Common Workers’ Compensation Acronyms

Administrative Law Judge.

attending physician. The singular doctor responsible for monitoring and guiding a worker’s treatment.

Average Weekly Wage.

Claims Disposition Agreement.

Disputed Claims Settlement.

date of injury.

report of injury tendered by employer, completed by worker.

report of injury completed by workers’ doctor.

independent/insurer medical exam.

Initial Notice of Acceptance

Medically Stationary.

Modified notice of acceptance

Notice of Acceptance

Notice of Closure

Opinion and Order.

Order on Reconsideration

permanent disability. Measured as a percentage with a dollar amount equivalent. This refers to the degree to which a worker is permanently disabled based on how they were at the time they were hurt.

Permanent partial disability

Permanent total disability

temporary disability. This refers to lost wages or “time loss.”

Temporary Disability

Temporary partial disability

Temporary total disability

Vocational Rehabilitation.

Workers’ Compensation Board. This is the judicial branch of the system that resolves many disputes like claim denials and incorrect or missing wage payments.

Workers’ Compensation Division. This is the administrative branch of the system that regulates things like claims processing and medical treatment disputes.

Worker-Requested Medical Examination.