Division of Federal Employees' Compensation
The primary federal workers' compensation program, covering over 2.6 million federal civilian employees across all agencies for work-related injuries and occupational diseases.
Authorizing legislation: Federal Employees' Compensation Act (FECA)
Yes — NuThera accepts patients under DFEC / FECA. Our physicians and physician associates are enrolled with the DOL Office of Workers' Compensation Programs and experienced in the evidentiary standards Federal Employees' Compensation Act (FECA) requires.
Worker populations covered.
- Current federal civilian employees (active-duty military is separate)
- United States Postal Service (USPS) workers — largest DFEC population
- Veterans Affairs (VA) healthcare workers
- Transportation Security Administration (TSA) officers
- Department of Defense civilian workforce (including Nellis AFB staff)
- Department of Energy federal employees (Nevada National Security Site)
- Social Security Administration, IRS, Customs & Border Protection, FBI employees
- Federal contractors injured while overseas on contracts (via Defense Base Act)
What DFEC / FECA provides.
- Medical care for the accepted injury — lifetime, no out-of-pocket cost
- Wage-loss compensation (Continuation of Pay for 45 days, then compensation)
- Schedule Awards for permanent impairment
- Vocational rehabilitation if unable to return to prior job
- Survivor benefits for work-related death
What DFEC / FECA treats.
What DFEC / FECA documentation looks like.
Every DFEC / FECA program has its own evidentiary standards and required forms. Our clinical team produces program-specific documentation at every visit.
- CA-1 (Traumatic Injury) or CA-2 (Occupational Disease) claim forms
- CA-16 (Authorization for Examination) for first 60 days of treatment
- CA-17 (Duty Status Report) updating work restrictions at every visit
- CA-20 (Attending Physician's Report) for detailed clinical progress
- Causation narratives written to FECA evidentiary standards
- Schedule Award impairment evaluations using AMA Guides 6th Edition
About DFEC / FECA.
What makes DFEC different from state workers' comp?
DFEC (FECA) is the federal workers' compensation program for federal civilian employees. It's administered by the U.S. Department of Labor, not any state. Benefits, processes, and provider requirements differ significantly from Nevada state workers' comp. Federal workers injured on the job file under FECA — not Nevada's state system.
Do I have to use an OWCP-enrolled provider for my FECA claim?
Not required, but strongly recommended. Any licensed physician or physician associate can treat you, but only OWCP-enrolled providers can bill the program directly and are familiar with FECA documentation standards. Non-enrolled providers often produce records that don't meet OWCP requirements, leading to claim delays or denials.
How long does FECA cover my medical treatment?
For accepted conditions — for life, or as long as you need medical care for the work-related injury. There's no time limit on medical benefits. Wage-loss compensation has different rules and can continue for extended periods based on your condition and work capacity.
Can I be seen at NuThera if I'm a federal worker from outside Las Vegas?
Yes, if you're being treated at our Las Vegas or North Las Vegas clinics. Many federal workers travel from Utah, Arizona, and outside Clark County for OWCP-literate care. Call us to discuss whether the trip makes sense for your case.
NuThera serves the full DOL spectrum.
Compensation and lifetime medical benefits for current and former Department of Energy workers, DOE contractors, uranium workers, and atomic weapons employees exposed to radiation, beryllium, and other toxic substances — especially relevant to Nevada Test Site workers.
Monthly benefits and medical care for current and former coal miners totally disabled due to pneumoconiosis (black lung disease) arising from coal mine employment, and for their eligible survivors.
Qualify under DFEC / FECA?
Call us to schedule an evaluation. Bring your prior records, employment history, and claim information.