Maximum and minimum monthly compensation.

(a) Except as provided by § 1-623.38 , the monthly rate of compensation for disability, including augmented compensation under § 1-623.10 , but not including additional compensation under § 1-623.11 , may not be more than 75% of the monthly pay of the maximum rate of basic pay for GS-15 as provided in § 5332 of Title 5 of the United States Code or its equivalent as provided in subchapter XI of this chapter . In case of total disability and except as provided in subsection (b) of this section, the monthly rate of compensation may not be less than 75% of the monthly pay of the minimum rate of basic pay for GS-2 as provided in § 5332 of Title 5 of the United States Code or its equivalent as provided in subchapter XI of this chapter , or the amount of the monthly pay of the employee, whichever is less. (b) For employees hired after December 31, 1979, who make a claim for compensation for disability or death after December 29, 1994, except as provided in § 1-623.38 , the monthly rate of compensation for disability, including augmented compensation under § 1-623.10 , but not including additional compensation under § 1-623.11 , may not be more than 73% of the monthly pay of the maximum rate of basic pay for DS-12, Step 10. In the case of total disability the monthly rate of compensation may not be less than 75% of the monthly pay of the minimum rate of basic pay for DS-2, Step 1, or the amount of the monthly pay of the employee, whichever is less.