Federal Workers Compensation Coffee Break

Navigating a Biased Second Opinion in Workers' Compensation ClaimsIf you're an injured worker whose workers' compensation claim has been accepted but now faces a second opinion examination that seems prejudiced or improperly conducted, you may be at risk of losing your benefits. This guide provides practical tips and remedies to protect your rights and ensure fair treatment when a second opinion physician's findings appear influenced by a claims examiner aiming for a predetermined outcome.Understanding the SituationWhen a second opinion physician determines that your injury is not work-related, the claims examiner may issue a Notice of Intent to Terminate Compensation. This notice typically gives you 30 days before your benefits end. The claims examiner often supports this decision with a Memorandum to the Director, outlining the reasons for denying your claim. This memorandum is a document that you never see but has a lot of prejudicial influence on the second opinion's determinations. There is a lot of these types of memorandums that hurt injured workers looking for fairness and help but instead receive a predetermined prejudiced outcome that is negotiated in these type of memorandum that often hurt the injured worker claimant. If the second opinion feels biased or the examination was not conducted appropriately, you have options to challenge the findings and protect your benefits. Acting quickly and strategically is critical.Steps to Take1. Request Key DocumentsTo build a strong case, you need access to the documents influencing the decision. Take these actions immediately:Obtain the Memorandum to the Director: Request a copy of this document from the claims examiner. It details why your claim is being denied and is essential for your treating physician to understand the basis of the denial.Request the Second Opinion Doctor's Report: Ask the claims examiner to send a copy of the second opinion physician's report to your treating physician. This ensures your doctor has the full context of the findings to address. for more information click on the transcript: Dr. Taylor's contact information is: fedcompconsultants@protonmail.com If you need a medical provider or assistance with an OWCP /  DOL claim in Tamps, Pensacola Florida. south Mississippi or Daphne Alabama    you can make an appointment to see Dr. Taylor, or Dr. Sullivan   at the clinic at  FWC Medical Centers. To make a consultation with Dr. Taylor  call the clinic at 813-215-4356 or go  to our website at  https://fedcompconsultants.com/For responses email Dr. Taylor at fedcompconsultants@protonmail.comFEEDSPOT TOP 10 National Workers Compensation Podcast: https://podcast.feedspot.com/workers_compensation_podcasts/?feedid=5557942&_src=f2_featured_email

Government Agency -Medical and Occupational Health Program consists  of agency personnel that provide administrative functions, wellness initiatives, and other medically related activities designed to address the health and safety of employees in the workplace. The mission of the National Medical and Occupational Health Program is to reinforce the relationship between health, productivity, and the achievement of the Government Agency's business goals. This is accomplished through the development of quality programs and policies designed to promote and maintain employee health and to help ensure a safe, healthful work environment. The program's services include but are not limited to the following activities:      a. Providing preventive medical programs in health counseling, education, and        training.      b. Managing the care of acutely ill or injured employees.     c. Determining medical ability of applicants and employees to perform the    functions of the job.    d. Managing applicant and employee drug and alcohol testing programs.    e. Managing compliance with the regulatory requirements of theDepartment of Transportation, Office of Worker's Compensation Programs, Occupational Safety and Health Administration, and other entities for which program compliance is required.For more information click on the show transcript:Dr. Taylor's contact information is: fedcompconsultants@protonmail.comIf you need a medical provider or assistance with an OWCP /  DOL claim in Tampa,  Pensacola Florida or Mobile Alabama    you can make an appointment to see Dr. Taylor, or Dr. Sullivan   at the clinic at  FWC Medical Centers. To make a consultation with Dr. Taylor  call the clinic at 813-215-4356 or go  to our website at https://mrtherapycenter.com/or https://fedcompconsultants.com/For responses email Dr. Taylor at fedcompconsultants@protonmail.comFEEDSPOT TOP 10 National Workers Compensation Podcast: https://podcast.feedspot.com/workers_compensation_podcasts/?feedid=5557942&_src=f2_featured_email

