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. The2023 VWC Annual Report can be viewed here.
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:
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."
About The Commission
The Virginia Workers’ Compensation Commission (VWC), established in 1918, is an independent judicial and administrative state agency that oversees the workers’ compensation system for employees, employers, and insurers. VWC interprets and applies the Virginia Workers’ Compensation Act and resolves claims through hearings and mediation.
The Commission is led by a Senior Leadership team consisting of three Commissioners, an Executive Director and a Chief Deputy Commissioner. Commissioners are selected by the General Assembly and serve six-year terms. Honorable R. Ferrell Newman, Honorable Wesley G. Marshall and Honorable Robert A. Rapaport currently serve as Commissioners. The Commissioners elect a Chairman to serve a three-year term. Commissioner Rapaport currently serves as Chairman. Ms. Evelyn V. McGill is the Commission’s Executive Director and the Honorable James J. Szablewicz is the Commission’s Chief Deputy Commissioner.
Leading the way in electronic data and claims filing systems, in 2023 VWC processed over 32,000 claims and issued 2,600 judicial opinions. VWC also administers the Criminal Injuries Compensation Fund, the Uninsured Employer’s Fund, and adjudicates claims under the Virginia Birth-Related Neurological Injury Compensation Program. Headquartered in Richmond, Virginia, VWC operates regional offices in Bristol, Virginia Beach, Roanoke, Harrisonburg, Manassas and Fairfax.
For more information about the Virginia Workers Compensation Commission, visit the Commission's website. For more information about this topic, or to schedule an interview, please email Charles Steepleton or call 877-664-2566.
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