Food Service Worker Injured in Virginia?
Last updated: 2026 · Verified against Virginia DWC regulations
Reviewed by: James R. Holloway, Esq.
Workers' Compensation Attorney · CA Bar #248701 · 14 yrs exp.
Last reviewed: January 2026 · Verified against state DWC regulations
Find out what your work-related ptsd claim is worth. Virginia workers typically receive $9,000–$70,000. Free, no-obligation assessment.
$9,000
Avg low
$70,000
Avg high
2 years
Deadline
Pre-filled for your situation — just add your wage & impairment info.
Tell us about your work
Your estimated weekly TTD benefit: $533/week
67%
of avg weekly wage (TTD)
$1,318
max weekly benefit
20%
typical attorney fee
2
filing deadline
Virginia Workers' Comp Law — Key Facts
Governing statute: Va. Code § 65.2-100 et seq.
TTD rate: 67% of average weekly wage
Maximum weekly benefit: $1,318
Statute of limitations: 2 years from injury
Filing deadline: Report to employer within 30 days
Key features of Virginia's system:
- ✓ Must select from employer's panel of physicians
- ✓ Scheduled injury benefits per VWC schedule
- ✓ Change in condition petition allows modification within 2 years of last award
The Virginia Workers' Compensation Commission (VWC) operates as an independent state agency with exclusive jurisdiction over workers' compensation claims. Virginia uses a scheduled-loss system for extremity injuries and loss of sensory organs, and an indemnity system for spinal and whole-body injuries. Virginia's two-year statute of limitations runs from the date of accident, with a separate limitation for occupational diseases.
What to Expect with Work-Related PTSD in Virginia
20%
Average impairment rating
$30,000
Average medical costs
Work-related post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) arises from exposure to traumatic events on the job — violent crimes (robbery, assault), mass casualty incidents, witnessing a coworker's fatal injury, or first-responder trauma exposure. PTSD compensability varies by state: some states require a physical injury accompanying the psychological trauma (physical-mental rule), while others allow standalone mental-mental claims. First responders — police officers, firefighters, and EMTs — are increasingly covered by dedicated presumptive PTSD laws in states including California, Florida, and Minnesota, which shift the burden of proof to the employer. Diagnosis requires DSM-5 criteria met by a licensed psychiatrist or psychologist. Neuroimaging (fMRI) is increasingly used to corroborate PTSD diagnoses in litigation.
Common treatments
- ✓ Trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy (TF-CBT)
- ✓ EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing)
- ✓ SSRIs and SNRIs (sertraline, venlafaxine)
- ✓ Prazosin for nightmares
- ✓ Intensive outpatient program (IOP)
- ✓ Peer support and occupational rehabilitation
Documentation needed
- ✓ DSM-5 PTSD diagnosis from licensed psychiatrist or psychologist
- ✓ Incident report for the traumatic event
- ✓ Witness statements confirming the worker was present
- ✓ Police or emergency response records (for crime or mass casualty)
- ✓ Treatment records showing chronological development of symptoms
- ✓ Work absence and personnel records
Frequently asked questions
How is work-related ptsd compensation calculated in Virginia?
In Virginia, your weekly benefit is 67% of your average weekly wage, capped at $1,318. Permanent disability is calculated based on your impairment rating.
What is the average work-related ptsd settlement in Virginia?
Virginia workers with work-related ptsd typically settle between $9,000 and $70,000, depending on impairment rating, treatment costs, and lost wages.
How long do I have to file a workers' comp claim in Virginia?
2 years from injury. Missing this deadline can permanently bar your claim. Contact a workers' comp attorney as soon as possible.
Do I need a lawyer for a workers' comp claim in Virginia?
You are not required to have an attorney, but representation significantly increases average settlement amounts. Most workers' comp attorneys work on contingency — no fee unless you win. Typical fees are 20% of settlement.
Other Virginia Workers' Comp Claims
Get a free case review
A licensed attorney in your state contacts you within 24 hours. No fees unless you win.
This calculator provides estimates for informational purposes only. Actual compensation depends on the specific facts of your case, your state's workers' compensation laws, and the outcome of any proceedings. Always consult a licensed workers' compensation attorney in your state.