Federal Workers Compensation Coffee Break Podcast is an educational and informative training on how to navigate the DOL -OWCP claims filing process for all types of injured US government and federal workers. The podcast is free and is educational. If you need help with anything related to a federal workers compensation claim...help is just a cup of coffee away.Step-by-Step Tutorial: How to Fill Out and Submit OWCP Form 957 for Travel Reimbursement If you're a federal employee or a worker covered under programs like the Federal Employees' Compensation Act (FECA), Black Lung Benefits Act, or the Energy Employees Occupational Illness Compensation Program Act (EEOICPA), you may be eligible to get reimbursed for travel expenses related to medical treatment for a work-related injury or illness. The key to unlocking this benefit is the OWCP-957 form, also known as the Medical Travel Refund Request. In this step-by-step tutorial, I'll walk you through how to fill out and submit this form accurately to ensure you get reimbursed without unnecessary delays. Step 1: Understand When to Use the OWCP-957Before you start, confirm that your travel qualifies for reimbursement. The OWCP-957 is for travel expenses tied to medical care for an accepted work-related condition—think doctor visits, pharmacy trips, or approved treatments. You can claim up to three trips per form, and all requests must be submitted within one year of the expense. If your travel exceeds 200 miles round-trip, you'll need pre-approval from your OWCP Medical Benefits Examiner, so keep that in mind. There are two different 957 forms for the process of filing for medical travel reimbursement.OWCP-957A - Medical Travel Refund Request – MileageOWCP-957B - Medical Travel Refund Request – ExpensesFor more information click on the show transcript:Dr. Taylor's contact information is: fedcompconsultants@protonmail.com If you need a medical provider or assistance with an OWCP /  DOL claim in Tampa, Pensacola Florida or Mobile Alabama    you can make an appointment to see Dr. Taylor, or Dr. Sullivan   at the clinic at  FWC Medical Centers. To make a consultation with Dr. Taylor  call the clinic at 813-215-4356 or go  to our website at https://mrtherapycenter.com/or https://fedcompconsultants.com/For responses email Dr. Taylor at fedcompconsultants@protonmail.comFEEDSPOT TOP 10 National Workers Compensation Podcast: https://podcast.feedspot.com/workers_compensation_podcasts/?feedid=5557942&_src=f2_featured_email

Federal Workers Compensation Coffee Break Podcast is about all things related to Federal Workers Compensation, FECA, OWCP, DOL & Longshore claim filing as an injured federal worker.  The podcast is an educational and informative training on how to navigate the DOL -OWCP claims filing process for all types of injured US government and federal workers. The podcaster has 30 years in assisting with federal workers compensation as a consultant and trainer. The podcast is free and is educational. If you need help with anything related to a federal workers compensation claim...help is just a cup of coffee away.Current rundown of the latest OWCP policy updates as of March 16, 2025. These updates are drawn from what's been publicly shared by the U.S. Department of Labor and other reliable channels—perfect fodder for your next episode!See transcript for more information on the policy updates of 2025.The podcast Dr. Taylor's contact email is: fedcompconsultants@protonmail.com If you need a medical provider or assistance with an OWCP /  DOL claim in Tampa, Pensacola Florida or Mobile Alabama    you can make an appointment to see Dr. Taylor, or Dr. Sullivan   at the clinic at  FWC Medical Centers. To make a consultation with Dr. Taylor  call the clinic at 813-215-4356 or go  to our website at https://mrtherapycenter.com/or https://fedcompconsultants.com/For responses email Dr. Taylor at fedcompconsultants@protonmail.comFEEDSPOT TOP 10 National Workers Compensation Podcast: https://podcast.feedspot.com/workers_compensation_podcasts/?feedid=5557942&_src=f2_featured_email

