Welcome back to another episode of the Breaking OWCP podcast with Chris and Gini. In this installment of "Woodshed Night," the hosts take federal supervisors and management to task for spreading misinformation, denying valid worker rights, and improperly handling injury claims.

Episode Highlights

• The "Woodshed" Tradition: On Woodshed Night, Chris and Gini address common complaints from federal employees regarding supervisor misconduct, ignorance, and outright lying about Office of Workers' Compensation Programs (OWCP) policies.
• Upcoming Live OWCP Training Tour:
  • West Springfield, Massachusetts: Thursday, October 22nd, at the Courtyard Marriott (5:00 PM – 9:00 PM). Includes a 2-hour training session, drinks, and appetizers. Open to all federal crafts across surrounding states (CT, RI, NY, VT, NH).
  • St. George, Utah: Thursday, November 5th. Convenient for federal workers across Utah, Nevada (Las Vegas/Reno), and Arizona (Phoenix).
  • APWU Dallas Local 732 Training: A special 3-hour session taking place in Dallas, TX.
• Important Broadcast Announcement: The podcast will be off for the next two weeks (October 14th and 21st) while the team travels for union events and training. The live show returns on October 28th for a special pre-Halloween edition.

Major OWCP Rules & Supervisor Misconceptions

1. Form CA-16 (Authorization for Examination and/or Treatment)

• The Four-Hour Rule: Management is legally required to issue a CA-16 within four hours of a reported traumatic injury.
• What It Covers: Guarantees payment for all authorized medical bills for the first 60 days following a traumatic injury (CA-1).
• Deadlines: To qualify, the injury must be reported within 7 days. Management cannot withhold this form simply because they believe you aren't "hurt enough".

2. Time Limits for Filing Claims

• 7 Days: Deadline to report an injury to secure a Form CA-16.
• 30 Days: Deadline to file a CA-1 to remain eligible for Continuation of Pay (COP) for up to 45 days.
• 3 Years: The absolute statute of limitations to file a CA-1 (traumatic injury) or CA-2 (occupational disease). You can still file a claim up to 3 years after the event/awareness, even if you missed the COP or CA-16 deadlines.

3. Choosing Your Own Doctor

• Federal employees have the legal right to choose their treating physician.
• Agencies cannot force you to see an agency doctor, a VA physician, or an on-base medical officer.
• Avoid relying solely on urgent care clinics, as they are often staffed by nurse practitioners whose reports may require a physician's counter-signature to be valid under FECA rules.

4. Returning to Work & Light/Limited Duty Offers

• Limited Duty vs. Light Duty: Limited duty is reserved for work-related injuries, whereas light duty applies to non-work-related illnesses/conditions.
• 30-Day Review Rule: When presented with a limited duty job offer, you do not have to sign it immediately under "duress" or "protest". Under the Code of Federal Regulations, you have 30 days to review the offer with your treating physician once the claims examiner determines it is suitable.
• Work Restrictions: Supervisors must strictly adhere to the physical restrictions listed by your doctor on Form CA-17. Disregarding these restrictions is a grievable offense.

5. Common Supervisor Tactics Debunked

• Pre-existing Conditions: Supervisors frequently controvert claims by citing pre-existing conditions. Under FECA, an injury that aggravates or exacerbates a pre-existing condition is 100% compensable when supported by a detailed medical narrative.
• Lack of Witnesses: A claim cannot be denied or refused simply because no one witnessed the accident.
• Legal Certification: Management must sign and certify the agency portion of your OWCP forms. Falsifying statements or lying on official injury forms carries criminal penalties, including fines and imprisonment under federal law.
• Physical Form Destruction: If a supervisor refuses to complete or attempts to tear up your physical paperwork, report the violation to your union steward, your National Business Agent (NBA), the agency OIG, or OSHA.

Website for Locations. www.federalinjurycenters.com
Contact: 877-787-OWCP or message us Facebook
To Buy The Book: www.breakingowcp.com
To Email information: Info@federalinjurycenters.com
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Wednesday Night OWCP Chats with Chris & Gini

Welcome back to the Breaking OWCP podcast, where Chris and Gini break down the barriers of federal workers' comp to get you the help you deserve. In this comprehensive Q&A episode, the hosts dive deep into listener questions, tackle frustrating management tactics, and outline the exact steps injured federal workers must take to protect their livelihoods. Before diving into the legal and medical strategies, Chris and Gini recap a polarizing RV trip and announce their upcoming live training tour.

