8.03.25 – APFA DCA Base Brief – Virginia Workers’ Compensation Commission

Virginia Workers’ Compensation Commission

Sunday, August 3, 2025

DCA Flight Attendants in Virginia who are partially disabled while on Injury on Duty (IOD) must actively seek employment to continue receiving Temporary Total Disability (TTD) benefits. It is essential to pursue jobs that comply with your doctor’s restrictions.

APFA strongly opposes this recent policy change. However, this is not simply a contractual issue; it is a state mandate that American Airlines has chosen to follow.

Failure to complete the necessary form may result in the loss of your disability payments. Additionally, please note that American Airlines does not offer light-duty options, in accordance with Virginia workers’ compensation laws. If you wish to be exempt from this requirement, you may request a hearing to petition a judge.

• Marketing/Job Search Form
• Guidelines on Looking for Light Duty Work

If you present only 5 job searches during a hearing and some are deemed insufficient, you could lose your check for that week. Additionally, you won’t receive a check if you don’t look for work or if your search isn’t properly documented. As an injured worker in Virginia, it’s your responsibility to show that you are actively seeking employment.

1. Be diligent—aim for 10 job searches weekly, document everything, and maintain a job search chart.
2. Keep all relevant documents, like business cards and email confirmations, and follow up on applications to ensure you get responses.
3. If your doctor states you can work 20 hours a week, use that time to look for jobs. A consistent search demonstrates your good faith effort, while applying to too many jobs at once may not.
4. Finally, sign up with the Virginia Employment Commission for support with your job search, not for unemployment benefits.

In Solidarity,

Johnnea Bigraft
APFA Injury on Duty Chairperson
[email protected]

John Pennel
APFA DCA Base President
[email protected]

Dianne Britton
APFA DCA Base Vice President
[email protected]