What Are the Next Steps After a Schedule Award?

Once your Schedule Award is approved, it’s natural to wonder: what happens next? The answer depends on your individual case and how your medical condition develops over time.

Does the case close after the award?

Not exactly. Federal workers’ compensation claims don’t “settle” in the traditional sense. While they may close on paper once OWCP issues your award, they can always be reopened later if your doctor determines that additional medical treatment is still needed and related to your original injury.

So what do most people do after receiving their award?

Many clients return to work—sometimes with their federal employer, sometimes with a new one. Others decide to retire and continue receiving medical care as needed. It’s common for workers to receive what’s called palliative care: treatment that helps maintain their condition but isn’t meant to cure or improve it further.

What if the injury gets worse over time?

Some injuries do worsen, even after Maximum Medical Improvement (MMI). In those cases, you may be eligible for an increase in your Schedule Award. The key is to have updated medical documentation and a doctor’s statement showing that your condition has changed.

What’s the best next step?

If you think your situation has changed—or if you’re unsure whether you’re eligible for more compensation—it’s a good idea to speak with an experienced federal workers’ compensation attorney. They can review your file, evaluate new medical evidence, and guide you through whether reopening your claim or requesting an increased award makes sense.

The bottom line: a Schedule Award is an important milestone, but it’s not necessarily the final chapter. Your rights to medical care and possible adjustments continue as long as your injury remains connected to your federal employment.

Every Schedule Award case is unique. The Office of Workers’ Compensation Programs (OWCP) does not publish fixed timelines or guaranteed amounts. Outcomes 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.