Episode Highlights

• The Great RV Debate: Chris and Gini recap their recent travels in a 38-foot RV equipped with two bathrooms. While the trip made Chris want to buy his own rig, Gini vowed to never go camping in an RV again.
• OWCP Live Tour Dates: The hosts are traveling the country to provide free, two-hour training events. They will be at the Springfield Courtyard Marriott in Massachusetts on October 22nd. Following that, they will be in St. George, Utah on November 5th. These events are completely free, provide food and drinks, and are open to all federal employees regardless of their union or agency.
• The Importance of Immediate Reporting: Injured workers must report their injuries right away to avoid losing critical benefits like the CA-16 and Continuation of Pay (COP). It is actually a crime for management to penalize you or prevent you from reporting a workplace injury.
• Mastering the CA-16 Form: You must request a CA-16 within seven days of a workplace injury. Once reported, management is required to give you the form within four hours. This critical document pays for all medical bills associated with the injury for the first 60 days.
• Choosing Your Doctor: Never use your personal health insurance to cover a workplace injury. You must seek out doctors or federal injury clinics that are specifically trained in OWCP procedures. There are no rules preventing federal employees from crossing state lines to get treatment from an approved facility, though the government will not pay for the travel.
• The Power of Congress: If management or the agency is withholding forms, refusing to update your file, or ignoring your rights, getting your local congressperson involved is one of the most effective ways to force compliance.
• A Questionable Wardrobe Choice: Chris hosts the episode while wearing a hat that reads, "I rented this hooker".

Listener Q&A Deep Dive

• Dealing with Job Offers: When management presents a limited-duty job offer, you are not legally required to sign it immediately under "protest" or "duress". The Code of Federal Regulations dictates that you have 30 days to review the validity of the job offer with your doctor.
• Diagnosis Expansions: Doctors need to accurately diagnose all aspects of an injury upfront. Trying to add severe diagnoses to a simple claim later on often results in the claims examiner sending you to a second-opinion doctor, which can jeopardize the entire case.
• Driving Restrictions: Management must adhere to all medical restrictions documented by your doctor on a CA-17 form. This includes medically documented limits on how long you can drive while performing your work duties.
• Emergency Room Billing: If you are taken to the ER, you must give the billing department your nine-digit Department of Labor (DOL) claim number so they can bill OWCP directly instead of you.
• Anxiety and Mental Health Claims: Psychological conditions like anxiety can be approved if they are legitimately tied to a work-related issue. Winning these claims requires a detailed personal statement, witness statements, and a strong evaluation from a mental health provider.

Website for Locations. www.federalinjurycenters.com
Contact: 877-787-OWCP or message us Facebook
To Buy The Book: www.breakingowcp.com
To Email information: Info@federalinjurycenters.com
Find Us on Facebook, YouTube, LinkedIn, Instagram @
Wednesday Night OWCP Chats with Chris & Gini

Welcome back to Wednesday night OWCP Chats with Chris and Gini. In this episode, the hosts dive deep into the crucial differences between approved and denied federal workers' compensation claims. With a focus on strict deadlines, the importance of detailed medical narratives, and the appeals process, this discussion provides a comprehensive guide for injured federal employees striving to navigate the system and get the help they deserve.

Key Takeaways

• Crucial Filing Timelines: Federal employees have exactly three years to file a CA-1 or CA-2 work injury claim, starting from the date of the injury or the date they became reasonably aware the injury was work-related.
• The Reality of Claim Numbers: Receiving a nine-digit claim number from the Department of Labor simply means your information was received, not that your claim has been approved.
• What an Approval Actually Means: An OWCP approval means a specific condition or diagnosis was accepted by the Department of Labor, but it does not necessarily cover every injury you sustained.
• The Beginning, Not the End: Getting an approval is the start of the case. You must remain actively involved by attending all appointments, following medical instructions, and closely monitoring your ECOMP file.
• Authorizing Ongoing Treatment: Medical treatments—especially those needed after 120 days—still require specific authorization from the claims examiner, which is based entirely on your accepted diagnosis.
• Securing Wage Loss Compensation: An approved claim does not automatically guarantee wage loss compensation. Your treating physician must write a specialized disability narrative that medically explains why you need to be off work.
• Decoding a Denial Letter: A denial is not the end of the world or your case; instead, it serves as a roadmap detailing exactly why the claim was rejected so your doctor can effectively address the gaps.
• The Power of Reconsideration: Every denial letter includes an appeal request form on the last page. Opting for a reconsideration gives you a 12-month window to appeal and allows your doctor to submit new medical information for the claims examiner.
• Documentation is Protection: Document everything from the moment you are injured—including writing a personal statement detailing the event and recording any friction with supervisors—because the system will not automatically take care of you.

