The United States Department of Labor Office of Workers' Compensation Programs (OWCP) offers a benefit, called "scheduled award," to federal employees who have permanently lost use of a body part as a result of a workplace injury. The time period of benefit payments are dependent upon the body part. For example, the program offers a 312-week payment for loss of an arm. For the OWCP to determine the amount you will receive, you'll need a doctor to calculate your impairment rating.

Visit your doctor and have her determine if you have reached Maximum Medical Improvement, which is a designation given to those who have undergone treatment and will no longer see improvements to their condition. You must reach MMI to qualify for OWCP's scheduled award.

Ask your doctor to prepare a report of your injury using the "AMA Guide to the Evaluation of Permanent Impairments, 5th edition."

Ask your doctor to make reference in the report to the resources she used in the guide to reach the impairment rating. The report must also pinpoint the date that your injury became permanent and describe the degree of impairment.

Fill out an application for a schedule award. You'll have to include such information as your contact details, work location, job details, salary status and dependent names.

Mail the doctor's report with the impairment rating and your application to the OWCP, not to your workplace. Call 1-877-889-5627 for the correct mailing address.