What is an FCE or Functional Capacity Evaluation?

What Is the FCE?

A Functional Capacity Evaluation (FCE) is a comprehensive medical test assessing a worker’s physical limits after an injury. An FCE is usually performed by an occupational or physical therapist and can take anywhere from 6 to 8 hours to complete, often across 2 days, according to MedStar Health.

These evaluations measure various physical capabilities, such as:

• Strength
• Endurance
• Range of motion
• Lifting ability
• Stamina
• Balance and coordination

The purpose is to determine if you can safely do work when you need to return to work with restrictions or if you need some kind of accommodation. In most cases, the results are communicated to the referring physician, the employer, the insurance adjuster, and any other persons involved in the workers’ compensation claim.

What Is a Functional Capacity Evaluation Used For?

Beyond determining readiness to return to work, an FCE is crucial for long-term recovery planning.

Here’s what an FCE can determine:

1. Fitness for Return to Work:

Can you safely resume your previous job duties without risking further injury? If not, what restrictions need to be accommodated?

2. Job Capability Alignment:

The FCE can highlight if your abilities align with the physical demands of your job. For instance, if your position involves heavy lifting but your FCE report suggests you shouldn’t lift over 20 pounds, adjustments may be needed.

3. Baseline for Rehabilitation Programs:

FCE results often serve as starting points for work hardening or conditioning programs, which are designed to prepare injured employees for a return to work safely.

4. Documentation for Disability or Work Forms:

Physicians frequently use FCE findings when completing disability forms or determining an injured worker’s permanent impairment rating, which is often necessary for workers’ comp claims. According to the U.S. Court of Appeals guidance document, while an FCE provides concrete data on physical capacities, its application isn’t limited to work comp cases. It is used by physicians to assess a worker’s overall recovery, help adjust roles within a company, or establish eligibility for disability benefits.

Is My Settlement in a Work Comp Case Determined by FCE?

It’s essential to differentiate between influencing and determining. A Functional Capacity Evaluation does not directly determine your workers’ compensation settlement in Minnetonka, MN—or anywhere else for that matter. Instead, it is one of several components that together influence your settlement outcome.

Here’s how an FCE contributes to the broader equation when settling a work comp case:

1. Objective Measurement of Injuries

The FCE provides a detailed analysis of your functional limitations. This objective data is critical when negotiating settlements, as it quantifies the impact of your injury on your ability to work.

2. Permanent Impairment Ratings

FCEs often result in the assignment of a Physical Demands Strength Rating or a Permanent Physical Impairment (PPI) rating. These ratings help establish how severely your injury has impacted your earning potential and work capacity. The higher the impact, the higher your compensation may potentially be.

3. Settlement Negotiations

Insurance adjusters and your legal representative will use the FCE as evidence during settlement negotiations. Does your injury disqualify you from returning to your previous role? Can you take on a different role if accommodations are made? These decisions often hinge on FCE results.

4. Not the Sole Deciding Factor

Other factors also come into play when determining a workers’ compensation settlement, such as:

• Total medical expenses
• Lost wages or earning capacity
• Future medical treatment requirements
• Vocational rehabilitation needs

An FCE is influential but far from the sole determinant. Settlement decisions result from a combination of medical reports, expert testimonies, and legal strategies, in addition to the FCE results.

Real-World Example:

Imagine a warehouse employee in Minnetonka who suffers a severe back injury. Their FCE indicates they cannot lift more than 30 pounds or stand for prolonged periods without pain. This evidence may prompt the employer to offer vocational retraining or a desk job instead of returning the employee to physical labor. Simultaneously, these findings strengthen the injured worker’s case for a higher settlement amount, as their career path may need significant adjustments moving forward.

Get Help with Workers’ Compensation in Minnetonka, MN

Workers’ compensation cases can be complex, especially with evaluations like the FCE. At Schmidt & Salita Law Team, we ensure that injured workers receive the maximum settlement they deserve. Let us handle everything from interpreting FCE results to negotiating with insurers. Contact us today at (952) 473-4530 for a consultation.