Federal Employee? Here's What You Need to Know About Your Workers' Comp Rights.
If you were injured while working for the federal government — whether you're a postal worker, a VA employee, a federal contractor, or any other federal agency employee — you are covered under the Federal Employees' Compensation Act (FECA), administered by the Office of Workers' Compensation Programs (OWCP).
At Injured Workers Care Center, we are experienced in OWCP billing and documentation. You pay nothing out of pocket. We bill OWCP directly.
Who We Help
- U.S. Postal Service
- Veterans Affairs
- TSA
- IRS
- Social Security Administration
- Department of Defense
- Homeland Security
- Bureau of Prisons
- Border Patrol
- FBI
…and every civilian federal employee covered by FECA, including AFGE and other union members.
Who Qualifies
FECA covers civilian employees of the U.S. federal government, including:
- U.S. Postal Service (USPS) workers
- Department of Veterans Affairs employees
- Department of Defense civilians
- TSA and border patrol officers
- Social Security Administration staff
- Any other federal civilian agency employee
If you were injured on the job or developed a medical condition because of your work, you likely qualify.
What to Do After a Work Injury
- Step 1
Report the injury immediately.
Notify your supervisor as soon as possible after the injury occurs. Delays in reporting can complicate your claim. - Step 2
File the right form.
CA-1 — For traumatic injuries (a single incident, like a fall or accident).
CA-2 — For occupational illness or injuries that developed over time (like repetitive strain or a condition caused by your work environment).
Your agency's HR or workers' comp coordinator can help you file.
- Step 3
Choose your own physician.
Under FECA, you have the right to choose your own treating physician. This is important — the doctor you choose will be responsible for your medical care and the documentation that supports your claim. Choose someone who understands OWCP. - Step 4
Contact us.
Call or submit a request online. We'll verify your coverage, schedule your appointment, and take it from there.
Your Benefits Under FECA
Medical Care at No Cost
Approved treatment for your work injury — including chiropractic care and therapy — is paid by OWCP, with nothing out of pocket.
Wage Protection & COP
Continuation of Pay for up to 45 days after a traumatic injury, then compensation for lost wages while you recover.
Travel & Mileage
Reimbursement for reasonable travel to and from your medical appointments.
How We Support Your Claim
Claim Support
- Help completing and submitting the right OWCP forms
- Regular communication with OWCP on your behalf
- Timely, thorough medical documentation to avoid delays
- Coordination with your supervisor and union representative
Your Care
- Chiropractic evaluation and treatment by Dr. Fite, D.C.
- Medical evaluation by our in-house physician and nurse practitioners
- Duty status (CA-17) and work capacity (OWCP-5c) reports
- Specialist and imaging referrals when needed
Working with your union? We coordinate with your representative so your supervisor understands their responsibilities under Department of Labor rules.
Resources
Federal Forms Library
The OWCP forms injured federal workers use most, in plain English. Official copies are downloaded from the U.S. Department of Labor.
Report an Injury
- CA-1Get form
Notice of Traumatic Injury
Report an injury from a single incident or shift. · Employee, then supervisor
- CA-2Get form
Notice of Occupational Disease
Report a condition caused by work over time. · Employee, then supervisor
- CA-2aGet form
Notice of Recurrence
Report a return of symptoms from an accepted injury. · Employee
- CA-10Get form
What to Do When Injured at Work
OWCP's overview of the steps after a federal work injury. · Reference
Treatment & Work Status
- CA-16Get form
Authorization for Examination and/or Treatment
Authorizes initial medical care after a traumatic injury. · Supervisor / agency
- CA-17Get form
Duty Status Report
Documents your work restrictions and duty status. · Supervisor and provider
- CA-20Get form
Attending Physician's Report
Your provider's medical findings for OWCP. · Provider
- OWCP-5cGet form
Work Capacity Evaluation
Describes what work you can safely perform. · Provider
Wages & Leave
- CA-7Get form
Claim for Compensation
Claim wage-loss compensation after COP ends. · Employee, then agency
- CA-7aGet form
Time Analysis Form
Itemizes intermittent hours lost for appointments or incapacity. · Employee and agency
- CA-7bGet form
Leave Buy Back Worksheet
Restore leave you used for your injury. · Employee and agency
- SF-1199AGet form
Direct Deposit Sign-Up
Set up direct deposit for compensation payments. · Employee and bank
Reimbursement
Not sure which form you need? Call us at (440) 777-2811 — we'll walk you through it.
Why Your Choice of Doctor Matters
Not all physicians are familiar with OWCP billing, documentation requirements, or the specific language that OWCP reviewers need to see in medical reports. When documentation is incomplete or unclear, claims get delayed — or denied.
Our team is experienced in OWCP-compliant reporting. We provide thorough, timely medical documentation that supports your claim and keeps your care moving forward.
We accept OWCP billing directly.
Federal employees treated at Injured Workers Care Center owe nothing out of pocket. We handle all billing through OWCP so you can focus entirely on your recovery.
Request an Appointment →Frequently Asked Questions
You Have the Right to Choose Your Own Doctor.
Under FECA, federal employees have the legal right to choose their own treating physician. You don't have to use a doctor your agency picks.