What Are the Next Steps After a Schedule Award?
Once you receive a Schedule Award, it’s natural to wonder what comes next. A lot of people assume the award is the final chapter — but in reality, your options depend on your situation, your medical needs, and how much time has passed.
Does a Schedule Award mean your case is over?
Not entirely. A Schedule Award typically means you’ve already returned to work full-time (even if you still have limitations) or you’ve retired. Those are the eligibility conditions. But even after OWCP issues the award, your claim remains open for medical treatment for the rest of your life.
What about your case file?
OWCP closes a claim after five years of inactivity, and the file is destroyed after about ten years. But even then, you can still reopen your claim as long as your doctor states that the treatment you’re requesting is related to your original federal injury.
That part is crucial — it always comes back to medical evidence.
Can you increase your Schedule Award?
Sometimes, yes. If your condition has worsened, you may be eligible for an increase. But eligibility depends on timing, medical support, and how the law treats “changes in impairment.” In some cases, too much time has passed, and there’s simply nothing more that can be done.
So what should you do next?
This is where professional guidance really matters. A qualified federal workers’ compensation attorney can help you understand:
whether your condition justifies reopening the claim
what medical documentation you’ll need
whether an increased award is possible
and what burden of proof applies to your situation
Your Schedule Award might feel like the end of the road, but depending on your circumstances, there may still be paths forward. The key is knowing which ones are realistic — and which ones aren’t.
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.