Important Forms & Terms Discussed

• CA-1 & CA-2: Forms used to file a single-shift injury (CA-1) or a multiple-shift occupational disease claim (CA-2).
• CA-17 (Duty Status Report): A form where side A is filled out by your supervisor and side B is completed by your physician to outline your specific work restrictions.
• Disability Narrative: A necessary medical report written by a DOL-trained doctor explaining exactly why an injury medically requires you to miss work.

Website for Locations. www.federalinjurycenters.com
Contact: 877-787-OWCP or message us Facebook
To Buy The Book: www.breakingowcp.com
To Email information: Info@federalinjurycenters.com
Find Us on Facebook, YouTube, LinkedIn, Instagram @
Wednesday Night OWCP Chats with Chris & Gini

In this episode of "Wednesday Night OWCP Chats," Chris and Gini break down the critical differences between an approved and denied federal workers' compensation claim. They start by busting a major myth circulating among federal employees and management: you actually have three years to file your OWCP claim, not 30 days. The hosts explain why receiving a nine-digit claim number is just the beginning of the process, what a partial approval means for your medical treatment, and why a denial letter is a roadmap to victory rather than the end of the road.

Key Takeaways

• The 3-Year Deadline: By law, you have three years from the date of your injury (or the date you reasonably became aware it was work-related) to file a CA-1 or CA-2 claim. Do not let management convince you the window closes in a few days or weeks.
• A Claim Number Does Not Equal Approval: Receiving a nine-digit claim number from the Department of Labor simply means a file has been opened. It does not mean your medical condition or wage loss compensation has been approved.
• Approvals Are Condition-Specific: OWCP only approves specific medical conditions (e.g., a shoulder sprain). If you have multiple injuries, your doctor must ensure every condition is explicitly diagnosed, documented, and accepted before treatments like surgery will be authorized.
• Wage Loss Requires a Narrative: An approved claim does not automatically trigger wage loss compensation. Your doctor must provide a detailed disability narrative explaining why you are medically unable to work, alongside your CA-17 duty status report.
• Denials Are Roadmaps: A denial letter is not the end of your case. It contains specific reasons for the denial (often related to "causal relationship") that outline exactly what your doctor needs to address in an appeal, such as a Reconsideration, which gives you a 12-month window to submit new medical evidence.
• Document Everything: Keep a detailed personal statement of your accident, save every letter from the DOL, and document all interactions with management and second-opinion doctors.

Resources & Forms Mentioned

• CA-1 / CA-2: Claim forms for single-shift traumatic injuries (CA-1) and multiple-shift occupational diseases (CA-2).
• CA-17: Duty Status Report used to outline specific work restrictions.
• OWCP 915 / 957: Forms for claiming medical reimbursement and travel/mileage expenses.
• ECOMP: The online portal to track your case file and manage document submissions.

Website for Locations. www.federalinjurycenters.com
Contact: 877-787-OWCP or message us Facebook
To Buy The Book: www.breakingowcp.com
To Email information: Info@federalinjurycenters.com
Find Us on Facebook, YouTube, LinkedIn, Instagram @
Wednesday Night OWCP Chats with Chris & Gini

In this episode of the Breaking OWCP podcast, hosts Chris and Gini break down the critical steps for filing CA-7 claims for compensation. They provide federal employees with a comprehensive guide on navigating Leave Without Pay (LWOP), dealing with supervisor delays, and ensuring all medical documentation aligns to get claims approved.

Key Takeaways for Getting Paid

• Your OWCP claim must be explicitly approved before you can receive LWOP compensation.
• You can utilize Continuation of Pay (COP) for up to 45 calendar days following a CA-1 claim.
• Medical rationale is strictly required; a simple "off work" doctor's note is insufficient.
• You must ensure your medical documentation dates match the exact dates listed on your CA-17 and CA-7 forms.
• Supervisors are required by rule to complete their portion of the CA-7 within five days of your submission.
• You should double-check management's math on the CA-7 to avoid incorrect pay rates or missing hours.

