SUBMITTING CLAIMS

Notifying OWCP of Traumatic Injury or Occupational Illness or Disease
Submitting the Claim to OWCP in a Timely Manner
Responding to a Notice of Potential Occupational Disease or Illness

Notifying OWCP of Traumatic Injury or Occupational Illness or Disease

FECA requires written notice of an injury be given within 30 calendar days from the date on which the injury occurs. For an occupational disease the date of injury is the date of last injurious exposure. Failure to give notice within this 30-day period will result in a loss of entitlement to COP as well as a loss of compensation rights in the event that the claim for compensation is not filed within 3 years. The notice of traumatic injury is given on the CA-1. The notice of occupational disease is given on a CA-2.

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Submitting the Claim to OWCP in a Timely Manner

If the injury meets the conditions for reporting to OWCP, meaning that medical expenses or lost wages were incurred or are expected, the ICCO submits the completed CA-1 or CA-2 and any other documents that have some bearing on the claim to the appropriate OWCP office within 10 working days after they are received by the employee. Under no circumstances may ICCO personnel revise any information submitted by the injured employee or by his or her representative or delay submission of the CA-1 or CA-2 to the OWCP within 10 working days from the date received by the supervisor.

Do not, under any circumstances, delay submission of the CA-1 or CA-2. The 10-day period begins from the date of receipt by the postal official who initially receives the document. If medical reports and supportive information are not available, send a cover letter with the completed CA-1 or CA-2 advising OWCP what additional information will be forthcoming. This action will allow OWCP to assign a claim number and initiate the claims process.

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Responding to a Notice of Potential Occupational Disease or Illness

Upon receipt of CA-2, the ICCO will inform the employee of the following:

• COP is not applicable in cases of occupational disease.
• He or she is to submit CA-7 if he or she wishes to make a claim for compensation on account of his or her job-related disease or illness or CA-8 if the disability continues and subsequent claims are made.
• Compensation benefits (i.e., payment for lost wages, payment of medical expenditures, etc.) are contingent upon OWCPís approval of the claim. If approved, compensation is not payable for the first 3 days of disability unless the disability extends beyond 14 calendar days.
• Medical care is authorized via CA-16 only with prior approval by OWCP.
• Supporting medical and factual information as requested on the checklists, Forms CA-35a-h, will expedite OWCPís adjudication process.

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NRLCA Magazine

Since its inception in 1903, The National Rural Letter Carrier magazine has been providing timely information to members of the NRLCA. The magazine is published on a monthly basis and is mailed to all members as a benefit of union membership... read more