Poodoff,

I don't know what state you work in, it will make a difference.  So take this as general info.  First of all, your doc had to release you for any type of duty, restricted or full.  When you say you got a call from Workers Comp, do you mean Sedgwick or the health management company Qwest has managing the healthcare you receive from your doctor and other care providers?  This is an important question.  Because Qwest is a self-insured company they get to manage their worker comp claims but they should be in accordance with the state funded claims.  Call your state's worker comp office and ask to speak to the self insured adjudicator.  Let them know what's going on.  If you are permanently restricted from doing certain work because you have a permanent partial disablility, you may receive a lump sum payment from Qwest/Sedgwick.  There are different rules for folks on workers comp vs. those who are on medical restrictions due to a non-work related illness/injury.  Your management doesn't do the physical capacity test.  This is performed usually by an independent medical examiner, either a doctor or a physical therapist.  Again, this is an independent exam.  If your doctor disagrees with the findings, you can appeal the decision.  Another source of help is to contact your state's AFL-CIO office.  They may have a person on staff who advocates for labor folks who have worker comp issues.  In Washington State it's called Project Help.  Most companies like it when folks come back to light duty while still recuperating as it lowers their costs and time loss reporting. First thing Monday, call your state worker comp folks and then your state fed worker comp staff.  I wish you the best of luck.  And don't forget to start filing the grievances that go along with this.  Every worker comp rule they break is grievable.