Federal Workers’ Compensation Frequently Asked Questions
I got hurt on the job, why is my claim not approved?
There are a number of reasons why your OWCP claim may not have been approved.
Some of the most common reasons include:
- The injury is not work-related. OWCP only covers injuries that occur while an employee is performing their job duties or traveling to or from work. If your injury occurred outside of work, or if there is evidence that it was caused by something other than your job, your claim may be denied.
- Insufficient evidence. OWCP needs to see medical evidence that your injury is work-related and that it is causing you to miss work or have other wage losses. If you have not submitted all of the required medical documentation, or if your medical records are incomplete, your claim may be denied.
- Missed deadlines. OWCP has strict deadlines for filing claims and submitting documentation. If you miss any of these deadlines, your claim may be denied.
- Other factors. There are a number of other factors that can affect whether or not your OWCP claim is approved, such as your employment status, whether you have a pre-existing condition, and whether you were following safety procedures at the time of your injury.
If your OWCP claim has been denied, you have the right to appeal the decision. You can do this by filing a Form CA-16 within 90 days of receiving the denial notice. You will need to provide additional evidence to support your claim, and you may also want to consider hiring an attorney to represent you.
Here are some tips for increasing your chances of having your OWCP claim approved:
- File your claim as soon as possible after your injury.
- Submit all of the required medical documentation, including medical records, bills, and doctor’s notes.
- Be honest and accurate in all of your communications with OWCP.
- Meet all of the deadlines for filing claims and submitting documentation.
If you have any questions or concerns, contact OWCP directly or hire an attorney to represent you.
Can I change Doctors without being penalized?
Yes, you can change OWCP doctors without being penalized. You have the right to choose your own treating doctor under the Federal Employees’ Compensation Act (FECA).
However, there are a few things you should keep in mind:
- You must choose a doctor who is credentialed by OWCP. You can find a list of credentialed OWCP doctors on the OWCP website.
- You must notify OWCP in writing of your desire to change doctors. You can do this by completing and submitting Form CA-16.
- You must provide OWCP with the name and contact information of your new doctor.
- It is important to note that your new doctor may need to review your medical records from your previous doctor. This may take some time, so it is important to be patient.
If you have any questions or concerns about changing OWCP doctors, you should contact OWCP directly or hire an attorney to represent you.
Here are some tips for choosing an OWCP doctor:
- Ask your friends, family, and co-workers for recommendations.
- Look for a doctor who has experience treating work-related injuries.
- Make sure the doctor is credentialed by OWCP.
- Schedule a consultation with the doctor to see if they are a good fit for you.
Once you have chosen a new doctor, be sure to communicate with them regularly about your treatment. This will help them to provide you with the best possible care.