Guides
OWCP and work injury guides
Short, plain-English guides for injured federal workers and Texas workers in the Rio Grande Valley: which OWCP form to file, how continuation of pay and wage-loss claims work, what happens at a second-opinion exam and how to appeal. Every guide is reviewed by our medical director.
OWCP forms
5 Tips for Completing Your CA-1
CA-1 form tips for injured federal workers: meet the 30-day COP deadline, describe the injury clearly, keep your receipt and choose your doctor.
Read the guideHow to Log In to ECOMP and File Your Claim
ECOMP login made simple: how federal workers register, sign in, file a CA-1, CA-2 or CA-7, upload documents and check claim status online.
Read the guideOWCP Form 957: How to Get Paid Back for Medical Travel
OWCP Form 957 is now two forms: 957A for mileage and 957B for other travel costs. Learn who qualifies, the 100-mile rule, where to mail it and time limits.
Read the guideWhat Is a CA-20 Form?
What is a CA-20 form? See what the Attending Physician's Report covers, who fills it out, how it reaches OWCP, and why it matters for your claim.
Read the guideWhat Is a CA-7 Form?
What is a CA-7 form? Learn when injured federal workers file it for wage loss after COP, the 14-day rule, and the medical proof OWCP needs.
Read the guideWhat Is the Difference Between a CA-1 and a CA-2?
CA-1 vs CA-2 explained in plain English: which OWCP form fits a sudden injury or a slow work illness, the deadlines, and why COP only comes with a CA-1.
Read the guideWhat's the Difference Between a CA-2 and a CA-2a?
CA-2 vs CA-2a: learn when to file a new occupational disease claim and when to file a Notice of Recurrence for an old federal work injury that came back.
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Federal workers’ comp claims
How does the federal workers' compensation appeals process work?
How the federal workers' compensation appeals process works: reconsideration, an OWCP hearing, or an ECAB appeal, with the deadline for each one.
Read the guideUnderstanding Continuation of Pay for McAllen Federal Workers
Continuation of pay explained for federal workers in McAllen: who qualifies, the 30-day CA-1 rule, 45 COP days, medical proof and what comes next.
Read the guideWhat is a nurse case manager in an OWCP claim?
What an OWCP nurse case manager or field nurse does in a federal workers' comp claim, what they cannot do, and how to work with one smoothly.
Read the guideWhat is the USPS injury policy, and what should I do if I'm hurt at work?
How the USPS injury policy works under FECA: report the injury, file a CA-1 or CA-2, get a CA-16, choose your doctor and handle light duty.
Read the guideWhy does OWCP want a second opinion?
Why OWCP orders a second opinion exam, what a referee exam is, who pays, and what federal workers in McAllen should do if one is scheduled.
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