How to File an OWCP CA-1 Claim in Nevada: Step-by-Step Guide for Federal Workers

If you're a federal employee who was injured at work in Nevada, you have up to 30 days to report the injury and 3 years to file your CA-1 claim with OWCP. But the sooner you file — and the cleaner your documentation — the better your claim outcome. Here's exactly how to do it.

What is a CA-1 form?

Form CA-1 is the "Federal Employee's Notice of Traumatic Injury and Claim for Continuation of Pay/Compensation." It's the form you use when you're injured as a result of a single event or a series of events within one workday (for example, a slip-and-fall, a back injury while lifting, or a laceration from equipment).

If your injury developed over time from repetitive motion or exposure (for example, carpal tunnel, occupational asthma, hearing loss), you file a CA-2 instead — that's the occupational disease form.

Step 1: Report the injury to your supervisor immediately

Federal law requires that you notify your supervisor of an on-the-job injury as soon as reasonably possible — ideally the same day. Delayed reporting is one of the most common reasons OWCP claims are questioned or denied. Even if you aren't sure whether to file a claim yet, get the injury on the record.

Your supervisor is required to provide you a CA-1 form (or direct you to ECOMP, the Department of Labor's online filing portal). They cannot refuse to give you the form.

Step 2: Get medical care — and keep every piece of documentation

You are legally entitled to choose your own treating physician under FECA. You do not have to use an agency-recommended provider, a company clinic, or whoever your supervisor suggests. An OWCP-enrolled physician who understands federal workers' compensation documentation will make a measurable difference in your claim's outcome.

At your first medical visit, ask your provider for three things:

1. A complete written diagnosis of your injury.
2. A causation statement connecting the injury to your specific work duty.
3. A Form CA-17 (Duty Status Report) describing any work restrictions.

Step 3: Complete the CA-1 form

The CA-1 has two main sections. You fill out section 1 (your information, the injury description, and witnesses). Your supervisor fills out section 2 (agency information, confirmation of employment, and their observations).

When you describe the injury in section 1, be specific. Include:

• The exact date and time of the injury
• Your exact work location at the time
• What you were doing (task, body mechanics, objects involved)
• What body part was injured and how
• Any witnesses (name, title, contact)
• Whether you continued working, left work, or sought medical care

Step 4: File through ECOMP

ECOMP is the Department of Labor's online filing portal (ecomp.dol.gov). Most federal agencies now require claims be submitted through ECOMP. You'll need your CA-1 information, your supervisor's cooperation, and any medical records you have so far.

ECOMP will generate an OWCP claim number (sometimes called a file number). Write it down — every future form, medical record, and letter you submit needs this number.

Step 5: Keep filing follow-up documentation

Filing the CA-1 is just the beginning. As treatment continues, your claim file needs to be updated regularly. The most common follow-up forms are:

• CA-17 (Duty Status Report) — updates on your work restrictions, ideally completed at every medical visit
• CA-20 (Attending Physician's Report) — detailed clinical progress report, typically requested by the claims examiner
• CA-16 (Authorization for Examination) — used when your supervisor authorizes the first 60 days of treatment

Common mistakes that get claims denied

• Delayed reporting — waiting days or weeks before notifying a supervisor.
• Weak causation statements in the medical record — no clear link between the injury and a work event.
• Incomplete CA-17 forms — missing work restrictions or vague language like "light duty."
• Seeing a provider who isn't familiar with OWCP documentation requirements.
• Not following up when ECOMP requests additional evidence — requests often have a 15-day response window.

How NuThera helps with OWCP CA-1 claims

NuThera is an OWCP-enrolled medical practice in Las Vegas and North Las Vegas. We see federal employees for initial injury evaluation, write causation statements to OWCP evidentiary standards, complete CA-17 and CA-20 forms at every visit, and coordinate care with nurse case managers and claims examiners.

If you've just been injured and need a CA-1 evaluation, call us at (725) 726-7914 — we schedule most new federal patients within 24–72 hours.