How much is an arm injury worth in Virginia workers' comp?
In Virginia, an arm injury is worth up to $301,402 for total loss (200 weeks, at the $1,507.01 weekly maximum). With 25% loss of use and a $1,200 weekly wage, the award is about $40,000. That is the statutory award for the permanent injury; medical care and benefits while you are off work are paid separately.
How an arm injury is paid in Virginia
Each week is paid at 66.67% of your average weekly wage, up to $1,507.01 a week, with a minimum of $376.75 a week (or your full wage if it is lower).
If your doctor rates a partial loss of use, the award is generally that percentage of the scheduled weeks. A 25% rating works out to 50 weeks.
What is different in Virginia
Virginia pays permanent partial benefits only for body parts listed in the statute (arms, legs, hands, feet, fingers, toes, eyes, hearing). Back, neck and other unscheduled injuries get no PPD award.
Worked examples
| Rating | $800 weekly wage | $1,200 weekly wage | $1,600 weekly wage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10% loss of use | $10,666.67 | $16,000 | $21,333.33 |
| 25% loss of use | $26,666.67 | $40,000 | $53,333.33 |
| 50% loss of use | $53,333.33 | $80,000 | $106,666.67 |
| 100% loss of use | $106,666.67 | $160,000 | $213,333.33 |
Calculate your arm award
Compare only the same benefit component on the same gross basis. If an offer includes medical care, temporary benefits or other rights, do not enter it here. The balance subtracts payments for this same benefit only, not fees or other offsets.
The result is the statutory permanent award only. Medical care, temporary benefits and fees are not included. Use the exact rating from the medical report: a body-part rating and a whole-person rating are not interchangeable.
Arm injuries: distinguish arm, hand and whole-person ratings
Ask which anatomical level and rating unit the doctor used. Records of elbow motion, grip, nerve function and lifting restrictions may describe different aspects of the injury. Confirm whether the award uses the arm schedule or a whole-person formula before entering a percentage; do not add overlapping ratings yourself.
Settlement value vs. the statutory award
The statutory benefit described here and a settlement value are different figures. Request an itemized proposal identifying the benefits included, amounts already paid, deductions, future medical treatment and rights being resolved. Which benefits can be settled and what approval is required depend on state rules. This page does not calculate future medical costs or predict a negotiated outcome.
Virginia vs. neighboring states
| State | How an arm injury is paid | Max for total loss |
|---|---|---|
| Virginia | 200 weeks | $301,402 |
| Kentucky | impairment rating (see rule) | — |
| Maryland | 300 weeks | — |
| North Carolina | 240 weeks | $347,040 |
| Tennessee | whole-person % × 450 weeks | — |
| West Virginia | 240 weeks | $193,354 |
| District of Columbia | 312 weeks | $577,846 |
"Max for total loss" applies to body-part schedules at the top weekly rate. Compare all 50 states and D.C.
While you recover: temporary disability in Virginia
Weekly temporary benefits while you cannot work follow these rules:
| Weekly rate | 66.67% of gross AWW |
|---|---|
| Maximum weekly benefit | $1,507.01 (2026-07-01 to 2027-06-30) |
| Minimum weekly benefit | $376.75/week (or the worker's AWW if lower) |
| Waiting period | 7 days |
| Waiting days paid back after | 21 days of disability |
| Time limit on temporary benefits | 500 weeks |
Estimate your weekly check
Assumes temporary total disability and no post-injury work earnings. It does not calculate partial disability, retroactive payments, offsets or special low-wage rules. Confirm the injury date and the insurer's wage calculation.
Frequently asked questions
How much is an arm injury worth in Virginia workers' comp?
Virginia sets 200 weeks for total loss, up to $301,402 at the top weekly rate. A partial loss is paid in proportion to your doctor's rating: with 25% loss of use and a $1,200 weekly wage, about $40,000.
What is the average workers' comp settlement for an arm injury in Virginia?
Virginia does not publish an official average settlement. The best benchmark is the statutory award for your rating: with 25% loss of use and a $1,200 weekly wage, about $40,000. A settlement can be higher or lower depending on future medical care, disputed ratings and which other benefits it closes.
What is the maximum weekly workers' comp benefit in Virginia in 2026?
The maximum weekly temporary total disability benefit is $1,507.01 (2026-07-01 to 2027-06-30).
Is there a waiting period in Virginia?
Yes. Virginia does not pay the first 7 days of lost time, but pays them back once disability lasts more than 21 days.
Which law sets these amounts?
Va. Code Ann. §§ 65.2-500, 65.2-503, 65.2-509; Va. Code Ann. § 65.2-503. The official sources are linked at the bottom of this page.
Other injuries in Virginia
Law and official sources
Official sources
Statute: Va. Code Ann. §§ 65.2-500, 65.2-503, 65.2-509; Va. Code Ann. § 65.2-503
- Virginia Workers' Compensation Commission (official site)
- workcomp.virginia.gov/news/notice-of-2026-rates
- workcomp.virginia.gov/sites/default/files/documents/Claims-Services-Quick-Reference-Guide-
- law.lis.virginia.gov/vacode/title65.2/chapter5/section65.2-503/
Figures checked September 30, 2026. Maximums change every year; confirm current figures with the Virginia workers' compensation agency.
Estimate only. Your real award depends on your doctor's rating, your wage records, offsets and settlement terms. This page is general information, not legal advice.