VWC Releases 2023 Annual Report

[Richmond, VA]- The Virginia Workers’ Compensation Commission (VWC) is pleased to announce the release of its 2023 Annual Report, detailing key statistics and insights into the Commonwealth's workers' compensation landscape, as well as other programs administered by the Commission. The annual report can be viewed at the link below.

The 2023 Annual Report highlights the Commission's continued dedication to providing fair and timely resolution of workers' compensation claims for the Commonwealth's workforce. It includes a basic overview of Commission departments and workflow, review of significant milestones and updates on initiatives aimed at improving efficiency and service delivery.

Throughout 2023, there were over 242,000 First Reports of Injury reports filed with 45,220 major workplace injuries reported. A breakdown by Virginia localities can be seen here. The Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) Team conducted over 4,500 events. Additionally, of the 32,201 claim forms processed, 87% were hearing-level requests resulting in 493 appellate decisions rendered.

Key highlights noted in the 2023 Annual Report include:

• Recognition as a 2023 Top Workplace in Virginia with additional accolades;
• Continued success in the Judicial Division’s Alternative Dispute Resolution mediation program, with a 91% success rate for Full and Final Mediations, along with a 3% increase in Issue Mediation Rates from 2022;
• Implementation of updated Claim Forms including revisions to verbiage for filing options, removal of the language "Lifetime Medical Award" and details on how to access the Ombuds Department;
• Enhanced security, including security trainings for all team members;
• Completion of a successful 2023 Educational Conference;
• Development of a Petition for Medical Treatment (PMT) Claim Form, which provides a direct filing mechanism for stakeholders and greater accuracy in statistical tracking.

The report also features the financial results of the agency and the Virginia Victims Fund (officially the Criminal Injuries Compensation Fund) for Fiscal Year 2023, as well as a look ahead to its 2024 initiatives.

“The Commission remains committed to excellence in service to all stakeholders, and our 2023 Annual Report underscores our dedication to supporting Virginia's injured workers, employers and related industries through efficient, fair, and transparent processes. The 2023 introduction of the Petition for Medical Treatment Claim Form provided a route to direct filing and bolstered our efforts to decrease paper usage and increase processing speed and accuracy. The Sexual Assault Forensic Exam (SAFE) Payment Program worked to achieve important expansion of covered services for victims of sexual assault in the Commonwealth. Though we are proud to share these examples of improved productivity and client advocacy, we are equally proud to be recognized for the third consecutive year as a Top Workplace," said VWC’s Chairman, Robert A. Rapaport. “This recognition is especially meaningful because it is based on feedback from Commission staff. This year, we were honored to receive two additional awards: the Top Mid-Sized Company Award and the Managers Award. These accolades reflect the dedication and hard work of our entire team as well as their commitment to creating a positive and productive work environment. It is this positive environment that allows the Commission to be successful and forward-thinking in the work that we do and the positive impact we can make in the Commonwealth."