Collapse to view only § 25.100 - What general provisions does OWCP apply to the Special Schedule?

§ 25.100 - What general provisions does OWCP apply to the Special Schedule?

(a) The definitions of terms in the FECA, as amended, shall apply to terms used in this subpart.

(b) The provisions of the FECA, unless modified by this subpart or otherwise inapplicable, shall be applied whenever possible in the application of this subpart.

(c) The provisions of the regulations for the administration of the FECA, as amended or supplemented from time to time by instructions applicable to this subpart, shall apply in the administration of compensation under this subpart, whenever they can reasonably be applied.

§ 25.101 - How is compensation for disability paid?

Compensation for disability shall be paid to the non-citizen non-resident employee as follows:

(a) Temporary total disability. Where the injured employee is disabled and unable to earn wages equivalent to those earned at the time of injury for a period of time less than two years, the employee shall receive 50 percent of the monthly pay during the period of such disability.

(b) Temporary partial disability. Where the injured employee is disabled and unable to earn equivalent wages to those earned at the time of injury, but who is not totally disabled for work, the injured employee shall receive during the period of disability, that proportion of compensation for temporary total disability, as determined under paragraph (a) of this section, which is equal in percentage to the degree or percentage of physical impairment caused by the disability.

(c) Permanent total disability. Where it is found that the injured employee is disabled and will be or has been unable to earn equivalent wages to those earned at the time of injury for greater than two years, the employee is deemed permanently disabled. Such employee shall receive a lump sum settlement based on compensation equaling 50 percent of the monthly pay or a percentage proportionate to the extent of disability. The lump sum award shall be made by the manner prescribed by 5 U.S.C. 8135.

(d) Permanent partial disability. Where there is permanent disability (impairment) involving the loss, or loss of use, of a member or function of the body, the injured employee is entitled to schedule compensation at 50 percent of the monthly pay to be paid in a lump sum according to 5 U.S.C. 8135, for the following losses and periods:

(1) Arm lost: 312 weeks' compensation.

(2) Leg lost: 288 weeks' compensation.

(3) Hand lost: 244 weeks' compensation.

(4) Foot lost: 205 weeks' compensation.

(5) Eye lost: 160 weeks' compensation.

(6) Thumb lost: 75 weeks' compensation.

(7) First finger lost: 46 weeks' compensation.

(8) Great toe lost: 38 weeks' compensation.

(9) Second finger lost: 30 weeks' compensation.

(10) Third finger lost: 25 weeks' compensation.

(11) Toe, other than great toe, lost: 16 weeks' compensation.

(12) Fourth finger lost: 15 weeks' compensation.

(13) Loss of hearing: One ear, 52 weeks' compensation; both ears, 200 weeks' compensation.

(14) Breast (one) lost: 52 weeks' compensation.

(15) Kidney (one) lost: 156 weeks' compensation.

(16) Larynx lost: 160 weeks' compensation.

(17) Lung (one) lost: 156 weeks' compensation.

(18) Penis lost: 205 weeks' compensation.

(19) Testicle (one) lost: 52 weeks' compensation.

(20) Tongue lost: 160 weeks' compensation.

(21) Ovary (one) lost: 52 weeks' compensation.

(22) Uterus/cervix and vulva/vagina lost: 205 weeks' compensation.

(23) Skin: 205 weeks' compensation.

(24) Phalanges: Compensation for loss of more than one phalanx of a digit shall be the same as for the loss of the entire digit. Compensation for loss of the first phalanx shall be one-half of the compensation for the loss of the entire digit.

(25) Amputated arm or leg: Compensation for an arm or a leg, if amputated at or above the elbow or the knee, shall be the same as for the loss of the arm or leg; but, if amputated between the elbow and the wrist, or between the knee and the ankle, the compensation shall be the same as for the loss of the hand or the foot.

(26) Binocular vision or percent of vision: Compensation for loss of binocular vision, or for 80 percent or more of the vision of an eye shall be the same as for the loss of the eye.

(27) Two or more digits: Compensation for loss of two or more digits, one or more phalanges of two or more digits of a hand or foot may be proportioned to the loss of use of the hand or foot occasioned thereby, but shall not exceed the compensation for the loss of a hand or a foot.

(28) Total loss of use: Compensation for a permanent total loss of use of a member shall be the same as for loss of the member.

(29) Partial loss or partial loss of use: Compensation for permanent partial loss or loss of use of a member may be for proportionate loss of use of the member.

(30) Consecutive awards: In any case in which there occurs a loss or loss of use of more than one member or parts of more than one member set forth in paragraph (d) of this section, but not amounting to permanent total disability, the award of compensation shall be for the loss or loss of use of each such member or part thereof, which awards shall run consecutively.

(31) Other cases: In all other cases within this class of disability the compensation during the continuance of disability shall be that proportion of compensation for permanent total disability, as determined under paragraph (c) of this section, which is equal in percentage to the degree or percentage of physical impairment caused by the disability.

(32) Compensation under paragraph (d) of this section for permanent partial disability shall be in addition to any compensation for temporary total or temporary partial disability under this section, and awards for temporary total, temporary partial, and permanent partial disability shall run consecutively.

