What type of compensation is not specifically tied to any loss and is instead a fixed amount awarded?

The type of compensation that is not specifically tied to any loss and is instead a fixed amount awarded is known as a basic award. This concept typically arises in legal contexts where a predetermined amount is set for various reasons, often as a standard compensation for certain types of claims or damages. The purpose of a basic award is to provide a guaranteed sum to the claimant without the need to demonstrate a specific loss or injury, thereby simplifying the process and providing a degree of certainty.

In contrast, a compensatory award aims to make the injured party whole by providing compensation for actual losses suffered, such as medical expenses or lost wages. Severance pay is usually contingent upon the termination of employment and may take various forms, often associated with the employee's salary or length of service, rather than being a fixed amount unrelated to quantifiable losses. An additional award can refer to any other supplementary compensation that is granted on top of base damages, again typically linking it back to specific losses or circumstances.

Thus, the basic award stands out as the fixed amount that does not depend on specific losses, making it the correct choice in this context.