When you receive workers’ compensation benefits in North Carolina, you may undergo a functional capacity evaluation during your claim. An FCE helps your care team assess your ability to return to employment and any permanent restrictions after a workplace accident. FCEs can affect workers’ comp claims by determining when and in what capacity you can return to work and what benefits you may receive.
What Is a Functional Capacity Evaluation (FCE) in Workers’ Compensation?
A functional capacity evaluation (FCE) is a medical examination conducted as part of a workers’ compensation case that helps determine whether you’ve sufficiently recovered to return to employment. In most cases, your employer or their insurance company will request an FCE if they believe you’ve achieved maximum medical improvement (MMI) – the point at which no further medical treatment or rehabilitation will likely improve your condition.
Sometimes, injured workers do not fully recover from work-related injuries or occupational illnesses when they reach MMI. When this situation occurs, their treating physician can use an FCE to help determine their permanent restrictions, affecting the financial benefits provided by workers’ compensation. The physician may also define the employee’s restrictions if they can return to work.
What Happens at the FCE?
An FCE usually involves a one-day series of examinations and tests over several hours. An evaluator – usually a physician or physical therapist – will oversee your performance in various physical tests to evaluate your physical abilities, including:
- Range of motion
- Flexibility
- Lifting and gripping strength
- Ability to carry objects
- Lifting, walking, and sitting stamina
Common examples of tests performed during an FCE include:
- Walking on a treadmill
- Sitting for prolonged periods
- Handling or manipulating objects
- Moving or rotating joints or body parts
- Grip tests
- Pushing or pulling
- Balance tests
- Hand-eye coordination
- Kneeling
- Lifting weights
- Crouching
However, the evaluator may have you perform different tests based on the nature of your injury or occupational disease.
In addition to performing physical tests, the evaluator will interview you about your injury, the pain or discomfort you experience, and how your physical condition affects or limits your daily activities.
The tests and questions used by an evaluator can also determine whether an injured worker has faked or exaggerated symptoms, making it critical to perform to the best of your ability during an FCE. When undergoing an FCE, you should communicate with the evaluator throughout the tests, including when you have difficulty or experience pain performing a test or if you need a break at any point.
What Happens After the FCE?
After the FCE, the evaluator will review the test results and your answers to interview questions to generate a report detailing their opinion regarding your functional capacity. Your treating physician will receive a copy of the report to help determine your ability to return to work. Your physician may clear you to return to work, with or without restrictions.
The FCE may reveal that your condition continues to limit your physical abilities, requiring you to follow restrictions on your work duties, such as no lifting heavy objects, kneeling, bending over, standing, walking, or prolonged sitting.
Why Is an FCE Necessary?
An FCE gives your treating physician an up-to-date, comprehensive evaluation of your physical capacity and ability to perform typical work tasks. Physicians use FCEs in various ways, such as:
- Evaluating the likelihood of success of future medical treatment and rehabilitation
- Assessing the worker’s ability to do the basic tasks of their job or other kinds of work
Is a Settlement in Workers’ Comp Determined by the FCE?
An FCE can play a significant role as you, your attorney, your employer, and the insurance provider negotiate a settlement of your workers’ compensation claim.
Our Workers’ Compensation Specialists Are Ready to Help You
When you must undergo a functional capacity evaluation in your workers’ compensation claim, having dedicated legal representation can protect your rights and interests. The workers’ compensation attorneys and staff from Younce, Vtipil, Baznik & Banks, P.A. have fought for injured workers throughout North Carolina for decades, compiling a proven record of success and positive client testimonials. As one client wrote:
“I don’t know how to begin to thank you for all of the hard work you did on my worker’s compensation case. From day one you had this ease about you. I was able to relax knowing that my legal situation was being handled. If at anytime I or anyone I know need legal counsel, I will be sure to contact your firm.” – Monique S.
Call us today at 919-661-9000 for a free, no-obligation consultation with our legal team to learn more about FCE in workers’ compensation cases.
About the Author
David E. Vtipil
David Vtipil is an attorney at Younce, Vtipil, Baznik & Banks, P.A. and concentrates his law practice on personal injury and workers' compensation. David E. Vtipil was selected by his peers for inclusion in the 21st Edition of The Best Lawyers in America in the field of Workers’ Compensation Law.
