A Complete Guide to OWCP Forms for Federal Workers
Understanding the Key OWCP Forms for Federal Workers’ Compensation
If you are a federal employee who has been injured or become ill due to your job, navigating the Office of Workers’ Compensation Programs (OWCP) system can feel overwhelming. One of the most important parts of the process is understanding and properly completing the necessary forms to secure your benefits under the Federal Employees’ Compensation Act (FECA).
This guide will walk you through the most commonly used OWCP forms to help you understand their purpose, when you need to file them, and how to complete them.
CA-1: Federal Employee's Notice of Traumatic Injury and Claim for Continuation of Pay/Compensation
Purpose: The CA-1 form is used when a federal employee experiences a traumatic injury due to a specific event or accident at work. This form begins the process of securing workers' compensation benefits, including medical care and wage replacement.
When to File: You should file a CA-1 form as soon as possible after the injury occurs. Delays in filing can lead to delays in benefits or even denial of the claim.
Key Sections:
Description of the injury and the circumstances surrounding it.
The date, time, and location of the accident.
Witnesses to the event, if any.
CA-2: Notice of Occupational Disease and Claim for Compensation
Purpose: The CA-2 form is used when a federal employee suffers from an occupational disease or illness that develops over time due to work conditions, such as repetitive strain injuries or long-term exposure to harmful substances.
When to File: File a CA-2 as soon as you recognize the symptoms of an illness related to your work environment.
Key Sections:
Detailed description of the work duties or exposures that led to the illness.
Medical evidence linking the disease to your job.
CA-7: Claim for Compensation Due to Traumatic Injury or Occupational Disease
Purpose: The CA-7 form is used to claim compensation for wage loss when an injury or illness prevents you from returning to work.
When to File: Once your CA-1 or CA-2 form has been approved and you are unable to return to work, file a CA-7 to request wage replacement benefits.
Key Sections:
Certification from Your Employer: This section requires your employer to confirm your time off from work due to the injury or illness.
Medical Evidence: Include documentation from your healthcare provider that confirms your inability to work due to the injury or illness.
Wage Information: Provide details about your regular wages and any temporary or permanent loss of income.4. CA-16: Authorization for Examination and/or Treatment
Purpose: The CA-16 form authorizes you to receive medical treatment for a work-related injury or illness, even before OWCP has fully processed your claim.
When to File: A CA-16 should be issued immediately after an injury by your employer, allowing you to seek medical care without delays.
Key Sections:
Patient Information: Your personal details and information about the injury or illness.
Authorization Details: Grants permission for a designated physician to examine and treat your condition.
Treatment Plan: Outlines the proposed medical treatments and any necessary follow-up care.
CA-17: Duty Status Report
Purpose: The CA-17 form is used to keep track of your medical condition and your ability to return to work. It is often completed by your treating doctor and helps determine whether you can perform your job duties.
When to File: You will typically file a CA-17 during the course of your treatment and recovery, especially if your medical condition changes or you are ready to return to work.
Key Sections:
Medical Assessment: Your doctor's evaluation of your current health status and ability to work.
Work Restrictions: Any limitations or accommodations needed to facilitate your return to work.
Prognosis: The expected timeline for your recovery and potential for returning to full duties.
CA-20: Attending Physician’s Report
Purpose: The CA-20 form is completed by your treating physician to provide medical evidence that supports your workers' compensation claim.
When to File: After filing your CA-1 or CA-2 form, your physician will fill out the CA-20 to document your injury or illness, the treatment plan, and your prognosis.
Key Sections:
Diagnosis: Detailed description of your medical condition.
Treatment Plan: Outline of the recommended treatments and procedures.
Impact on Work: How your condition affects your ability to perform job duties.
Prognosis: Estimated recovery time and potential for returning to work.
CA-35: Evidence Required in Support of a Claim for Occupational Disease
Purpose: The CA-35 form is used to provide the required evidence when filing a claim for occupational disease (CA-2). This form outlines the documentation needed to substantiate your claim, such as medical records, witness statements, and exposure history.
When to File: Submit a CA-35 along with your CA-2 to ensure you provide all necessary documentation for a successful claim.
Key Sections:
Employment History: Details of your job roles and any exposures to harmful substances or conditions.
Medical Records: Comprehensive documentation from healthcare providers linking your illness to your work environment.
Witness Statements: Accounts from colleagues or supervisors who can attest to your work conditions and any incidents that may have contributed to your illness.
OWCP-915: Claim for Medical Reimbursement
Purpose: The OWCP-915 form allows you to request reimbursement for medical expenses related to your work injury or illness that you paid out of pocket.
When to File: If you have incurred medical expenses before receiving authorization from OWCP, file an OWCP-915 to be reimbursed.
Key Sections:
Expense Details: Itemized list of medical expenses, including dates and amounts.
Supporting Documents: Copies of receipts or bills for services rendered.
Payment Information: Details on how the reimbursement should be processed.
OWCP-957: Medical Travel Refund Request
Purpose: The OWCP-957 form is used to request reimbursement for travel expenses related to medical treatment for your injury or illness.
When to File: If you need to travel to see a doctor or undergo treatment, file an OWCP-957 to be reimbursed for travel expenses, such as mileage, tolls, and parking fees.
Key Sections:
Travel Details: Information about the trips taken for medical purposes, including dates and locations.
Expense Breakdown: Itemization of travel-related costs.
Proof of Travel: Receipts or other documentation verifying the expenses.
Form CA-12: Claim for Continuation of Pay (COP) and Compensation
Purpose: Form CA-12 is used to request continuation of pay (COP) and compensation benefits during the initial recovery period after a traumatic injury.
When to File: This form should be submitted immediately after an injury that results in lost work time.
Key Sections:
Injury Details: Comprehensive information about the injury and how it occurred.
Employer Information: Details about your employer’s continuation of pay policies.
Medical Certification: Documentation from your healthcare provider certifying your inability to work during the recovery period.
Payment Information: Instructions on how the compensation will be disbursed.
Federal Injury Centers of Utag Can Help
At Federal Injury Centers of Utah, we understand how important it is to properly complete and submit these forms to ensure your federal workers' compensation claim is processed efficiently. Our team of DOL-credentialed doctors and claims specialists are here to guide you through every step of the process, from filing the correct form to submitting medical documentation.
If you need help with your OWCP claim or assistance with any of the forms mentioned above, contact us today for a free consultation. We’ll ensure that your claim is supported by the proper paperwork and medical evidence, giving you the best chance at approval.
