What Are Schedule Awards and How Do They Apply to Your FECA Claim?

If an extremity or organ is lost or impaired as a result of a work-related injury or illness, you may qualify for a schedule award through the Office of Workers’ Compensation Programs (OWCP).

Schedule awards are available to federal employees and workers within organizations entirely owned by the U.S. Federal Government.

What Is My Timeline for a Schedule Award?

A scheduled award is granted each week for a predetermined amount of time depending on what body part(s) or organ(s) was lost or the percentage to which an injured worker has lost use of that body part(s) or organ(s).

See the following chart for the appropriate number of weeks a worker can receive compensation for the loss of an extremity or organ.

It is important to note that the spine is not included in this list. Any part of the spine is only accounted for when damage to that area affects other extremities, at which time the rating of your injuries will be determined based on said extremities.

How Can I Claim My Schedule Award?

Losing a limb or extremity does not automatically grant you a schedule award. You must complete a few steps in order to receive compensation.

• See a doctor: Schedule awards are only granted when a patient has achieved maximum medical improvement (MMI). This means that following an injury or illness, your condition has improved as far as it ever is likely to. A qualified physician must claim that you have achieved MMI and assign you an impairment rating based on the 6th Edition of the American Medical Association Guides to the Evaluation of Permanent Impairment.

• Get your paperwork in order: Along with the impairment rating provided by your doctor, you must submit Form CA-7, “Claim for Compensation.” This form allows you to explicitly claim loss of an extremity or the existence of a permanent physical condition that qualifies you for financial compensation.

• File online: You can submit your claim to a schedule award for free online through the Employees’ Compensation Operations & Management Portal (ECOMP).

Get Help Filing for Schedule Awards

If you think you may qualify for one or more schedule awards, ensure you have the right legal team on your side. At Sarphie Law, LLC, we will walk you through the process and evidence needed to get you the highest possible schedule award in their FECA claim. Contact us today for a confidential review of your case.