Arizona Life and Health Practice Exam

What type of disability is characterized by the inability to perform some but not all duties of one’s job?

1. Temporary disability

2. Partial disability

3. Residual disability

4. Permanent disability

The correct answer is: Residual disability

The characteristic described in the question pertains to the inability to perform some, but not all, duties of one’s job, which is the defining feature of partial disability. A person with partial disability can still engage in some work-related activities, albeit not all, due to their health condition or injury. This allows them to potentially earn some income while being recognized as partially disabled. Residual disability, on the other hand, refers to a scenario where a person is left with some level of disability after recovering from a total disability but still may be able to work in a limited capacity. While this concept is related to long-term recovery situations, it does not specifically capture the condition of not being able to perform certain job duties. When discussing temporary and permanent disabilities, these terms address the duration of the inability to work rather than the extent of the work limitations. Temporary disability suggests a short-term inability to work, whereas permanent disability refers to an inability to engage in one's job for an indefinite, often prolonged, period. Understanding these distinctions clarifies why the answer is partial disability, as it most accurately matches the scenario where an individual can still perform certain job functions while being limited in others.