How to file an OWCP claim.
A practical, step-by-step guide to filing a federal workers' compensation claim — from initial injury through claim acceptance. Written by clinicians who handle OWCP cases every week.
To file an OWCP claim: (1) report your injury to your supervisor, (2) complete a CA-1 (traumatic injury) or CA-2 (occupational disease) through ECOMP, (3) get medical treatment from an OWCP-enrolled provider, (4) submit the attending physician's report with causation language, and (5) respond promptly to any OWCP development letters. Claims are most often denied for inadequate medical documentation — not for the injury itself.
The filing process.
- 01
Report the injury to your supervisor
Report as soon as possible — ideally the same day for a traumatic injury. Tell your supervisor what happened, where, and what you're feeling. Ask that the incident be documented. Request a CA-1 (for traumatic injury) or CA-2 (for occupational disease) form from your agency's workers' compensation coordinator.
Clinical tip: Even if you're not sure how serious the injury is, report it. It's easier to close an unused claim than to open one after the window passes. - 02
Request a CA-16 for immediate medical care (CA-1 cases)
For traumatic injuries, your agency must issue a CA-16 within 4 hours of your request. The CA-16 authorizes medical treatment during the first 60 days of injury — meaning you can see a doctor immediately without waiting for your CA-1 to be accepted. Bring the CA-16 to your first appointment.
Clinical tip: If your agency refuses to issue a CA-16, document the refusal in writing. This matters later. - 03
Complete the correct form
CA-1 for traumatic injury (a specific event on a specific workday). CA-2 for occupational disease or condition that developed over time. Your agency typically submits both through the ECOMP portal — Employees' Compensation Operations & Management Portal.
Clinical tip: Fill out the form as specifically as possible. 'Lower back pain' is weaker than 'Acute low back pain following lifting a 60-pound package on March 14, with radiation into the right leg.' - 04
See an OWCP-enrolled provider
You have the right to choose your treating physician. Choose a provider enrolled with OWCP who understands FECA documentation standards. The medical report is where most claims are won or lost — a clinician who knows OWCP will document diagnosis, causation, treatment plan, and work status correctly the first time.
Clinical tip: Bring your CA-1/CA-2, your CA-16 if you have one, a list of current medications, and any prior records related to the injury. - 05
Submit medical evidence
Your clinician's attending physician's report becomes part of your OWCP file. It should include a clear diagnosis, a direct statement connecting the condition to your federal employment, supporting exam findings, any imaging or test results, a treatment plan, and work restrictions. Incomplete reports trigger development letters or denials.
Clinical tip: Ask your provider if they've reviewed your CA-1 or CA-2 for consistency with the clinical findings. Conflicts between your claim form and your medical report get flagged. - 06
Respond to OWCP correspondence promptly
OWCP may send a development letter requesting additional information — typically with a 30-day response window. Ignoring it is a fast path to denial. If your claim is denied, you have options: reconsideration (within 1 year), appeal to ECAB (within 180 days), or a hearing.
Clinical tip: Keep a dated copy of every document you receive from OWCP and every document you send. This paper trail matters if the claim is ever contested.
Key OWCP deadlines to know.
Questions we hear often.
What's the difference between a CA-1 and a CA-2?
File a CA-1 for a traumatic injury that occurred during a single workday — a fall, a lifting injury, a specific incident. File a CA-2 for an occupational disease or illness that developed over time from your job duties, such as repetitive strain, chronic back pain from years of heavy lifting, or exposure-related conditions.
How quickly must I file my OWCP claim?
CA-1 claims should be filed within 30 days of the injury for full benefits. CA-2 claims must be filed within 3 years of becoming aware that a condition is work-related. Even if you miss these windows, you may still be able to file — but acceptance becomes significantly harder.
What is ECOMP and do I have to use it?
ECOMP (Employees' Compensation Operations & Management Portal) is the Department of Labor's online system for submitting OWCP claims. Most federal agencies require claims to be submitted through ECOMP. Your agency's workers' compensation coordinator can guide you through agency-specific submission steps.
What happens if my claim is denied?
A denial isn't the end. You can request reconsideration within one year, appeal to the Employees' Compensation Appeals Board (ECAB) within 180 days, or request a hearing before the Branch of Hearings and Review. Denials often come down to incomplete medical documentation — a strong supplemental report from an OWCP-experienced provider can change the outcome.
Can I start medical treatment before my claim is accepted?
Yes. Your employing agency should issue a CA-16 (Authorization for Examination and/or Treatment) within 4 hours of a work injury, which authorizes care for the first 60 days. For occupational diseases, treatment can continue during claim processing, though coverage of services depends on eventual acceptance.
What medical evidence does OWCP require?
OWCP typically requires a diagnosis, a clear statement that the condition is causally related to your federal employment, supporting clinical findings (exam, imaging, tests), a treatment plan, and any work restrictions. The causation statement is the most commonly weak area in denied claims.
Need an OWCP-enrolled doctor in Las Vegas?
NuThera handles OWCP documentation every week. Start care with a team that knows what your claim actually needs.