You may choose your own doctor, but make certain that the doctor is willing to work with the OWCP. Do not go to a doctor or a medical provider that is recommended by your agency.

If you had an accident or an event at work that caused an injury, you should file form CA-1 immediately. If your injury occurred over a longer period of time (greater than one (1) work day) then you should file form CA-2 for an occupational disease. This can sometimes be confusing and proper medical support and legal advice is vital.

It is illegal for your agency to refuse to file a claim, discourage a filing of a claim or threaten job loss. You should immediately contact your union or local enforcement agency to complain or file a grievance.

If you file form CA-1 (traumatic injury claim) within 30 days of your injury, you are automatically entitled to 45 calendar days of pay if you provide medical evidence for your absence because of your work injury. If you file form CA-2 (occupational disease claim) you must file form CA-7 every two weeks to get paid. Remember that you will not get paid until your claim is approved.

We strongly recommend that you wait for the OWCP to approve your surgery. If the surgery is denied by the OWCP, then you are free to use your health plan.

If your doctor provides you with work restrictions that prevent you from performing your regular work, you should wait for a written job offer from your agency that meets your doctor’s restrictions. If the Department of Labor determines that the written job offer is suitable, you must then return to work or risk the penalties of section 8106 of the FECA.

A recurrence of injury is a spontaneous material worsening of your previous work related injury. It can also be for time missed due to office approved surgery or if your job withdraws limited duty work.

It may be, but it is also possible that you should file a new claim for traumatic injury or occupational disease, depending on the circumstances.

A schedule award is a payment for a permanent partial impairment to specific body parts. Once you have reached maximum medical improvement (MMI) and are no longer in receipt of compensation for wage loss, you qualify for this benefit. There is no deadline to file for a schedule award.

No, schedule awards cannot be paid for back and neck injuries. Schedule award benefits may be available if a neck or back injury results in permanent partial impairment to the arms or legs.

No

You should NEVER do activities beyond your job offer that violate medical restrictions. If you refuse and your employer sends you home, you can file for compensation.

Yes, you may be placed under surveillance. You should never perform activities that are beyond your doctor’s restrictions.

Under the FECA you are unable to receive compensation for a second job or overtime. Under the LHWCA, you are able to obtain credit for income from other jobs and/or overtime in your compensation check.

Under the FECA, you receive 2/3 of your pay unless you are married and live with your spouse or have a qualifying dependent child. In that event, you will receive 75% of your pay. Under the LHWCA, you will receive 2/3 of your pay.

No

OWCP benefits are considered temporary and payable while you are recovering from your work injury. They are not considered a retirement benefit and efforts will be made either to reduce or terminate those benefits over time. OPM benefits are paid for regular retirement or disability retirement. A disability retirement claim can be made through OPM when your medical conditions (physical and/or psychological) prevent you from performing your regular work and your agency is unable to accommodate you. These benefits are meant to be a permanent retirement from your federal employment. OPM benefits are generally less than the OWCP benefits and are taxable.

You are able to work while receiving a disability retirement benefit from OPM, but your earnings are limited to 80% of the base pay of the federal position that you were working when you retired.

You’re obligated to seek suitable work once your condition improves or you are able to do so. However, if you perform any service, then you must report that immediately to the OWCP. This includes minor income. Failure to do so can result in criminal prosecution.

Yes

Generally we recommend that you go on Leave Without Pay (LWOP) because, if you use sick and annual leave and want it credited back, you must go through a process to buy it back once your claim and absence are accepted. In certain cases you can’t buy back leave for time lost after your claim has been accepted. If you choose LWOP and your claim and absence are accepted, you will generally receive compensation retroactive to the day you left work. However, there are many factors to be considered in this decision.

You are obligated to bring a third party claim since a government/insurance carrier has an interest in its proceeds and is entitled to be reimbursed for the benefits paid to you. You should obtain an appropriate lawyer to represent you on a third party claim. Remember, states have limitations on the time available to sue the third party, and you should seek legal council immediately.

You should always file your traumatic injury claim immediately following your work injury and make certain that your supervisor completes his portion of the form. Under the FECA, you have 30 days to file CA-1 form in order to receive continuation of pay. However, you have three (3) years to file a CA-1 form following your injury. With regard to a CA-2 form, you have three (3) years to file the claim from the date that you were made aware or have reason to be aware that your medical condition is work related.

Essentially, once your claim is accepted it is never closed during your life time unless your benefits are terminated or modified through a formal determination by the OWCP. Cases are administratively shut down if there is no activity for 180 days. Generally, you need up to date medical evidence in a form of a narrative report to restart your claim.

No

Yes