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SECURE YOUR BENEFITS

Understand the FECA process from (1) initial injury through (2) claim filing, (3) medical evidence, (4) wage-loss benefits, and (5) potential appeals.

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HOW THE FEDERAL WORKERS' COMPENSATION PROCESS WORKS

This section provides a general overview of how a federal workers’ compensation claim may progress under the Federal Employees’ Compensation Act (FECA). While every case is fact-specific, most claims follow a structured path involving reporting, medical evidence, claim submission, agency review, and potential appeals. The steps below are provided for educational purposes to help federal employees understand what to expect.

STEP 1: INJURY OCCURS

Work-Related Injury

1. Incident occurs during federal employment.

2. Requires documentation and medical attention.

STEP 2: REPORT TO AGENCY

Notification & Documentation

1. Injury is reported to supervisor.

2. Initial documentation is created.

STEP 3: MEDICAL EVIDENCE

Diagnosis & Causation

1. Medical provider evaluates injury.

2. Documentation links injury to job duties.

STEP 4: CLAIM FILING

CA-1 or CA-2 Submission

1. Proper forms are submitted to OWCP.

2. Supporting documentation is included.

STEP 5: OWCP REVIEW

Claim Evaluation

1. OWCP review evidence submitted.

2. May request additional development.

STEP 6: DECISION ISSUED

Acceptance or Denial

1. Claim is accepted, denied, or partially accepted.

2. Benefits and next steps are determined.

INJURY OCCURS

Gunn Law Firm, PLLC.

SECURE YOUR BENEFITS

HOW THE FEDERAL WORKERS' COMPENSATION PROCESS WORKS

STEP 1: INJURY OCCURS

STEP 2: REPORT TO AGENCY

STEP 3: MEDICAL EVIDENCE

STEP 4: CLAIM FILING

STEP 5: OWCP REVIEW

STEP 6: DECISION ISSUED

Employee: Kofi Mensah

Agency: United States Postal Service (USPS)

Position: Mail Processing Clerk

Location: Baltimore Processing & Distribution Center

Scenario:

Kofi Mensah, a USPS employee, injured his back while lifting a heavy mail container during his shift.

SECURE YOUR BENEFITS

HOW THE FEDERAL WORKERS' COMPENSATION PROCESS WORKS

STEP 1: INJURY OCCURS

STEP 2: REPORT TO AGENCY

STEP 3: MEDICAL EVIDENCE

STEP 4: CLAIM FILING

STEP 5: OWCP REVIEW

STEP 6: DECISION ISSUED

Employee: Kofi Mensah

Agency: United States Postal Service (USPS)

Position: Mail Processing Clerk

Location: Baltimore Processing & Distribution Center

Scenario:

Kofi Mensah, a USPS employee, injured his back while lifting a heavy mail container during his shift.

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