You may be asked to attend a vocational evaluation with an expert hired by the employer or insurance carrier. The Bureau of Workers’ Compensation has established regulations which set forth the minimum qualifications of the expert who conducts the interview. This interview is usually scheduled after a physician has released you to return to work. 

At the vocational evaluation, the expert will gather information from you and from medical records regarding your specific physical limitations and restrictions, your work history, the duties and responsibilities you had with your employer and with previous employers, your educational level, your verbal, mathematical and writing skills, your age and your interests. After the vocational interview, you may be provided with specific job referrals and/or an earning power assessment. 

You may receive letters referring you to specific jobs which are open and available. These jobs must be within the physical restrictions determined by either your doctor or the insurance company’s medical expert. You have the obligation to demonstrate good faith by following through on each of the job referrals. If you do not follow through in good faith by applying for these open positions, then the insurance company may file a petition to reduce or stop wage benefits. 

Note that Earning Power Assessments apply only to injuries incurring on or after June 24, 1996.

After the vocational interview, the expert will determine your earning power. This is the work the injured worker is capable of performing considering the injured workers skill, education, age and work experience. The vocational expert does not send the injured worker a specific job referral but writes a report giving his or her opinion of the types of job(s) the injured worker can perform and what wages are being offered by possible employers. The insurance carrier or employer may then file a petition to reduce or stop wage benefits based on the labor market survey establishing your earning power.