How much is a shoulder injury worth in Virginia workers' comp?
How Virginia workers' compensation pays for a shoulder injury, the 2026 benefit rates, and what to check before you accept a settlement.
How a shoulder injury is paid in Virginia
The shoulder is not listed separately; the upper-limb entries are the arm (200 weeks) and hand (150 weeks).
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.
Settlement value vs. the statutory award
The figures on this page are what Virginia law sets. Many claims end in a negotiated settlement instead. Insurers usually start from the statutory award for your rating, then adjust for disputed ratings, future medical care, how long wage-loss benefits could run and the risk of a hearing. Knowing the statutory number for a shoulder injury helps you judge whether an offer is low.
Virginia vs. neighboring states
| State | How a shoulder injury is paid | Max for total loss |
|---|---|---|
| Virginia | impairment rating (see rule) | — |
| Kentucky | impairment rating (see rule) | — |
| Maryland | depends on how it is rated | — |
| North Carolina | depends on how it is rated | — |
| Tennessee | whole-person % × 450 weeks | — |
| West Virginia | depends on how it is rated | — |
| District of Columbia | depends on how it is rated | — |
"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
Frequently asked questions
How is a shoulder injury paid in Virginia workers' comp?
The shoulder is not listed separately; the upper-limb entries are the arm (200 weeks) and hand (150 weeks).
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.