An OWCP  traumatic injury is defined as: “A wound or other condition of the body caused by external force, including stress or strain, which is identifiable as to the time and place of occurrence and member or function of the body affected. The injury must be caused by a specific event or incident or series of events or incidents within a single work day or work shift.”Notifying your supervisor and filing a claim & Immediately notify your supervisor of your injury and your intent to file a claim using ECOMP. Request your supervisor's Postal Service email address to use in registering in ECOMP. Once you have registered in ECOMP, go to the top of your dashboard and click New Claim. Follow the directions for filing a CA-1 claim for traumatic injury. If you are filing the claim within one week of the injury, request form CA-16, Authorization for Examination and/or Treatment (must be supplied by your manager within 4 hour. Request a Form CA-17 Duty Status Report from your supervisor. The Postal Service is responsible for filling out the job requirements on the left (side A) of the CA-17. Once your doctor has completed the CA-17, make a copy or take a picture of the completed CA-17 and give the original to your supervisor. Your doctor should provide you with their report so you can send medical reports directly to OWCP.  You can  upload medical reports into your claim file via ECOMP. When the occupational & safety personnel ask you for your records you are required to provide them with your return to work CA forms CA-17 or CA-5C. Your medical reports are protected by the Privacy Act and should be sent directly to OWCP, not the Postal Service. Never give your private health information medical reports to an agency employee that is protected by federal law. For more information read the show transcript and listen to the podcast. The podcast Dr. Taylor's contact information is:https://fedcompconsultants@protonmail.com If you need a medical provider or assistance with an OWCP /  DOL claim in Tampa, Pensacola Florida or Mobile Alabama    you can make an appointment to see Dr. Taylor, or Dr. Sullivan   at the clinic at  FWC Medical Centers. To make a consultation with Dr. Taylor  call the clinic at 813-215-4356 or go  to our website at https://mrtherapycenter.com/or https://fedcompconsultants.com/For responses please  email Dr. Taylor at fedcompconsultants@protonmail.comFor responses email Dr. Taylor at fedcompconsultants@protonmail.comFEEDSPOT TOP 10 National Workers Compensation Podcast: https://podcast.feedspot.com/workers_compensation_podcasts/?feedid=5557942&_src=f2_featured_email

OWCP reversed course on that new announcement literally two weeks later with no real explanation why they reversed course. On January 10, 2025, the Division of Federal Employees' Compensation (DFEC) announced significant updates to the Federal Employees' Compensation Act (FECA) Procedure Manual, specifically Chapter 2-0808, addressing schedule awards and permanent disability claims. These updates, outlined in FECA Transmittal 25-03, introduce changes aimed at enhancing fairness and efficiency in the claims process. FECA bulletin 25-03 was great new changes and I was excited about them…and OWCP killed it and withdrew it two weeks later…. So let's read the new OWCP bulletin on impairment ratings announcement. RELEASE – REVISION TO FECA PROCEDURE MANUALCHAPTER: 2-0808, Schedule Awards and Permanent Disability ClaimsFECA TRANSMITTAL NO. 25-04 - February 10, 2025Upon further review, it has been determined that to ensure all claims are treated fairly and consistently, a single version of the Guides should be used. Accordingly, DFEC is hereby revoking FECA Transmittal 25-03 and reinstating its procedures in effect prior to January 10, 2025. Effective the date of this transmittal, Form CA-7, Claim for Compensation, should again be used to file claims for schedule awards under the FECA. All schedule award claims, including those submitted with a CA-9 since January 10, 2025 in which an award has not yet been issued, will be processed under the procedures effective with this transmittal. Any claim filed in the Employees' Compensation and Operations Portal (ECOMP) that has not yet been submitted to OWCP will be cancelled so that a CA-7 can be filed. For more info here is the link for the new FECA bulletin 25-04: https://www.dol.gov/agencies/owcp/FECA/regs/compliance/DFECfolio/FECATransmittals#FECAT2504The podcast Dr. Taylor's contact information is:https://fedcompconsultants@protonmail.com If you need a medical provider or assistance with an OWCP /  DOL claim in Tampa, Pensacola Florida or Mobile Alabama    you can make an appointment to see Dr. Taylor, or Dr. Sullivan   at the clinic at  FWC Medical Centers. To make a consultation with Dr. Taylor  call the clinic at 813-215-4356 or go  to our website at https://mrtherapycenter.com/or https://fedcompconsultants.com/For responses email Dr. Taylor at fedcompconsultants@protonmail.comFEEDSPOT TOP 10 National Workers Compensation Podcast: https://podcast.feedspot.com/workers_compensation_podcasts/?feedid=5557942&_src=f2_featured_email

