Massachusetts
Introduction To Vocational Rehabilitation Services
The mission of Department of Industrial Accidents, Office of Education and
Vocational Rehabilitation (OEVR) is to assist injured workers who have
accepted or established liability under MGL c. 152 to return to
meaningful employment through the delivery of vocational rehabilitation
services.
To qualify for these services, an injured worker must have residual restrictions due to their work related injury that prohibits a return to his/her pre-injury job. The goal of vocational rehabilitation services delivered to injured workers, under MGL c. 152, § 30, is to return an employee to their pre-injury average weekly wage. OEVR is the overseeing authority for these services. It facilitates agreements to return workers to meaningful and gainful employment with a focus on wage replacement.
Is Vocational Rehabilitation Mandatory?
No. However,
if you fail to appear for your scheduled mandatory meeting with OEVR,
your weekly workers compensation benefits may be suspended until you do
appear.
If you are found to be eligible for vocational rehabilitation services by the Office of Education and Vocational Rehabilitation and you do not participate in a vocational rehabilitation program, your weekly compensation may be reduced by 15%.