(e) In the event a beneficiary covered under subpart B can demonstrate that the amount payable under the special schedule would result in a payment that would be demonstrably less than the amount payable under the law of his home country, the Director retains the discretion to pay that amount of compensation under 5 U.S.C. 8137(a)(2)(A), not to exceed the amount payable under FECA. To request benefits under this paragraph, the beneficiary must submit the following:

(1) Translated copies of the applicable local statute as well as any regulations, policies and procedures the beneficiary avers are applicable; and

(2) A translated copy of an opinion rendered by an attorney licensed in that jurisdiction or an advisory opinion from a court or administrative tribunal that explains the benefits payable to the beneficiary.

§ 25.102 - How is compensation for death of a non-citizen non-resident employee paid?

If the disability causes death, the compensation shall be payable in the amount and to or for the benefit of the following persons:

(a) To the undertaker or person entitled to reimbursement, reasonable funeral expenses not exceeding $800.

(b) To the surviving spouse, if there is no child, 30 percent of the monthly pay until his or her death or remarriage subject to the lump sum provisions of 5 U.S.C. 8135.

(c) To the surviving spouse, if there is a child, the compensation payable under paragraph (b) of this section, and in addition thereto 10 percent of the monthly wage for each child, not to exceed a total of 50 percent of the monthly pay for such surviving spouse and children subject to the lump sum provisions of 5 U.S.C. 8135. If a child has a guardian other than the surviving spouse, the compensation payable on account of such child shall be paid to such guardian. The compensation entitlement of any child shall cease when he or she dies, marries or reaches the age of 18 years, or if over such age and incapable of self-support, becomes capable of self-support.

(d) To the children, if there is no surviving spouse, 25 percent of the monthly pay for one child and 10 percent thereof for each additional child, not to exceed a total of 50 percent of the monthly pay thereof, divided among such children share and share alike subject to the lump sum provisions of 5 U.S.C. 8135. The compensation entitlement of each child shall cease when he or she dies, marries or reaches the age of 18, or if over such age and incapable of self-support, becomes capable of self-support. The compensation of a child under legal age shall be paid to its guardian, if there is one, otherwise to the person having the custody or care of such child, for such child, as the Director in his or her discretion shall determine.

(e) To the parents, if one is wholly dependent for support upon the deceased employee at the time of his or her death and the other is not dependent to any extent, 20 percent of the monthly pay; if both are wholly dependent, 10 percent thereof to each; if one is or both are partly dependent, a proportionate amount in the discretion of the Director. The compensation to a parent or parents in the percentages specified shall be paid if there is no surviving spouse or child, but if there is a surviving spouse or child, there shall be paid so much of such percentages for a parent or parents as, when added to the total of the percentages of the surviving spouse and children, will not exceed a total of 50 percent of the monthly pay. These payments are subject to the lump sum provision of 5 U.S.C. 8135.

(f) To the brothers, sisters, grandparents and grandchildren, if one is wholly dependent upon the deceased employee for support at the time of his or her death, 20 percent of the monthly pay to such dependent; if more than one are wholly dependent, 30 percent of such pay, divided among such dependents share and share alike; if there is no one of them wholly dependent, but one or more are partly dependent, 10 percent of such pay divided among such dependents share and share alike. The compensation to such beneficiaries shall be paid if there is no surviving spouse, child or dependent parent. If there is a surviving spouse, child or dependent parent, there shall be paid so much of the above percentages as, when added to the total of the percentages payable to the surviving spouse, children and dependent parents, will not exceed a total of 50 percent of such pay. These payments are subject to the lump sum provision of 5 U.S.C. 8135.

(g) The compensation entitlement of each beneficiary under paragraphs (e) and (f) of this section shall be paid until he or she, if a parent or grandparent, dies, marries or ceases to be dependent, or, if a brother, sister or grandchild, dies, marries or reaches the age of 18 years, or if over such age and incapable of self-support, becomes capable of self-support. The compensation of a brother, sister or grandchild under legal age shall be paid to his or her guardian, if there is one, otherwise to the person having the custody or care of such person, for such person, as the Director in his or her discretion shall determine.

(h) Upon the cessation of any person's compensation for death under this subpart, the compensation of any remaining person entitled to continuing compensation in the same case shall remain the same so that the continuing compensation shall be at the same rate each person previously received.

(i) In cases where there are two or more classes of persons entitled to compensation for death under this subpart, and the apportionment of such compensation as provided in this section would result in injustice, the Director may in his or her discretion modify the apportionments to meet the requirements of the case.

(j) Compensation for death shall be paid where practicable in a lump sum pursuant to section 8135.

(k) In the event a beneficiary eligible for death benefits covered under subpart B can demonstrate that the amount payable under the special schedule would result in a payment that would be demonstrably less than the amount payable under the law of his home country, the Director retains the discretion to pay that amount of compensation under 5 U.S.C. 8137(a)(2)(A), not to exceed the amount payable under FECA. To request benefits under this paragraph, the beneficiary must submit the following:

(1) Translated copies of the applicable local statute as well as any regulations, policies and procedures the beneficiary asserts are applicable; and

(2) A translated copy of an opinion rendered by an attorney licensed in that jurisdiction or an advisory opinion from a court or administrative tribunal that explains the benefits payable to the beneficiary.

(l) A FECA death gratuity of $65,000 may be payable for the death of a non-citizen non-resident employee should the death be a result of injury incurred in connection with service with an Armed Force in a contingency operation as set forth in subpart J of part 10.