CA-1 vs. CA-2: Choosing the Right OWCP Claim

CA-1 vs. CA-2: Choosing the Right OWCP Claim and Meeting Key Deadlines

Who this guide is for

Federal employees in the DC–Maryland–Virginia area who were hurt at work or developed a job-related condition and need to decide which claim to file with OWCP under FECA.

Quick definitions in plain English

• CA-1 (Traumatic Injury): A specific event or exposure that happens during one workday or shift and causes an injury right away. Examples: a fall, lifting one heavy box and straining your back, a needle stick, a collision.
• CA-2 (Occupational Disease/Illness): A medical condition that builds up over time from repeated tasks or ongoing exposures. Examples: gradual wrist pain from typing, chronic back pain from years of lifting, hearing loss from long-term noise, dermatitis from repeated chemical exposure.

If your symptoms started suddenly after a single event, it’s usually CA-1. If they crept up over weeks or months, it’s usually CA-2.

Deadlines that matter

• Report the injury promptly. Tell your supervisor as soon as possible.
• CA-1 and Continuation of Pay (COP): To be eligible for up to 45 calendar days of COP, you generally must report and file the CA-1 within 30 days of the injury and otherwise qualify.
• Statute of limitations: FECA generally allows three years from the injury date (CA-1) or from when you first realized your condition was work-related (CA-2). File sooner whenever possible.
• OWCP evidence windows: After you file, OWCP may send a development letter with a response deadline (often 30 days). Meet it.
• Duty status updates: Bring a CA-17 (Duty Status Report) to each medical visit and provide updates to your agency on time.

How to decide: a few quick scenarios

• You lifted a box at 10:15 a.m., felt a sharp back pain immediately, and reported it the same day → CA-1.
• Your wrist tingled for months from keyboard work and now you have numbness at night → CA-2.
• You inhaled chemical fumes during one leak event and began coughing that day → generally CA-1.
• You’ve had a cough for months from ongoing exposure to a solvent at work → generally CA-2.

If you’re stuck between the two, write a simple timeline and talk it through with your treating clinician and supervisor.

The forms you’ll hear about

• CA-1 or CA-2: the claim itself (file online via ECOMP).
• CA-16: Authorization for Examination and/or Treatment (for traumatic injuries; ask promptly).
• CA-17: Duty Status Report (your clinician documents work capacity and restrictions).
• CA-20: Attending Physician’s Report (your clinician’s diagnosis and opinion on causation).
  Your agency may also provide internal paperwork; keep copies of everything.

Strong medical evidence: what OWCP wants to see

A solid medical narrative from your treating physician should include:

1. Diagnosis in clear terms
2. Mechanism of injury/exposure: how the event or work activities can cause that diagnosis
3. Timeline: when symptoms began and how they progressed
4. Objective findings: exam notes, imaging, tests (if ordered)
5. Causation statement: a clear opinion linking the work event/exposure to the condition (e.g., “within a reasonable degree of medical certainty…”)
6. Work capacity on CA-17 with specific restrictions (weights, positions, hours)
7. Treatment plan and follow-up schedule

Step-by-step: filing a CA-1 (Traumatic Injury)

1. Same day (or as soon as safe): Report to your supervisor. If not an emergency, ask about a CA-16 for initial treatment.
2. Document the event: date, time, location, task you were doing, and witnesses. Photos if appropriate.
3. Get medical care: bring CA-1/CA-17; choose your treating physician for ongoing care.
4. File the CA-1 via ECOMP within 30 days to protect COP eligibility.
5. Upload medical evidence: clinician narrative, CA-20 if used, imaging/tests, and CA-17.
6. Follow instructions from OWCP: watch for a development letter; respond with any requested details before the deadline.
7. Provide regular CA-17 updates to your agency showing work restrictions or ability.

Step-by-step: filing a CA-2 (Occupational Disease/Illness)

1. Write a timeline: when symptoms started, tasks that seem related, frequency and duration (hours/day, days/week).
2. List exposures or repetitive tasks: typing, lifting, standing, noise, chemicals—be specific.
3. Get medical care: bring your timeline; your clinician will document how work activities likely caused or aggravated your condition.
4. File the CA-2 via ECOMP and upload your timeline and medical evidence.
5. Expect a development letter: respond on time with any extra documents (e.g., exposure history, job description, ergonomic notes).
6. Provide CA-17 updates if you need work restrictions while the claim is under review.

Continuation of Pay (COP) vs. wage loss

• COP applies only to CA-1 traumatic injuries reported within 30 days and when other criteria are met. COP is paid by your agency for up to 45 calendar days.
• CA-2 claims do not include COP. If OWCP accepts the claim and you have wage loss, you may qualify for FECA compensation after acceptance.

Common mistakes—and easy fixes

• Filing the wrong claim type: If you filed a CA-2 but it was a single event, or vice versa, talk to your agency and treating clinician immediately. You may be able to correct course.
• Vague medical narrative: Ask your clinician to link the work event/exposure to the diagnosis in plain language and include objective findings.
• Missing deadlines: Put ECOMP and OWCP due dates on your calendar and submit early.
• No CA-17 updates: Bring the form to each visit and make sure restrictions are clear and specific.
• Only using the agency clinic: You can choose your own treating physician for ongoing care.

FAQs

Can I switch from CA-2 to CA-1 (or the other way) after filing?
It depends on the facts. If your evidence shows a single incident, CA-1 is usually correct; if it shows gradual onset, CA-2 fits. Talk with your agency, treating physician, and (if needed) OWCP about correcting the record.

Do I have to see the doctor my agency suggests?
Your employer may direct you for initial treatment or an exam, but you have the right to choose your treating physician for ongoing care.

How fast will OWCP decide?
Timelines vary. Clear medical evidence and on-time responses to development letters help.

What if I missed the 30-day window for COP on a CA-1?
You can still file and pursue the claim; you may lose COP eligibility but can seek wage-loss compensation if the claim is accepted.

Can I telework or do light duty?
Yes, if your clinician documents restrictions on the CA-17 and your agency can accommodate them.

Next steps in the DMV

• Decide CA-1 vs. CA-2 using your timeline.
• File through ECOMP and save your confirmation.
• Get a clear medical narrative and bring a CA-17 to every visit.
• Watch for messages from OWCP and respond by the deadline.
• If you need help, ask about claims assistance—our team works with federal employees regularly.

Ready to file with confidence? Schedule a consultation in DC/MD/VA. Call our clinic or request an appointment online.
This guide is educational, not legal advice. Always follow current OWCP/FECA guidance and your agency’s procedures.