Key Takeaways
- Use Form CA-1 for a traumatic injury (one event or shift) and Form CA-2 for an occupational disease that developed over time.
- File a CA-1 within 30 days to protect up to 45 days of Continuation of Pay. All FECA claims must be filed within 3 years.
- Most claims are filed online through ECOMP, then completed by your supervisor.
- The strongest claims rest on a doctor's reasoned opinion explaining how your work caused your condition.
- Every doctor in our directory offers free claims assistance. Call 888-610-6515.
What Is an OWCP Injury Claim?
An OWCP injury claim is a request for benefits under the Federal Employees' Compensation Act (FECA), filed with the Department of Labor's Office of Workers' Compensation Programs. If OWCP accepts it, you can receive medical care for the accepted condition and compensation for lost wages, paid by the federal program instead of you.
An OWCP injury claim is a stressful thing to go through, and it's important to be in the right hands. The claim has to show that you're a covered federal employee, that you filed on time, that the injury happened as described, and — most important — that your medical condition is related to your work. That last part comes from your doctor. Learn more about the federal workers' compensation doctors who provide that evidence.
How to File an OWCP Injury Claim, Step by Step
- Report the injury to your supervisor right away and get an incident report if your agency uses one.
- File the right form in ECOMP: CA-1 for a traumatic injury, CA-2 for an occupational disease. Your supervisor completes their part and sends it to OWCP.
- Ask your agency for a CA-16 if it's a traumatic injury. It authorizes your first exam and treatment.
- Choose your treating doctor. Pick one who takes DOL-OWCP claims, since only enrolled providers can be paid by OWCP.
- Get a medical report that explains causation. Your doctor's opinion connecting your condition to your job duties is what OWCP weighs most.
- Keep the claim moving. Answer OWCP letters by their deadlines, keep copies of everything, and file a CA-7 if you lose wages after Continuation of Pay ends.
OWCP Claim Deadlines That Protect Your Benefits
Missing a deadline doesn't always end a claim, but it can cost you benefits. These are the ones to know (20 CFR 10.205, 10.100).
File your CA-1 to qualify for Continuation of Pay after a traumatic injury.
The most Continuation of Pay you can receive — your regular salary from your agency.
The general deadline to file any FECA claim, from injury or from when you knew it was work-related.
OWCP Forms You May Need for Your Claim
| Form | Use it for | Who completes it |
|---|---|---|
| CA-1 | Traumatic injury and Continuation of Pay | You, then your supervisor |
| CA-2 | Occupational disease or illness | You, then your supervisor |
| CA-2a | Recurrence of a prior accepted injury | You, then your supervisor |
| CA-16 | Authorization for exam and treatment | Your agency, then your doctor |
| CA-7 | Wage loss after COP, leave buy-back, schedule award | You, then your agency |
| OWCP-915 | Reimbursement of medical costs you paid | You |
| OWCP-957A / 957B | Medical travel: mileage / expenses | You |
Your doctor files the medical reports, such as the CA-20 and CA-17. See the reports a DOL doctor files for you. For every form, deadline and official PDF, see our OWCP forms guide.
Why OWCP Claims Get Delayed or Denied
Filing incorrectly or late can cost you benefits that are rightfully yours. These are the most common problems, and most of them can be prevented.
No causation opinion
A diagnosis alone isn't enough. OWCP needs a doctor's reasoned explanation of how your work caused or aggravated the condition.
The wrong form
Filing a CA-1 for a condition that built up over time (or a CA-2 for a single incident) leads to development letters and delays.
Missed requests
When OWCP asks for more information, it sets a deadline. Unanswered letters are a common reason claims are denied.
Gaps in treatment
Long breaks between visits make it harder to show your condition is ongoing and work-related.
You Have the Right to Choose Your Treating Doctor
Did your employer tell you that you have the right to choose your own treating doctor? Under FECA you make the initial choice of a qualified physician, and you are not obligated to see the "company doctor" for your work injury (20 CFR 10.300). You can choose an experienced DOL doctor who puts your medical needs first.
Choose carefully: after your initial choice, switching to a different treating physician generally requires OWCP's written approval, and your employer cannot approve the change (20 CFR 10.316).
What to Look for in Help With Your OWCP Claim
You'll want help from people who are on your side, not just whoever your agency sends you to. Whether it's your doctor's office, your union representative or someone else, look for these qualities:
- Dedication to you. Someone focused on your medical care, recovery and coverage, at every step.
- Real experience with OWCP claims. They know how important it is to get documentation in on time and keep the process moving.
- Clear communication. They explain the jargon in the paperwork, tell you what's being done and why, and listen to your concerns.
- Attention to detail. They make sure the medical record clearly explains how your injury resulted from your work, so nothing is overlooked or misunderstood.
Find DOL Doctors is a directory, not a law firm. To see everyone who manages your claim once it's filed, read our guide to OWCP case management.
Free Claims Assistance and Case Management
Every doctor in the Find DOL Doctors directory offers free claims assistance and case management to the injured federal employees they treat. So do the independent OWCP case managers we work with: federal workers' comp experts who coordinate claims across multiple providers. There's no cost to you, and you don't have to navigate OWCP alone.
That help can include choosing the right claim form, gathering the medical evidence OWCP asks for, answering development letters on time, and keeping your treatment, work restrictions and wage-loss paperwork in sync. Call 888-610-6515 or use the free search form to get started.
What to Do If Your OWCP Claim Is Denied
If OWCP denies your claim, the decision letter explains why and lists your appeal rights. You can generally request a hearing or review of the written record within 30 days, ask OWCP to reconsider within one year, or appeal to the Employees' Compensation Appeals Board within 180 days. New medical evidence often decides the outcome.
Read the denial carefully. If the reason is medical — for example, OWCP found no rationalized opinion on causation — talk to your treating doctor about a more detailed report. You can choose only one appeal route at a time, so consider getting advice from your union or a FECA attorney before you file.
OWCP Injury Claim FAQs
How do I file an OWCP injury claim?
Report the injury to your supervisor, then file Form CA-1 (traumatic injury) or CA-2 (occupational disease) online through ECOMP. Your supervisor completes their section and sends it to OWCP. For a traumatic injury, ask your agency for a CA-16 to authorize treatment.
What's the difference between a CA-1 and a CA-2?
A CA-1 is for a traumatic injury caused by a specific event or incident during one workday or shift. A CA-2 is for an occupational disease or illness caused by work conditions over more than one shift, such as repetitive-motion injuries.
How long do I have to file an OWCP claim?
File a CA-1 within 30 days of a traumatic injury to qualify for up to 45 days of Continuation of Pay. The general deadline for any FECA claim is 3 years from the injury, or from when you realized the condition was work-related.
Why do OWCP claims get denied?
Common reasons include no medical opinion explaining how work caused the condition, the wrong claim form, missed deadlines for information OWCP requested, and gaps in treatment. A detailed report from a doctor experienced with OWCP claims addresses the most common one.
Can I appeal a denied OWCP claim?
Yes. You can generally request a hearing or review of the written record within 30 days of the decision, request reconsideration within one year, or appeal to the Employees' Compensation Appeals Board within 180 days. The decision letter lists your options.
Can I get free help with my OWCP claim?
Yes. Every doctor in the Find DOL Doctors directory, and the independent OWCP case managers we work with, offer free claims assistance to injured federal employees. Call 888-610-6515 or complete the free search form to get connected.
Do I need a special doctor for an OWCP claim?
You choose your treating doctor, but OWCP can pay only providers enrolled with OWCP. A doctor experienced with federal claims also knows how to write the causation reports that OWCP needs to accept your claim.