Simplifying FECA Bulletin No. 24-06: A New Streamlined Process for War Hazards Compensation Act (WHCA) ClaimsCLAIM FOR REIMBURSEMENT OF BENEFIT PAYMENTS AND CLAIMS EXPENSE                    UNDER THE WAR HAZARDS COMPENSATION ACTThe U.S. Department of Labor has introduced a new process to speed up decisions on claims made under the War Hazards Compensation Act (WHCA). This process allows insurance companies to submit suggested claim decisions, which the Office of Workers' Compensation Programs (OWCP) can approve if they meet all legal requirements. This change aims to make claim reimbursement  processing faster and more efficient.With a few exceptions, the DBA incorporates the provisions of the Longshore and Harbor Workers' Compensation Act (LHWCA). The War Hazards Compensation Act (WHCA) applies to DBA employees who are injured as a result of hostile actions. 42 U.S.C. §§ 1701 – 1717. While WHCA claims can be considerably substantial, the statute provides a detailed set of procedures and requirements which, if performed properly, allow the employer or carrier to see 100% reimbursement of such claims including allocated and unallocated expenses  from the government. The WHCA provides financial coverage for employees injured or killed due to war-related hazards while working under the Defense Base Act. If an injury or death occurs because of a war risk hazard, private insurance carriers or self-insured employers can seek reimbursement for the benefits they have already paid out, such as: Disability and death benefits                                                                                                 Funeral and burial costs                                                                                                         Medical expenses                                                                                                                     Other necessary claim processing costsThe OWCP, through its Division of Federal Employees', Longshore, and Harbor Workers' Compensation (DFELHWC) division, reviews and decides whether a claim qualifies for reimbursement through the guidelines established in the Defense Base Act.The rules for requesting reimbursement under the WHCA are highly detailed and lengthy. Applications must be well-documented and include essential evidence that are outlined in the federal rules outlined in the DBS. For more information click on the transcript. The podcast Dr. Taylor's contact information is:https://fedcompconsultants@protonmail.com If you need a medical provider or assistance with an OWCP /  DOL claim in Tampa, Pensacola Florida or Mobile Alabama    you can make an appointment to see Dr. Taylor, or Dr. Sullivan   at the clinic at  FWC Medical Centers. To makSend us a textFEEDSPOT TOP 10 National Workers Compensation Podcast: https://podcast.feedspot.com/workers_compensation_podcasts/?feedid=5557942&_src=f2_featured_email

  War Hazards Compensation Act (WHCA) OverviewThe War Hazards Compensation Act (WHCA) extends additional benefits to federal employees and contractors injured due to war-related hazards, including:- Hostile Actions: Injuries resulting from acts of war, terrorism, or civil disturbances in foreign countries.- Detention Benefits: Compensation for employees detained by hostile forces.- Reimbursement to Contractors: WHCA reimburses contractors for compensation paid under the Defense Base Act (DBA), which extends LHWCA provisions to overseas federal contractors.  Eligibility Criteria under FECA & WHCA1. Federal Employment or Contract Work: The worker must be a federal employee or contractor covered by FECA or the DBA (Defense Base Act).2. Injury During Official Duties: Injury must occur while performing work-related tasks.3. War or Hostile Hazards: For WHCA coverage, the injury must result from war hazards, such as: - Military operations                                                                                                                 - Terrorist attacks                                                                                                                     - Civil unrest in foreign countriesWHCA Supplementation- If the injury is directly tied to a war hazard (e.g., terrorism, military conflict, or civil unrest), the WHCA may provide supplemental coverage:  - Additional Compensation: If the benefits under FECA do not fully cover the costs associated with the war-related hazard, WHCA may bridge the gap.  - Detention or Hostage Situations: WHCA offers specific compensation for federal employees detained by hostile forces abroad, which FECA doesn't cover comprehensively.For more information click on the show transcript:The podcast Dr. Taylor's contact information is:https://fedcompconsultants@protonmail.com If you need a medical provider or assistance with an OWCP /  DOL claim in Tampa, Pensacola Florida or Mobile Alabama    you can make an appointment to see Dr. Taylor, or Dr. Sullivan   at the clinic at  FWC Medical Centers. To make a consultation with Dr. Taylor  call the clinic at 813-215-4356 or go  to our website at https://mrtherapycenter.com/or https://fedcompconsultants.com/Send us a textFEEDSPOT TOP 10 National Workers Compensation Podcast: https://podcast.feedspot.com/workers_compensation_podcasts/?feedid=5557942&_src=f2_featured_email

