We Work With You To Find The Best Resolution
We recommend that an injured worker who has received 90 days of Temporary Total Disability pursue a timely referral for a VR screening. While the screening referral should be automatically triggered at 90 days of TTD, it is up to the carrier to comply with the Rule. The injured worker proactively pursuing this step assures a more timely return to work.
Vermont Statute 21 VSA §641 requires employers to provide vocational rehabilitation services to any injured worker when they are unable to return to suitable employment because of their work injury.
Do you have a claimant who needs vocational rehabilitation and has already completed a VR screening, OR, the parties have agreed to bypass the screening? Refer them to us by submitting a Notice of Intent to Change VR Provider Form using the link below.
We take a proactive role in obtaining medical documentation to move VR forward in a timely manner, and we welcome collaboration and attorney input.
Understanding of medical and claims processes is a valuable component of VR plan development and securing carrier support. It begins with securing medical documentation and advocating for services necessary to achieve a return to suitable work for the injured party.
The timely initiation of services helps maximize the injured workers’ opportunity to engage in vocational rehabilitation. Years of experience suggests that the workers compensation –vocational rehabilitation process is not full proof. Timely referral and service delivery are not assured. Vocational rehabilitation services benefit from attorney oversight and involvement. At Catamount Case Management we welcome your input and perspective. The statutory right to return to suitable work/wage is a valuable benefit. Responsive services maximize the outcome.
Based on a close reading of the VR Rules the injured worker’s request for a screening triggers requirements for timely action by the Department Of Labor, the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation, and the carrier. Failure to comply with these requirements could facilitate movement towards the immediate assignment of a VR Counselor completion of the entitlement assessment, though this requires oversight by the claimant’s attorney.
Catamount Case Management can assist in informal case review, providing individualized recommendations for moving the injured worker’s VR services forward.
