What is a schedule award?

A schedule award is a type of benefit under the Virginia Workers’ Compensation Law. It is a fixed amount of money that is paid to an injured worker based on the type and severity of the injury, without taking into consideration the worker’s lost wages. Schedule awards are the main form of compensation for workers who have suffered a permanent partial disability. The amount of an award is determined by a “schedule” created by the Virginia Workers’ Compensation Commission. The schedule establishes a dollar amount for each type of disability, ranging from minor impairments, such as the loss of a finger, to very serious injuries, such as the loss of a limb or sight. The amount of the award is determined by the location of the injury and the body part affected. For example, an injured knee may receive a lower award than an injured shoulder, and an injured thumb may receive a lower award than an injured index finger. Schedule awards are not affected by the worker’s wages or salary. Even if a worker was making a high salary before the injury, the amount of the schedule award will not increase. Instead, the award is intended to compensate the worker for all the losses associated with the injury, including pain, suffering, and permanent impairment.

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What is a schedule award?

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