If you’re taking the time to read this, you may already have some idea of what the workers’ compensation (WC) VR process is. For those who are unaware, vocational rehabilitation is a benefit of many workers’ comp claims. It allows injured workers who are permanently unable to return to the duties of pre-injury employment to receive help with re-entering the workforce. Further, this benefit includes specialist services that could include testing, job placement, workforce counseling and on-the-job training.
The VR process is usually triggered by a doctor stating that the injured worker is able to return to the workforce but has permanent limitations and restrictions from the work injury which would prevent him from returning to the duties of the pre-injury job. The VR process usually begins with a Functional Capacity Evaluation which determines the extent of the impaired worker’s capabilities and restrictions.