On January 10, 2025, the Division of Federal Employees' Compensation (DFEC) announced significant updates to the Federal Employees' Compensation Act (FECA) Procedure Manual, specifically Chapter 2-0808, addressing schedule awards and permanent disability claims. These updates, outlined in FECA Transmittal 25-03, introduce changes aimed at enhancing fairness and efficiency in the claims process. The Office of Workers' Compensation Programs (OWCP) recently introduced updates to its impairment rating system, aiming to create a more equitable and comprehensive approach for injured federal workers. These changes seek to balance medical assessments and rating methodologies, ensuring that workers with complex or unique cases receive fair evaluations. This balance directly benefits injured workers by accommodating conditions that may not fit traditional assessment models, allowing for more individualized determinations that better reflect their true level of impairment.These changes mark a significant step toward a fairer system that recognizes the full impact of workplace injuries, ultimately benefiting workers who rely on impairment ratings for their compensation and long-term financial stability.1. Introduction of Forma new  CA-9 ( click on link for the form) I will provide the link on the podcast landing page.    - The Office of Workers' Compensation Programs (OWCP) has introduced Form CA-9, which must now be used to file for schedule awards. Form CA-7 will no longer be accepted for this purpose and will remain dedicated solely to filing for disability compensation.   - This streamlined approach ensures clarity and precision in the schedule award claims process.2. Flexibility in AMA Guides   - OWCP now permits the use of either the Fifth Edition or the Sixth Edition of the American Medical Association's (AMA) Guides to the Evaluation of Permanent Impairment for impairment ratings.For more information click on  transcript and links:The podcast Dr. Taylor's contact information is: https://fedcompconsultants@protonmail.com If you need a medical provider or assistance with an OWCP /  DOL claim in Tampa, Pensacola Florida or Mobile Alabama    you can make an appointment to see Dr. Taylor, or Dr. Sullivan   at the clinic at  FWC Medical Centers. To make a consultation with Dr. Taylor  call the clinic at 813-215-4356 or go  to our website at https://mrtherapycenter.com/or https://fedcompconsultants.com/Send us a textFEEDSPOT TOP 10 National Workers Compensation Podcast: https://podcast.feedspot.com/workers_compensation_podcasts/?feedid=5557942&_src=f2_featured_email

Podcast -Overview --- Obtaining and Successfully Submitting  a Claimant Reimbursement Form for : Completing OWCP 915 for Medical ReimbursementsCompleting OWCP 915 for Pharmacy ReimbursementsCompleting OWCP 957A and 975B for Travel ReimbursementsThis is an OWCP - DOL Medical, Pharmacy & Travel Reimbursement Form Submission tutorial. This is part two of a two part series on how to successfully obtain reimbursements of medical services, expenses, and travel.                                                                                      Form OWCP-915 (click on link for form)This form is used to claim reimbursement for out-of-pocket medical expenses pertaining to the treatment of an accepted condition covered by the Federal Employees' Compensation Act.  Use this form to request reimbursement for medical expenses, transportation costs, loss of wages, and incidental expenses.  Originally Form OWCP-915 cannot be submitted electronically; it was required  be mailed to OWCP or handed over to your supervisor so it can be submitted to the district office.  In addition, you are required to submit separate OWCP-915 forms if you received medical services from different physicians and/or medical centers. In submitting the form, make sure to send over ORIGINAL bills in order to be reimbursed as copies are not accepted with the exception of said copies having the provider's signature, showing clearly that you paid for the service.              OWCP 957A Travel Reimbursement-Mileage (click on link for form)This form should be used for medically related travel covered by the Federal Employees' Compensation Act and the Energy Employees Occupational Illness Compensation Program Act.               OWCP 957B Medical Travel Refund Request (click on link for form) This form should be used for medically related travel refunds covered by the Federal Employees' Compensation Act and the Energy Employees Occupational Illness Compensation Program Act.Under 50 Miles round trip: File After Your Office Visit                                                       File Form OWCP-957: Medical Travel Refund Request.                                   Attach your physician's ACS Web Bill Processing Portal approval Over 50 Miles round trip: File Before Your Office Visit (OK to try after your visit)Fax Transportation and Travel Authorization Request.Attach your physician's ACS Web Bill Processing Portal approval.To get the form Google Authorization - Travel and Transportation 04-23-10"Or go to file:https://owcpmed.dol.gov/portal/Provider/Authorizations (click       on link above for form) The podcast Dr. Taylor's contact information is: https://fedcompconsultants@protonmail.com If you need a medical providerSend us a textFEEDSPOT TOP 10 National Workers Compensation Podcast: https://podcast.feedspot.com/workers_compensation_podcasts/?feedid=5557942&_src=f2_featured_email