Essential CA-7 Attachments

To ensure the highest chance of your CA-7 being approved, you must attach the following documents in ECOMP:

Document | PurposeCA-17 Form | This is the official duty status report that takes you off of work or outlines your medical restrictions.
Disability Narrative | This is a detailed medical report from your doctor explaining exactly why you need to be off of work.
CA-20 Form | This is the attending physician's report that outlines the current status of your injury case.
Appointment Printouts | These serve as proof of attendance if you had to miss a portion of your work shift to attend a medical visit.

Listener Q&A Highlights

• Maximum Medical Improvement (MMI) indicates you have healed as much as possible, but it does not automatically restrict you from working or claiming LWOP.
• To request reimbursement for out-of-pocket medical expenses, you must submit an OWCP 915 form alongside your receipts and a doctor's letter of medical necessity.

Website for Locations. www.federalinjurycenters.com
Contact: 877-787-OWCP or message us Facebook
To Buy The Book: www.breakingowcp.com
To Email information: Info@federalinjurycenters.com
Find Us on Facebook, YouTube, LinkedIn, Instagram @
Wednesday Night OWCP Chats with Chris & Gini

Episode Summary: Fresh off their trip to the Bureau of Prisons National Convention in Fort Lauderdale, Chris and Gini dive into a highly requested topic: OWCP Vocational Rehab. If you are a federal employee unable to return to your original job due to an accepted injury, this episode breaks down your options, your rights, and the complex math behind your continuing compensation.

Key Takeaways

• Vocational rehab is designed to help injured federal workers transition into new employment while compensating them for their lost wage-earning capacity.
• This program serves as an alternative to OPM FERS disability, which drops an employee's compensation to 40% of their previous salary in their second year.
• OWCP uses the Shadrick formula to calculate your adjusted wage loss by comparing your new earning capacity against what your original federal job pays today.
• Workers with an eligible dependent receive 75% of their adjusted wage loss, while those without dependents receive 66 and two-thirds percent.
• Federal benefits like FEHB health insurance, dental, vision, and OWCP medical treatment often continue while enrolled in this program.
• Injured workers must not casually refuse job offers but should challenge medically inappropriate work using specific medical restrictions provided by their treating doctor.
• Important statutes to reference are 5 U.S.C. 8104 for vocational rehabilitation and 5 U.S.C. 8115 for the determination of wage-earning capacity.

The Shadrick Formula Example

1. Assume a federal employee earned 80,000 dollars annually at the time of their injury.
2. The worker completes vocational rehab and secures a private-sector job earning 60,000 dollars.
3. If their original federal job now pays 100,000 dollars today, their new 60,000 dollar salary represents a 60% wage-earning capacity.
4. Multiply the original 80,000 dollar salary by that 60% capacity to equal 48,000 dollars.
5. Subtract 48,000 dollars from the original 80,000 dollars to determine an adjusted wage loss of 32,000 dollars.
6. If the worker has a dependent, OWCP pays 75% of that 32,000 dollar wage loss, providing an additional 24,000 dollars in compensation.

Website for Locations. www.federalinjurycenters.com
Contact: 877-787-OWCP or message us Facebook
To Buy The Book: www.breakingowcp.com
To Email information: Info@federalinjurycenters.com
Find Us on Facebook, YouTube, LinkedIn, Instagram @
Wednesday Night OWCP Chats with Chris & Gini

In this episode of "Wednesday Night OWCP Chats," Chris and Gini tackle a highly requested topic: how to protect your federal job when you are out of work due to a work-related injury. They discuss the hidden consequences of being out of work for extended periods and emphasize that the OWCP process is not a vacation. The hosts break down the crucial one-year timeline for federal and USPS employees, as well as the two-year timeline for rural carriers, regarding job separation. Listeners will learn actionable strategies for communicating with doctors, properly filling out CA-17 forms, handling limited duty job offers, and getting back on the clock safely.


