OWCP Claims Guide: How to Win Federal Workers' Compensation Benefits

Chris and Gini host their final Wednesday night OWCP chat before a two-week break, covering essential workers' compensation topics in a Q&A format. They discuss claim approvals, denials, common supervisor violations, and upcoming training opportunities.

Key Announcements

• National OWCP Convention: Sunday, November 16th, 3-6 PM Eastern (Facebook only)
• Upcoming Travel: Utah meetings and BYU vs. Utes game, followed by FOA National Convention in Wisconsin
• Woodshed Night: October 29th - covering rules, laws, and regulations supervisors violate
• New Leadership: Congratulations to Jonathan Smith, new APW National President
• FIC Tallahassee: Opening December 1st (Dr. Stephick)

Critical Statistics Discussed

• Only 6.78% of non-postal federal employees had accepted claims in 2023 (down from historical 14%)
• Federal Injury Centers maintains over 95% success rate
• Most denials are due to inadequate medical documentation, not claim examiner bias

Major Topics Covered

1. Understanding Claim Denials

• Denials happen due to inadequate medical narratives from doctors
• You DON'T need an attorney for denied claims
• File reconsideration with improved narrative addressing denial reasons
• Attorneys are only necessary for: car wrecks on the job, federal disability, schedule awards with second opinion denials

2. Essential Forms & Processes

• CA-10: What federal employees should do when injured (often hidden from workers)
• CA-16: Pays all medical bills for 60 days, must be issued within 4 hours of reported injury
• CA-17: Limited duty form - supervisors cannot withhold until claim is approved
• CA-7/CA-7A: Payment forms for intermittent time off
• CA-2A: Notice of recurrence (verify with doctor first that it's same injury)

**3. The "Black Sharpie Method"

• When supervisors refuse to complete CA-17 side A
• Write "Supervisor [name] refused to issue" in black Sharpie
• Submit to claims examiner to create accountability
• Prevents supervisor from ignoring medical restrictions

**4. Common Supervisor Violations

• Refusing to issue CA-16 within 4 hours
• Withholding CA-17 until claim approval
• Retaliating against injured workers (federal crime: fines, imprisonment, or both)
• Sending workers home claiming "no work available" on restrictions
• Not honoring limited duty assignments

**5. Payment & Benefits

• Choose COP (Continuation of Pay) over sick/annual leave
• Pay based on current salary if working full-time, or pre-injury pay with blanket increases
• Mileage reimbursement limited to 100 miles round trip (get authorization for more)
• Lifetime medical coverage for accepted claims
• Schedule awards available for permanent impairment

6. Key Rules & Rights

• Report injuries NOW (within 7 days maximum, but immediately is best)
• You have the right to choose your own doctor
• Supervisors cannot tell you where to go for treatment
• Rural carriers: job held for 2 years; other crafts: 1 year
• Retaliation for reporting injuries is ILLEGAL

**7. Getting Help

• File grievances through your union for supervisor violations
• Contact claims examiner directly about issues
• Call OSHA: 1-800-321-OSHA for retaliation
• Contact Inspector General or Postal Inspectors
• Replace nurse case

Website for Locations. www.federalinjurycenters.com
Contact: 877-787-OWCP or message us Facebook
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Wednesday Night OWCP Chats with Chris & Gini