How to File a Schedule Award Claim for Permanent Impairment

A person writing on a piece of paper

A person writing on a piece of paper

Injured federal employees facing a permanent impairment may be eligible to file for a schedule award. This type of claim can be critical to your financial, physical, and mental well-being. It may provide much-needed compensation as you cope with a new disability. The attorneys are ready to help you gain the compensation you deserve. Over the years, we’ve worked with countless clients from all over the United States, particularly in the Northeast. Here’s our guide to the schedule award claim procedure for permanent impairment.

What Is a Schedule Award?

A schedule award is a benefit (sometimes paid as a lump-sum) provided under the Federal Employees’ Compensation Act (FECA) to federal employees who are permanently disabled due to a work-related injury or occupational disease. The amount of the award is determined by a predetermined schedule and takes into account the extent of the impairment and the body part affected. Not all injuries are eligible for this benefit.

Are You Eligible?

Before filing for permanent impairment under federal workers’ comp, it’s important to determine your eligibility for a schedule award. Injured employees must meet certain criteria in order to receive this type of compensation. If all of the following apply to you, we can discuss filing a claim:

  • You are a federal employee who was injured while performing job duties.
  • You have followed the doctor’s orders and reached maximum medical improvement (MMI). Your condition is stable, and no further significant improvements are expected.
  • You are not receiving wage compensation from the OWCP.

Steps to File Claim for Permanent Impairment Compensation

The process for claiming a schedule award for a permanent impairment has multiple steps that should be followed to the letter of the law. The team at Aumiller Lomax can help you through the process. The overall components to this process are:

  1. Obtain Medical Documentation—Be sure to keep all relevant medical documentation. Ask your physician for records of assessments, treatment plans, and disability status. This includes a permanent impairment rating which complies with the OWCP rules (currently based on the AMA Guides to Permanent Impairment Evaluation, 6th Edition).
  2. Submit the Right Forms—Proper forms need to be filed to claim this benefit, including the submission of Form CA-7 to the Office of Workers’ Compensation Programs(OWCP).
  3. Check in With Your Claim— After the claim is submitted, keep track of its progress and follow up regularly with the OWCP. If there are any requests for additional information, respond promptly to prevent unnecessary delays.
  4. Prepare for Disputes—Be ready to address any disputes that arise from your employer or the OWCP. There may be questions regarding the extent of your injuries or your eligibility for the claim. Keep all correspondence and be prepared to provide additional information or clarification as needed.
  5. Receive Your Schedule Award—If approved, the OWCP will issue your schedule award based on the severity of your impairment and the affected body part.

Tips for Making the Most of Your Claim

Filing for permanent disability compensation under federal workers’ comp can be complicated, especially when dealing with unique circumstances. But regardless of your case’s specifics, Aumiller Lomax is here to help you maximize your claim. Here are some general tips to present your case in the best way possible:

  • Pay Attention to the Details—Regarding legal forms, attention to detail is key. Even one line of inaccurate information can get your claim denied. Double-check everything for accuracy.
  • Get Help Sooner Rather Than Later—Workers’ compensation claims can be complicated and there are often issues with the timing of things, like deadlines or the right time to pursue a benefit like the schedule award. You improve your odds of success by reaching out to an attorney for help right away, before things go wrong. Some mistakes can’t be fixed.

Get in Touch With Aumiller Lomax Today

A schedule award won’t last forever, but it represents your right to be compensated for permanent damage to your body. Many injured workers miss out simply because they don’t file the paperwork. Let us help you secure what you’re entitled to. At Aumiller Lomax, we are here to help clients in the United States properly claim the schedule award benefit in the federal workers’ compensation system. With years of experience under our belt, we can ensure your claim is set up for success. While our team can’t guarantee a specific outcome, we can bring you solid legal counsel in your time of need. Contact us today.