Key Takeaways

• The One-Year Rule: For most federal and USPS employees, being out of work for a year or more puts your position at risk of separation.
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• Rural Carrier Exception: Rural carriers have a two-year period before running the risk of losing their route or job.
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• Job Separation is Not Claim Termination: Being separated from your job due to a disability does not automatically terminate your OWCP medical benefits or compensation.
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• Clocking In is Key: Returning to work on a limited duty assignment is the surest way to get paid and avoid the struggles of Leave Without Pay (LWOP).
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• Handling Limited Duty Offers: You are afforded 30 days to review a limited duty job offer with your doctor. Agencies must honor this review period, and you are not required to sign anything under duress or protest on the spot.
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• Specific Medical Documentation: Ensure your doctor provides highly specific work restrictions on your CA-17 form rather than vague guidelines. This specificity allows your agency to find a suitable limited duty assignment.
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• Accurate Diagnoses Matter: Ensure your accepted OWCP condition reflects your actual injury—like a herniated disc rather than just a lumbar sprain—to justify the necessary time off work and prevent premature claim issues.
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Resources Mentioned

• OWCP Forms: CA-17 (Duty Status Report), CA-20 (Attending Physician's Report), OWCP 957 (Medical Travel Refund Request), and CA-7 (Claim for Compensation).
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• FMLA (Family Medical Leave Act): A crucial tool to use for job protection if your claim is not yet approved and you run out of Continuation of Pay (COP).
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• ECOMP Portal: The online portal used for uploading medical documents, tracking your case, and submitting travel bills for mileage reimbursement.
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Website for Locations. www.federalinjurycenters.com
Contact: 877-787-OWCP or message us Facebook
To Buy The Book: www.breakingowcp.com
To Email information: Info@federalinjurycenters.com
Find Us on Facebook, YouTube, LinkedIn, Instagram @
Wednesday Night OWCP Chats with Chris & Gini

Welcome back to the Breaking OWCP podcast! In this episode of Wednesday Night OWCP Chats, Chris and Gini tackle one of the most frustrating aspects of federal workers' compensation: the second opinion exam. If you are worried that an OWCP-appointed doctor is going to ruin your case, this episode is exactly what you need. Chris breaks down the unspoken rules of these exams, providing you with a step-by-step "Survival Guide" to protect your claim. Tune in to learn why these exams are ordered, how to potentially avoid them, and the critical steps you must take while in the examination room.

🔍 Episode Highlights & Key Takeaways

Why OWCP Requests Second Opinions

• A primary reason for a second opinion is when the causation of the injury is unclear.
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• Claims examiners may request an exam if the treating physician's reports lack sufficient explanation.
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• A slower-than-expected recovery or prolonged treatment can trigger a second opinion request.
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• Requests for surgery or significant treatment often lead to these exams due to the cost and risk involved.
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• Diagnosis expansions, where a doctor adds a new diagnosis to an existing claim, frequently result in a second opinion.
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How to Reduce Your Chances of a Second Opinion

• Ensure your doctor gets the diagnosis right the first time to avoid later diagnosis expansions.
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• Never let a doctor use "pain" as a diagnosis because OWCP considers it an invalid diagnosis.
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• Your physician must explain their medical reasoning instead of just providing conclusions.
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• Utilize objective findings like MRIs and X-rays to make your claim rock solid.
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• Make sure your injury history remains consistent across all forms and medical records.
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The Second Opinion Survival Guide: What to Do During Your Visit

• You must always tell the truth and avoid exaggerating your symptoms.
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• It is crucial to stay calm and never argue with the examining doctor.
• You should know your exact injury timeline so you can answer questions accurately.
• Do not comply with exam maneuvers if they are unsafe or cause you severe pain.
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• You must document the exact minute you arrived, were taken back by the nurse, saw the doctor, and left the building.
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• You need to record the names of everyone present and what physical exams were actually performed on you.
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📢 Announcements & Resources Mentioned

Upcoming Live Events

Starting in October, Chris and Gini are taking their OWCP knowledge on the road! They will be launching the "America's OWCP Couple" tour, offering two-hour, after-work OWCP training sessions in local areas across the country.

Recommended Reading

Chris highly recommends the book Unbought, Unbowed, Unstoppable by AFGE National President Kelly. It details the story of AFGE and the fight for federal workers. You can find it on Amazon.

Stay Connected

Don't forget to hit the follow button so you never miss a live Wednesday night chat! If you need assistance with forms like the CA-7, you can visit the Federal Injury Centers website for box-by-box instructional videos.

Website for Locations. www.federalinjurycenters.com
Contact: 877-787-OWCP or message us Facebook
To Buy The Book: www.breakingowcp.com
To Email information: Info@federalinjurycenters.com
Find Us on Facebook, YouTube, LinkedIn, Instagram @
Wednesday Night OWCP Chats with Chris & Gini