What’s the Difference Between a CA-2 and a CA-2a?
The main difference between OWCP forms CA-2 and CA-2a lies in the purpose of each form:
CA-2 (Notice of Occupational Disease and Claim for Compensation):
- Used to initiate a new claim for occupational disease or illness.
- Applies to conditions that developed over multiple workdays due to work-related factors, like carpal tunnel syndrome or skin diseases.
- Requires filing medical reports alongside the form to support the claim.
CA-2a (Federal Employee’s Notice of Recurrence of Disability and Claim for Pay/Compensation):
- Used to file a claim for a recurrence of a previously accepted occupational disease or disability.
- Applies when an existing OWCP claim has been administratively closed due to:
- Inactivity: No doctor treatment for 18 months.
- Recovery: Returning to full duty work and now experiencing disability again.
- May require detailed medical reports explaining the recurrence.
Remember, it’s always recommended to consult with your agency’s Compensation Specialist or directly with OWCP for guidance on which form to use and the specific requirements for filing your claim.
Here’s a table summarizing the key differences:
