sensation, grip strength, or dexterity.
  
  

PCI awards are meant to compensate for the permanent impact on your life, not just the temporary wage loss during recovery.

Problems With PCI Awards

Many Alberta workers find that WCB’s PCI awards are inaccurate or incomplete. Common problems include:

• WCB downplaying impairment percentage – assigning the lowest possible rating, even when your limitations are severe.
  
  

• Only part of your injuries considered – ignoring secondary injuries or related conditions caused by overuse, surgery, or compensation.
  
  

• No reassessment after worsening conditions – refusing to increase PCI when your impairment gets worse over time.
  
  

These issues can reduce your award by thousands of dollars.

Your Rights Under WCB Alberta

According to WCB policy, PCI awards must:

• Be based on comprehensive medical assessments, not assumptions.
  
  

• Consider all permanent impairments directly caused by the workplace injury.
  
  

• Be reassessed if your condition worsens or additional body parts are later accepted as compensable.
  
  

If WCB minimizes or ignores these requirements, their decision can be appealed.

How the PCI Appeal Process Works

If you disagree with your PCI rating or award, you can challenge it through Alberta’s appeal system:

1. File Review – request a copy of your PCI medical assessment and rating.
   
   

2. DRDRB Appeal – submit a written request for review to the Dispute Resolution and Decision Review Body, pointing out errors or omissions.
   
   

3. Appeals Commission Hearing – escalate your case to the Appeals Commission, an independent tribunal that frequently overturns unfair PCI awards.
   
   

How Claimstead Helps

At Claimstead, we know how PCI awards are calculated and where WCB often makes mistakes. We:

• Request reassessments if your PCI rating is too low.
  
  

• Ensure all body parts and conditions are considered, including secondary or compensatory injuries.
  
  

• Appeal low PCI awards before the DRDRB and the Appeals Commission.
  
  

• Use medical evidence and WCB policy to support your entitlement to a higher rating.
  
  

Our goal is simple: to secure the PCI award that truly reflects your impairment and lasting limitations.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a PCI award?
A PCI award compensates injured workers for permanent limitations that remain after treatment is complete. It is separate from wage-loss benefits.

Can my PCI award increase if my condition gets worse?
Yes. If your impairment worsens over time, you can request a reassessment and potentially receive a higher PCI rating.

What if WCB only considered one injury?
You may be entitled to a reassessment. All injuries caused or aggravated by your workplace accident should be considered in your PCI rating.

Take Action on Your PCI Award

If your WCB PCI award in Alberta was unfairly minimized, incomplete, or never reassessed, you may be missing out on compensation you deserve.

👉 Contact Claimstead today to review your PCI decision with an experienced WCB representative in Alberta. We fight for ratings that reflect your true impairment and secure the benefits you are owed.