 If a employee has been paid a schedule award for a hearing loss claim, can that employee file a claim for an additional award? TIP OF THE WEEK - July 29,

ANSWER:  Yes, the claimant must clarify whether the request is for review of the award or for additional compensation subsequent to the prior award. – If it is determined after payment of a schedule award that the claimant is entitled to a greater percentage of loss, an amended award should be issued. This is handled as an appeal to the original decision. – If, on the other hand, the claimant sustains increased impairment at a later date which is due to work-related factors, an additional award will be payable if supported by the medical evidence.  In hearing loss cases, a claim for an additional schedule award will be based on an additional period of exposure to the same work factors. This constitutes a new claim and should be handled as such. Where a schedule award is paid before exposure terminates, no additional award will be paid for periods of less than one year from the beginning date of the last award or the date of the last exposure, whichever comes first.  Reference: FECA PM Section 9 : Claims for Increased Schedule Award 2 If you have a question or topic for Tip of the Week, contact your District 6 Liaison, Jacksonville, FL

Best Practice:  When submitting a (new) Hearing Loss claim for a claimant who has received a prior Schedule Award; it is a good practice to send a copy of the previous award letter with the new claim. This practice can benefit all concern by: – Ensuring the new claims examiner is aware of the previous award – Preventing an overpayment 3 If you have a question or topic for Tip of the Week, contact your District 6 Liaison, Jacksonville, FL