Workers compensation letters are full of jargon. Here are the most common terms explained in plain language, drawn from the legislation. This is educational information — not legal advice about your specific situation.
AEOT (Application for Extension of Time)A formal request under the legislation (e.g., Section 270(2) in BC) asking the Board to accept a late filing — for example, a review or appeal filed after the normal deadline has passed.AppealA formal challenge to a Board decision, typically heard by an independent tribunal (e.g., the Workers' Compensation Appeal Tribunal in BC, or the Appeals Commission in Alberta). Different from a review, which is usually an internal step.Average Net EarningsThe calculation the Board uses to determine your compensation rate. Based on your earnings before the injury, minus estimated taxes and deductions. The formula is set out in the legislation.Board Officer / Case ManagerThe person at the WCB assigned to manage your claim. They make initial decisions about your entitlements. Their decisions can be reviewed and appealed.Claim FileThe complete record the Board keeps about your claim — medical reports, employer reports, Board decisions, correspondence, wage records, and notes. You have the right to request a copy of your own file.Compensable InjuryAn injury or occupational disease that the Board has accepted as arising out of and in the course of your employment, making you eligible for compensation.Decision LetterA formal written communication from the Board telling you what they have decided about some aspect of your claim — for example, whether your claim is accepted, what benefits you will receive, or whether you can return to work.Denial LetterA decision letter that refuses or denies some aspect of your claim. You typically have a limited time to request a review or appeal after receiving a denial.Earnings Loss BenefitsPayments from the Board to replace a portion of the wages you lost because of your workplace injury. The percentage and duration are set by the legislation.Employer's Report of InjuryA report your employer is required to file with the Board after a workplace injury. Sometimes called a Form 7 (BC). You should request a copy to check it for accuracy.FIPPA (Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act)Provincial legislation that gives you the right to access your own personal information held by public bodies, including the WCB. You can use this to request your claim file.Functional Capacity Evaluation (FCE)A physical assessment that measures what you can and cannot do physically — lifting, standing, sitting, etc. The Board may use it to determine your fitness for work.Healthcare Provider ReportMedical reports from your doctor, specialist, or other healthcare provider submitted to the Board about your injury, treatment, and ability to work.IME (Independent Medical Examination)A medical examination arranged by the Board, conducted by a doctor who is not your treating physician. The results may be used in making decisions about your claim. Despite the name, the examiner is selected and paid by the Board.Loss of Earnings (LOE) / Wage LossBenefits paid to compensate you for wages lost due to your workplace injury. Calculation methods vary by province.Maximum Compensable EarningsThe highest annual earnings amount the Board will use when calculating your benefits. Earnings above this cap are not covered. The amount is set annually.Occupational DiseaseA disease or condition caused by exposure to hazards in your workplace over time — such as hearing loss from noise, lung disease from dust, or repetitive strain injuries.Permanent Functional Impairment (PFI) / Permanent DisabilityA lasting physical or psychological impairment resulting from your workplace injury. If assessed, it may entitle you to a lump sum or ongoing pension depending on your province.ReconsiderationA request to the Board to look at a decision again, usually on the basis that relevant evidence was not considered or that there was an error. Rules and time limits vary by province.Return to Work (RTW)The process of going back to work after a workplace injury. The Board, your employer, and your healthcare provider are all involved. You may return to modified duties or a different position.ReviewA formal process where a Board decision is re-examined, usually by a review body within the WCB (e.g., BC's Review Division). There are strict time limits — typically 30 to 90 days depending on your province.Review Division (BC)The internal body at WorkSafeBC that conducts the first level of review of Board decisions. A Review Division decision can be further appealed to WCAT (the Workers' Compensation Appeal Tribunal).Section 96(2) Reconsideration (BC)Under BC's Workers Compensation Act, this allows the Board to reconsider a decision on its own initiative or on application, if there is new evidence or if the decision contains an error of law.Temporary Disability BenefitsWage-loss payments you receive while you are recovering from your injury and are not yet able to return to work fully. These end when you are medically cleared or reach maximum recovery.Vocational RehabilitationServices provided by the Board to help you return to suitable work after your injury — may include retraining, job search assistance, or workplace modifications.WCAT (Workers' Compensation Appeal Tribunal, BC)The independent appeal tribunal in BC that hears appeals of Review Division decisions. WCAT decisions are final and binding.Workers' Adviser / Worker AdvocateA government-funded office (independent of the WCB) that provides free advice and representation to injured workers. Every province has one — call them.