OWCP Blog
Understanding OWCP Schedule Awards
A schedule award is a lump-sum payment from OWCP for permanent impairment to a body part caused by your work injury. If your injury has left lasting damage to your arm, leg, hand, foot, eyes, or hearing, you may be entitled to a schedule award. Many federal employees do not know this benefit exists.
What Is a Schedule Award?
A schedule award compensates you for permanent loss of use (or loss of function) of certain body parts or organs due to a work-related injury. It is separate from wage loss compensation. You can receive a schedule award even if you have returned to full duty.
The amount is based on the percentage of impairment and the body part affected. OWCP uses the American Medical Association's Guides to the Evaluation of Permanent Impairment (AMA Guides, 6th Edition) to determine the percentage.
Body Parts Covered by Schedule Awards
- ✓Arm (including shoulder): up to 312 weeks of compensation
- ✓Hand: up to 244 weeks of compensation
- ✓Leg (including hip): up to 288 weeks of compensation
- ✓Foot: up to 205 weeks of compensation
- ✓Eye (loss of vision): up to 160 weeks of compensation
- ✓Hearing (one ear): up to 52 weeks of compensation
- ✓Hearing (both ears): up to 200 weeks of compensation
- ✓Fingers and toes: varies by digit
The back and spine are NOT covered by schedule awards directly. However, if a back injury causes permanent impairment to your legs (such as nerve damage causing leg weakness), the leg impairment qualifies.
How the Payout Is Calculated
The formula is straightforward: your weekly compensation rate multiplied by the number of weeks assigned to the body part multiplied by the impairment percentage.
For example, if your weekly compensation rate is $1,500 and you receive a 15% impairment rating for your arm: $1,500 x 312 weeks x 15% = $70,200.
The payment is made in a lump sum or in periodic installments, depending on the amount and OWCP's determination.
4How to Apply for a Schedule Award
- 1Reach maximum medical improvement (MMI). Your doctor must determine that your condition has stabilized and no further significant improvement is expected.
- 2Get an impairment rating. Your OWCP credentialed doctor performs an evaluation using the AMA Guides (6th Edition) and assigns a percentage of permanent impairment.
- 3Submit the rating to OWCP. The doctor's report, along with all supporting medical records, is submitted to OWCP with your CA-7 claiming a schedule award.
- 4OWCP reviews and may send you to a second opinion doctor. This is standard. OWCP's doctor will also rate your impairment.
- 5OWCP issues the award. If approved, you receive payment based on the agreed impairment rating.
Why Your Doctor Matters for Schedule Awards
The impairment rating your doctor assigns directly determines how much money you receive. A doctor unfamiliar with the AMA Guides may underrate your impairment or write a report that OWCP cannot use. An OWCP credentialed doctor knows exactly how to evaluate and document permanent impairment using the format and criteria OWCP requires.
We perform schedule award evaluations regularly. We know what documentation OWCP reviewers look for and how to present your impairment accurately.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a schedule award if I returned to full duty?
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Yes. A schedule award is for permanent impairment, not disability. Even if you are back at work full duty, if your injury left lasting damage, you are entitled to a schedule award.
How long does a schedule award take?
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From the time you reach MMI to receiving payment, the process typically takes 3 to 6 months. Delays usually come from OWCP scheduling a second opinion exam.
Can I get more than one schedule award?
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Yes. If you have accepted claims for multiple body parts, you can receive schedule awards for each. You can also receive an additional schedule award if your condition worsens after the first rating.
Related Resources
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