Is your OWCP claim denied? Don't panic—and more importantly, don't just click "Appeal." In this episode of Breaking OWCP, Chris and Gini reveal why the standard appeal process often fails and why the Request for Reconsideration is your actual path to approval.

Chris shares a specific "speed reading" hack to find the exact reason your claim was denied within the decision letter, allowing you to fix the narrative with your doctor. We also breakdown the complex world of MMI (Maximum Medical Improvement), how it leads to cash payouts via Schedule Awards, and why you must report your injuries before you retire if you want lifetime medical benefits.

In This Episode You Will Learn:

• The "Appeal" Trap: Why you should almost always check the box for "Reconsideration" (to submit new evidence) rather than an Oral Hearing or ECAB appeal.
• The "Specifically" Hack: How to scan your denial letter for the paragraph starting with the word "Specifically" to find the exact error your doctor needs to fix.
• Retirement Rules: Why reporting an injury after you retire is a recipe for denial, and how to lock in lifetime medical benefits before you leave.
• The 72-Hour Myth: Debunking the lie that you only have 3 days to report an injury (The law says you have 3 years).
• MMI Explained: What Maximum Medical Improvement means, why you need an AMA 6th Edition impairment rating, and how to file for a Schedule Award (Form CA-7, Box D).
• Supervisor Bullying: When to call OSHA (1-800-321-OSHA) if a supervisor violates your CA-17 medical restrictions.

Timestamps:

• [01:50] Topic 1: What to do when your claim is denied (It’s usually the doctor’s fault).
• [05:00] The Appeal Form: Why "Reconsideration" is the only box that matters.
• [09:00] What a doctor’s narrative must say (avoiding "medical probability").
• [11:15] The Hack: Finding the "Specifically" paragraph in your denial letter.
• [14:30] OWCP & Retirement: Why you must file while still employed.
• [20:00] Busting the "72 Hour" reporting myth.
• [23:30] Modified Job Offers: What to do if they violate your medical restrictions.
• [27:45] Form CA-17 Side A: The Supervisor's mandatory responsibility.
• [41:30] Topic 2: MMI (Maximum Medical Improvement) defined.
• [43:00] The 6th Edition Impairment Rating & Schedule Awards (Box D).

Key Laws & Resources Mentioned:

• Schedule Award: Filed via Form CA-7 (Box D) after reaching MMI.
• Reconsideration: You have 12 months from a denial to file this with new evidence.
• Reporting Timeline: You have 3 years to file a claim (statutory), though 30 days is required for COP (Continuation of Pay).
• OSHA: osha.gov or 1-800-321-OSHA.

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Wednesday Night OWCP Chats with Chris & Gini