OWCP for Federal Employees in the DMV: From Injury to Initial Decision
Hurt on the job as a federal employee? This step-by-step guide explains what to do the same day, how to document your injury, whether to file a CA-1 or CA-2, how continuation of pay works, what your rights are (including choosing your own doctor), and what to expect from OWCP’s initial decision—so you can move forward with confidence in DC/MD/VA.
If you’re injured today: do these first
- Get care. If it’s an emergency, call 911 or go to the nearest ER.
- Tell your supervisor as soon as it’s safe. Note the date, time, and place of the injury.
- Write down witnesses and what happened in simple terms.
- Take photos of the scene/equipment if appropriate.
- Save receipts for any injury-related costs.
If the injury is not an emergency, ask about a CA-16 (Authorization for Examination and/or Treatment) for a traumatic injury. Your employer may direct you for initial treatment, but under FECA you have the right to choose your treating physician for ongoing care.
CA-1 vs. CA-2: which form fits?
Use this quick comparison to pick the right path:
- CA-1 (Traumatic Injury)
A single event or shift: slip, fall, lifting a box, a collision, a needle stick.
Deadline for continuation of pay (COP): generally, file within 30 days of the injury to be eligible for up to 45 calendar days of COP if otherwise qualified. - CA-2 (Occupational Disease/Illness)
Conditions that develop over time: repetitive strain, gradual back pain, hearing loss, exposures, stress-related conditions.
No COP; wage-loss compensation may apply after OWCP accepts the claim.
If you’re unsure, describe the timeline to your clinician and supervisor. The pattern (one-time incident vs. gradual onset) usually makes the choice clear.
Timelines that matter
- Report promptly. For CA-1, reporting within 30 days preserves eligibility for COP.
- File the claim. FECA generally allows up to three years from the injury or from when you first knew the condition was work-related (sooner is better).
- Duty status notes. Your clinician completes CA-17 (Duty Status Report) to explain work restrictions; bring updates after each visit.
- Evidence window. After you file, OWCP may send a “development letter” with a deadline (often 30 days) to submit additional evidence.
Your rights as an injured federal employee
- Choose your treating physician. You may select a qualified doctor for ongoing care in the DMV.
- Reasonable care costs. If your claim is accepted, OWCP pays per FECA rules and fee schedules.
- Return-to-work support. If you’re partially able, your clinician can outline temporary work restrictions on the CA-17.
- Representation. You may have a representative help with your claim (optional).
What to bring to your medical visit
- A short, clear injury narrative: what you were doing, how it happened, immediate symptoms.
- Job duties and any lifting, standing, or keyboard requirements.
- Your supervisor’s contact, agency address, and case/claim info if assigned.
- Any prior records of similar issues (so your clinician can distinguish new vs. old).
- Blank or printed forms: CA-1/CA-2, CA-17, and (for CA-1 injuries) ask about CA-16 if applicable.
Documentation that strengthens a claim
Your clinician’s report should connect the dots:
- Diagnosis in plain language.
- Mechanism of injury (how workplace tasks or the event could cause that diagnosis).
- Objective findings (exam notes, tests, imaging if ordered).
- Causation statement using clear terms (e.g., “within a reasonable degree of medical certainty, the work incident on [date] caused/aggravated…”).
- Work capacity and restrictions on CA-17 (weights, positions, hours).
- Treatment plan and follow-up date.
Keep copies of everything you submit.
Continuation of Pay (COP): the basics
For CA-1 traumatic injuries reported within 30 days, you may be eligible for up to 45 calendar days of COP from your agency if you can’t work or are on partial duty.
- COP is paid by your employing agency, not OWCP.
- You’ll still need timely medical notes (CA-17) to support time off or restrictions.
- Agencies can controvert (challenge) COP in certain situations; if that happens, stay polite, keep records, and continue medical follow-up while the claim is reviewed.
For CA-2 claims, COP doesn’t apply; wage-loss compensation is possible after OWCP accepts the claim.
How to file and track your claim
- Most employees file through ECOMP (OWCP’s online portal). Create an account, pick your agency, and complete the CA-1 or CA-2.
- Upload medical evidence (doctor’s narrative, imaging, test results) and CA-17 duty status forms.
- After submission, you’ll receive a case number. Check messages through the portal for requests from OWCP and respond by the deadline.
- Keep your contact info current so you don’t miss notices.
What happens after you file
- Case creation. You get a case number; OWCP receives initial info from you and your agency.
- Development letter (if needed). OWCP may ask for more medical detail (diagnosis clarity, causation, timeline).
- Initial decision. OWCP accepts or denies the claim (or accepts some conditions and not others). If denied, you’ll see the reasons and your appeal options.
Common mistakes—and easy fixes
- Vague medical notes. Ask your clinician to use clear, specific language linking the work event/exposure to the diagnosis.
- Missing deadlines. Put OWCP due dates and follow-ups on your calendar; upload evidence early.
- Using only agency clinic notes. You may follow up with the treating physician you choose; make sure that doctor writes the detailed narrative.
- No duty status updates. Bring a CA-17 to each visit and ask your clinician to update restrictions.
- Over- or under-reporting symptoms. Be accurate and consistent; don’t minimize, don’t exaggerate—describe what you can and can’t do.
FAQs
Do I have to see the agency’s doctor?
Your employer can direct you for initial care or an exam, but for ongoing treatment you have the right to choose a qualified treating physician.
How fast will OWCP decide?
Timelines vary. You can speed things up by filing promptly, responding to requests, and submitting a clear medical narrative and CA-17.
Can I change doctors?
Yes, but notify OWCP. Keep records continuous and make sure the new clinician addresses causation and capacity.
What if my CA-1 is denied but I still can’t work?
Review the decision letter with your clinician or representative. You may correct the evidence gaps (often the medical narrative) and pursue reconsideration or other appeal routes.
What if my condition developed over time?
That’s a CA-2 scenario. The key is a detailed history and medical opinion connecting your duties to the condition’s development.
When to seek urgent care
Call 911 or go to the ER for chest pain, severe shortness of breath, fainting, confusion, or any alarming new symptoms. Tell staff it was a work injury and keep copies of the visit summary for your file.
Next steps in the DMV
If you’re a federal employee in DC/MD/VA and need help:
- Get a clear diagnosis and a medical narrative that links the work event or exposure to your condition.
- Obtain and update CA-17 duty status forms after each visit.
- File through ECOMP, watch for messages, and upload evidence on time.
- If you’re unsure about forms or strategy, ask for claims assistance—our team works with federal employees regularly.
Ready to get help with your OWCP claim? 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.
