Owcp Schedule Award Timeline -
Before you can receive a Schedule Award, OWCP must accept your original traumatic injury or occupational disease claim (Form CA-1 or CA-2).
Claimants should be aware of three specific timeline factors that can delay or reduce their award:
This timeline is based on OWCP standard operating procedures and averages reported by federal employee representatives. Individual cases vary widely based on district office workload, medical complexity, and the specific schedule member involved. For case-specific guidance, consult a legal expert in federal workers’ compensation. owcp schedule award timeline
| Body Member | Total Weeks for 100% Loss | Common Impairment Calculation (Approx.) | | :--- | :--- | :--- | | Arm | 312 weeks | A 25% arm impairment = 78 weeks of pay. | | Leg | 288 weeks | A 10% leg impairment = 28.8 weeks of pay. | | Hand | 244 weeks | Loss of use or severe nerve damage. | | Foot | 205 weeks | Loss of use or severe nerve damage. | | Eye | 160 weeks | Loss of vision or enucleation. | | Ear | 52 weeks (hearing loss) | Often calculated via audiogram specific frequencies. |
The following outlines the typical timeline and procedural steps for a Schedule Award under the Division of Federal Employees' Compensation (DFEC). Before you can receive a Schedule Award, OWCP
Phase 4: OWCP Review & District Medical Advisor (DMA) Audit (8–24 Weeks)
Once the DMA approves a final impairment percentage, OWCP issues a stating: For case-specific guidance, consult a legal expert in
Federal employees who suffer a permanent injury to specific body parts—such as limbs, eyes, or ears—may be entitled to compensation under the Federal Employees' Compensation Act (FECA) through a . Unlike continuous compensation for wage loss, a Schedule Award provides a fixed payment for a specific number of weeks based on the percentage of permanent impairment.
If the impairment is so severe that the employee cannot compete in the labor market, they may be eligible for a schedule award or total disability compensation. OWCP generally pays the Schedule Award first. If the claimant is still disabled after the schedule award weeks run out, they may apply for compensation for wage loss, effectively extending the timeline of benefits indefinitely.
Federal employees often ask if they can receive a Schedule Award while drawing an annuity (retirement).