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How Federal Employees in Holmes and Sharkey Counties Can Get Schedule Award Benefits

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Federal employees in Holmes and Sharkey Counties who experience permanent injuries on the job may be entitled for schedule awards benefits. This benefit provides financial support for the permanent loss of use or function of specific body parts.

In this article, we’ll explain what a schedule award is, who qualifies, how to apply locally, and the common pitfalls to avoid when filing a claim with the Office of Workers’ Compensation Programs (OWCP).

What Is a Schedule Award?

A schedule award is a one-time payment provided under the Office of Workers’ Compensation Programs (OWCP) for the permanent impairment of a specific body part. The amount is determined by a federal schedule, which assigns a set number of compensation weeks to each eligible body part. 

This benefit is separate from any ongoing medical treatment or wage loss compensation you may receive under your OWCP claim.

 Who Can Qualify for Schedule Award Benefits?

Federal workers may be eligible for a schedule award if they have reached Maximum Medical Improvement (MMI) and have sustained a permanent impairment to a body part listed on the federal schedule, such as the arm, hand, leg, foot, hearing, or vision.

Eligibility requires a medical impairment rating that clearly documents the extent of the permanent loss.

The Steps to Apply for a Schedule Award in Holmes and Sharkey Counties

  1. Obtain an Impairment Rating: An OWCP-approved physician must evaluate your condition using the AMA Guides to the Evaluation of Permanent Impairment. The doctor will provide a written rating that reflects the extent of your permanent impairment.
  2. Reach Maximum Medical Improvement (MMI): You must have reached a stable medical condition where no further significant improvement is expected. This is referred to as Maximum Medical Improvement.
  3. File Form CA-7 via ECOMP: Submit OWCP CA-7 form (Claim for Compensation) through the federal ECOMP portal, along with your impairment rating report.
  4. Attach Supporting Documentation: Include your medical reports, a detailed narrative from your physician, and a cover letter stating your intent to apply for a schedule award.
  5. Wait for OWCP Review: The OWCP will review your application and documentation. They may request additional evidence or clarification from you or your physician before making a decision.
  6. Receive Your Award: If approved, your schedule award will be paid weekly. Compensation is typically calculated at:
    1. 66.67% of your pay if you have no dependents
    2. 75% of your pay if you have eligible dependents

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Ineligible Body Parts: Only impairments to scheduled body parts qualify for a schedule award. Injuries to areas like the back or neck, without documented impairment to an upper or lower extremity, typically do not qualify.
  • Filing Too Early: Submitting your claim before reaching Maximum Medical Improvement (MMI) can result in denial. Ensure your condition is medically stable before applying.
  • Overlapping Wage-Loss Benefits: Schedule awards usually cannot be paid while receiving wage-loss compensation (e.g., temporary total disability benefits). Coordinate timing with your OWCP representative.
  • Incomplete or Improper Documentation: Your impairment rating must be based on the AMA Guides and include a detailed, clearly written medical narrative. Missing or vague documentation is a common reason for delays or denials.

How Much Compensation Can You Receive?

The amount depends on:

  • Impairment Percentage
     The degree of permanent loss of function to the affected body part
     Example: 20% impairment to the arm
  • Weeks Assigned to the Body Part
     Each scheduled body part is assigned a set number of compensation weeks
     Example: 312 weeks for total loss of an arm
  • OWCP Pay Rate
  • 66.67% of your salary if you have no dependents
  • 75% of your salary if you have eligible dependents

For example a 20% arm impairment with no dependents would receive:

312 weeks × 20 percent = 62.4 weeks × (salary × 0.667) = total award amount.

Get the Schedule Award Benefits You Deserve

Residents of Holmes and Sharkey Counties have access to DOL-OWCP injury specialists who specialize in impairment evaluations. These providers can guide you through filing the correct OWCP forms, ensuring your documentation meets OWCP standards, and helping maximize your eligibility for a schedule award. Local support makes the claim process faster and your award more likely.

If you live in Holmes or Sharkey County and have a permanent impairment from a federal work-related injury, you may be eligible for a schedule award.

By taking the proper steps, avoiding common filing mistakes, and working with experienced local federal injury centers, you can improve your chances of receiving the full and fair compensation you deserve for the lasting impact of your injury.

Now is the time to reclaim your health, income, and peace of mind. Start your schedule award claim today!

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Frequently Asked Questions

The highest possible impairment rating is 100% whole-person impairment, which reflects a total loss of bodily function. Under the Federal Employees’ Compensation Act (FECA), impairment is measured as a percentage using the American Medical Association (AMA) Guides to the Evaluation of Permanent Impairment. This rating is determined after reaching Maximum Medical Improvement (MMI).  

In workers’ compensation and FECA, impairment and disability are typically described in three ways:

  • Temporary vs. Permanent Impairment

    • Temporary impairment is expected to improve over time or with treatment.

    • Permanent impairment is ongoing and not expected to significantly improve.

  • Partial vs. Total Disability

    • Partial disability means the worker can still perform some job tasks, though not at full capacity.

    • Total disability means the worker is unable to perform any job duties.

  • Impairment vs. Disability

    • Impairment is a medical measurement of physical or functional loss, expressed as a percentage.

    • Disability refers to how that impairment affects the ability to work or perform job duties.

Schedule Award

  • A schedule award is a lump-sum payment for permanent impairment to specific body parts listed in the federal schedule, such as arms, legs, fingers, eyes, or hearing.
  • Payment is based on:

    • The percentage of impairment
    • The number of weeks assigned to the affected body part (example: 46 weeks for a finger, 312 weeks for an arm)

  • You generally cannot receive a schedule award at the same time as wage-loss compensation for the same injury.
  • You may still be eligible if you have returned to work or are receiving disability retirement.

OWCP (Office of Workers’ Compensation Programs)

  • OWCP is the federal agency responsible for managing all benefits under FECA.
  • It handles:
    • The evaluation of claims
    • Review of impairment ratings
    • Approval or denial of schedule awards and wage-loss compensation

 

In summary, OWCP is the program administrator, and a schedule award is one of the benefits available through that program.