Most people think workers’ comp is just about medical bills and lost wages. But for federal employees under the Federal Employees’ Compensation Act (FECA), there’s a hidden gem: .
The award only kicks in after your condition reaches maximum medical improvement (MMI). That’s the point where no significant healing is expected.
But here’s what trips people up: You don’t have to lose the limb entirely. Permanent impairment — like reduced motion, nerve damage, or chronic pain — can still qualify for a . A hand surgeon or physiatrist calculates your “percentage loss of use” using AMA guides, and OWCP multiplies that percentage against the chart’s weeks. owcp schedule award chart
Here’s an interesting, engaging post about the —written to inform and intrigue federal workers and injury compensation claimants. 🧠 Ever wonder how the OWCP decides the value of a permanent body part injury? Enter the Schedule Award Chart.
👂 Fun fact: Complete loss of hearing in one ear = 52 weeks. Both ears = 200 weeks. Most people think workers’ comp is just about
So 50% loss of use of your dominant arm? That’s not a full 312 weeks — it’s 156 weeks of compensation.
So next time you stub your toe, remember: legally, it’s worth 46 weeks of your pay — if you can prove permanent loss. That’s the point where no significant healing is expected
And fingers? Yes, each one is listed separately. Your index finger is worth more than your pinky (46 weeks vs. 25 weeks). The ring finger? 35 weeks. Middle finger? 40 weeks.
The assigns a specific number of weeks of compensation to different body parts. Lose a hand at the wrist? That’s 244 weeks of pay. Your big toe? Only 46 weeks. And yes — your eye (total loss) is 240 weeks, but your other eye? That’s extra.
Here’s the kicker — your arm isn't worth the same as your thumb. Literally.