How much is a back injury worth in Virginia workers' comp?
There is no fixed dollar amount for a back injury in Virginia. The back is not on the schedule, so there is no PPD award for a back injury; only wage-loss (temporary) or permanent total benefits apply. Below: the exact rule, the 2026 weekly maximum ($1,507.01) and what to ask for before you accept an offer.
How a back injury is paid in Virginia
The back is not on the schedule, so there is no PPD award for a back injury; only wage-loss (temporary) or permanent total benefits apply.
General rule for permanent injuries in Virginia: No PPD award for unscheduled body parts; only listed members are compensated (partial loss prorated).
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.
Back injuries: information needed to value the claim
Separate the diagnosis (for example, a strain, disc injury or surgery) from the permanent rating. Ask for the medical report identifying the spinal region, any nerve involvement, lasting work restrictions and whether maximum medical improvement has been reached. A diagnosis or surgery alone is not a dollar amount.
How to check an offer when there is no fixed figure
This page cannot reliably estimate a permanent award from the injury name and wage alone. The state rule above identifies whether lost earnings, a special rating method or another category applies. To check an offer, request the calculation used, injury date, accepted wage, applicable rating and benefits still outstanding. The weekly calculator below estimates only temporary total disability under its assumptions; it does not value the settlement. See the state benefit overview.
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 a back injury is paid | Max for total loss |
|---|---|---|
| Virginia | wage loss | — |
| Kentucky | impairment rating (see rule) | — |
| Maryland | impairment rating (see rule) | — |
| North Carolina | 300 weeks | $433,800 |
| Tennessee | whole-person % × 450 weeks | — |
| West Virginia | whole-person % × 400 weeks | — |
| District of Columbia | wage loss | — |
"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 is a back injury paid in Virginia workers' comp?
The back is not on the schedule, so there is no PPD award for a back injury; only wage-loss (temporary) or permanent total benefits apply.
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. 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.