Does Hiring an Attorney Affect the Size of My Schedule Award?
This is a fair and very common question:
“If I hire a lawyer, will my Schedule Award be bigger?”
The honest answer is not directly. There’s no rule in federal workers’ compensation that says hiring an attorney automatically increases the amount of your award. Many people are perfectly capable of navigating OWCP on their own.
So why do people hire attorneys anyway?
Where an attorney actually adds value
The impact isn’t in a magic multiplier — it’s in the process before the award is calculated and in what happens if there’s a disagreement later.
Here’s where representation can matter:
Preparation before the Schedule Award
Before you even apply, an attorney can help determine whether you’re ready for a Schedule Award. That includes making sure:
all accepted conditions are properly listed,
nothing important is missing, and
it’s the right time to move forward.
If conditions are missing, attorneys can help litigate to get them added before the impairment is evaluated.
Getting the right impairment rating
The Schedule Award is driven by a physician’s impairment rating. Working with a doctor who understands how OWCP evaluates impairment can make a real difference. Firms like Shapiro Federal maintain networks of trusted physicians nationwide who know how to produce thorough, accurate reports.
Challenging an unfair number
If a district medical advisor or independent medical examiner issues an impairment rating you disagree with, that’s where litigation may come into play. An attorney can challenge the findings, submit contrary evidence, and argue for a number that better reflects your actual limitations.
So what’s the real answer?
No — hiring an attorney doesn’t automatically increase your Schedule Award.
But yes — having the right help can ensure you receive the maximum compensation you’re entitled to, based on proper evidence, timing, and advocacy.
Every Schedule Award and compensation case is unique. The Office of Workers’ Compensation Programs (OWCP) does not publish fixed timelines or guaranteed outcomes. Benefits depend on your medical evidence, impairment rating, and OWCP’s review process. The information provided here is for general educational purposes only and should not be taken as legal advice. For guidance on your specific claim, consult with an experienced federal workers’ compensation attorney.