[{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"BlogPosting","@id":"https:\/\/www.marksandharrison.com\/blog\/virginia-workers-comp-functional-capacity-evaluation\/#BlogPosting","mainEntityOfPage":"https:\/\/www.marksandharrison.com\/blog\/virginia-workers-comp-functional-capacity-evaluation\/","headline":"Virginia Workers\u2019 Comp Functional Capacity Evaluation","name":"Virginia Workers\u2019 Comp Functional Capacity Evaluation","description":"A Virginia workers\u2019 compensation functional capacity evaluation (FCE) includes a physical examination, a series of tests, or diagnostic scans. The purpose is to assess an injured worker\u2019s physical condition, disabilities, and limitations. A treating physician, employer, insurer, or claimant may ask for the evaluation to obtain medical evidence of a worker\u2019s physical restrictions after a […]","datePublished":"2026-02-19","dateModified":"2026-04-21","author":{"@type":"Person","@id":"https:\/\/www.marksandharrison.com\/blog\/author\/charles_davis\/#Person","name":"Charles W. Davis, Jr","url":"https:\/\/www.marksandharrison.com\/blog\/author\/charles_davis\/","identifier":8,"image":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/9589efbe0f021adf51923f6e63d9e407738377c2c7cab7fddb9c26ce16c6ba1a?s=96&d=mm&r=g","url":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/9589efbe0f021adf51923f6e63d9e407738377c2c7cab7fddb9c26ce16c6ba1a?s=96&d=mm&r=g","height":96,"width":96}},"publisher":{"@type":"Organization","name":"Marks & Harrison","logo":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/www.marksandharrison.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/logo.png","url":"https:\/\/www.marksandharrison.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/logo.png","width":235,"height":87}},"image":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/www.marksandharrison.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/injury-on-the-job-1.jpg","url":"https:\/\/www.marksandharrison.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/injury-on-the-job-1.jpg","height":667,"width":1000},"url":"https:\/\/www.marksandharrison.com\/blog\/virginia-workers-comp-functional-capacity-evaluation\/","about":["Workers' Compensation"],"wordCount":904,"articleBody":"A Virginia workers\u2019 compensation functional capacity evaluation (FCE) includes a physical examination, a series of tests, or diagnostic scans. The purpose is to assess an injured worker\u2019s physical condition, disabilities, and limitations. A treating physician, employer, insurer, or claimant may ask for the evaluation to obtain medical evidence of a worker\u2019s physical restrictions after a work injury.When you have an active\u00a0workers\u2019 comp claim, understanding how functional capacity evaluations could affect your case and what to expect in an assessment will help protect your rights and interests.Is the Functional Capacity Evaluation Used to Determine My Workers\u2019 Compensation Claim?The results of a functional capacity evaluation could affect the course and outcome of your workers\u2019 compensation claim. For example, the FCE could determine whether you have recovered enough from your work injury to return to work, regardless of whether you receive accommodation at the workplace.When you reach maximum medical improvement (MMI, or the point at which your doctors expect no further treatment to improve your condition), a functional capacity evaluation can help determine your impairment rating. The rating will affect the amount of permanent partial disability benefits you receive.Circumstances where an employee may undergo a functional capacity evaluation include:Soon after the employee\u2019s initial work injury (with subsequent evaluations used to measure the progress of the employee\u2019s recovery)When an employee\u2019s treating physician determines that the employee has reached MMIWhen an employee recovers more slowly than expectedWhen an employer or insurer has evidence that the employee engaged in activities inconsistent with their medical restrictionsWhen an employee has trouble performing a modified or light-duty position.What Tests Can You Expect During the FCE?A functional capacity evaluation may incorporate several tests. The tests will depend on the nature of the worker\u2019s injury or illness. Employees who suffer physical injuries may undergo a series of physical tests designed to measure their range of motion and strength, assessing their current physical capabilities.These tests may include the following:Physical ability tests \u2013\u00a0These tests measure an individual\u2019s ability to sit, stand, walk, pull\/push\/lift objects, reach above their head, climb ladders or stairs, handle objects, stoop, kneel, crouch, and crawl.Musculoskeletal tests \u2013\u00a0These tests measure the person\u2019s reflexes, flexibility, range of motion, and muscle toneEndurance tests \u2013\u00a0The purpose of these tests is to measure how long a person can walk or exert themselves while recording their heart rate to avoid overexertionEmployees with injuries or occupational illnesses may undergo additional tests, such as electrocardiograms (EKGs), aerobic testing, blood pressure monitoring, or vision testing.Examiners who conduct FCEs may also interview the employees. Interviews may focus on mental health assessments for employees with work-related mental health conditions. For physical injuries or occupational illnesses, the interview will focus on questions about an employee\u2019s medical treatment, rehabilitation, and medication.The examiners may also ask the employee to provide their subjective assessment of their current condition. For instance, the examiner could ask the employee to describe their physical limitations or how their injury or illness affects their daily life.Who Pays for a Functional Capacity Evaluation?When the employer or workers\u2019 compensation carrier covers the cost of a functional capacity evaluation, it\u2019s either because they accepted the employee\u2019s claim due to the authorized treating physician ordering the exam or because the Commission ordered them to take it. If the injury is disputed or an employee chooses to undergo the FCE independently, they must cover the evaluation cost.Can You Challenge the Results of a Functional Capacity Evaluation?If an employee disagrees with the results of the functional capacity examination, they can undergo another functional capacity evaluation at their expense. The evaluations are then presented to the authorized treating physician. What that doctor says will carry greater weight if the issue is brought to a hearing before a deputy commissioner.How Can a VA Workers\u2019 Compensation Lawyer Help Me?An injury at work can be devastating, leading to expensive medical costs and a significant loss of income. The workers\u2019 compensation attorneys of Marks & Harrison know how important it is for you and your family to receive the workers\u2019 compensation benefits you deserve.When you work with our law firm, you can expect us to:Meet with you to learn all the facts relating to your case.Explain to you all of your important legal rights and options.Review your medical records and get a complete understanding of your injuries and medical condition.Meet with your physicians and health care providersAnswer all of your questions regarding workers\u2019 compensation benefitsProtect your rights if you must undergo a functional capacity evaluationAdvise you and keep you informed about the progress of your case.Contact a Virginia Workers\u2019 Compensation LawyerSince 1911, Marks & Harrison has worked tirelessly to pursue compensation for accident victims. We have recovered millions of dollars for clients across Virginia, including clients who suffered injuries on the job. We have a\u00a0proven record of success\u00a0in some of Virginia\u2019s most prominent injury cases, including numerous cases involving injured and ill workers.Our team of over 32 personal injury lawyers, over 130 support personnel, and investigators has the skills and resources you will need to tackle the challenges in your case.\u00a0Contact us today\u00a0to schedule a free consultation with a Virginia workers\u2019 compensation lawyer and discover how we can help with your claim."},{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"BreadcrumbList","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"Blog","item":"https:\/\/www.marksandharrison.com\/blog\/#breadcrumbitem"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"Virginia Workers\u2019 Comp Functional Capacity Evaluation","item":"https:\/\/www.marksandharrison.com\/blog\/virginia-workers-comp-functional-capacity-evaluation\/#breadcrumbitem"}]}]