         Podcast Overview of FORM 915 Medical Reimbursement       • Obtaining a Claimant Reimbursement Form       •  Completing OWCP 915 for Medical Reimbursements       • Completing OWCP 915 for Pharmacy ReimbursementsInstructions for use of FORM OWCP-915 Medical Reimbursement      •  The OWCP-915 is used to seek reimbursement for out-of-pocket medical                expenses pertaining to the treatment of an accepted condition including (but      not limited to) medical treatments, prescription  medications and medical      supplies.     •  Please submit a separate reimbursement form for each provider where an out      of pocket expense was  incurred.     •  Please print clearly and legibly. Reference your OWCP Case ID on all           documentation.     •  Maintain a copy of the completed OWCP-915 and supporting documentation      for your records                                                  Form OWCP-915This form is used to claim reimbursement for out-of-pocket medical expenses pertaining to the treatment of an accepted condition covered by the Federal Employees' Compensation Act, the Black Lung Benefits Act, and the Energy Employees Occupational Illness Compensation Program Act of 2000.  Use this form to request reimbursement for medical expenses, transportation costs, loss of wages, and incidental expenses.                              Form OWCP-915 can be used to claim reimbursement for:     • Incidental expenses     • Medical expenses      • Loss of wages      • Transportation costsFor more information on OWCP form 915 click on the podcast transcriptThe podcast Dr. Taylor's contact information is: https://fedcompconsultants@protonmail.com If you need a medical provider or assistance with an OWCP /  DOL claim in Tampa, Pensacola Florida or Mobile Alabama    you can make an appointment to see Dr. Taylor, or Dr. Sullivan   at the clinic at  FWC Medical Centers. To make a consultation with Dr. Taylor  call the clinic at 813-215-4356 or go  to our website at https://mrtherapycenter.com/or https://fedcompconsultants.com/Send us a text

Today is a Q & A based on some frequently asked questions. This is part 2 of a two part series on FAQ about questions regarding OWCP attorneys, consultants and required response to deadlines!How Can Attorneys Assist Federal Employees with Work-Related Benefit Issues?                                Denial of Federal Employee's Work-Related BenefitsOne of the most challenging aspects for federal employees is dealing with the denial of work-related benefits. Attorneys play a crucial role in this area by:1. Reviewing Denial Notices: Attorneys carefully examine the reasons provided for the denial of benefits. This includes scrutinizing the documentation and evidence submitted with the initial claim.  If necessary, attorneys help in gathering additional medical records, witness statements, and other pertinent evidence to strengthen the case.2. Filing Appeals: Attorneys are well-versed in the appeals process, including deadlines and specific forms required. They prepare and file appeals on behalf of the employee, ensuring that all procedural requirements are met. 3. Representing Employees at Hearings: In cases where a hearing is required, attorneys represent employees, presenting the evidence and making legal arguments to support the claim.                                             Termination of Existing Benefits 1. Challenging Termination Notices: Attorneys review the justification for terminating benefits and identify any procedural errors or lack of substantial evidence.2. Requesting Reconsideration: If benefits are wrongfully terminated, attorneys can request reconsideration or modification of the decision, presenting new evidence or arguments as needed. 3. Navigating Administrative Procedures: Attorneys ensure that all necessary administrative procedures are followed, reducing the risk of procedural dismissals.                               Attorney Assist with Scheduled Awards 1. Determining Eligibility: Attorneys help employees understand if they qualify for a scheduled award based on their medical condition and impairment rating.2. Filing Claims for Scheduled Awards: Attorneys guide employees through the process of filing claims for scheduled awards, ensuring that all necessary medical documentation and forms are correctly submitted.3. Appealing Denied Scheduled Awards: If a claim for a scheduled award is denied, attorneys can file an appeal and represent the employee during the appeals process.Dr. Taylor's contact information is: https://fedcompconsultants@protonmail.com If you need a provider or assistance with a DOL claim in Tampa, Pensacola Florida, Atlanta Georgia, or Mobile Alabama    you can make an appointment to see Dr. Taylor, or Dr. Sullivan   at the clinic at  FWC Medical Centers. To make a consult with Dr. Taylor  call the clinic at 813-215-4356 or go  to our website at https://mrtherapycenter.com/or https://fedcompconsultants.com/

Federal Workers Compensation Coffee Break Podcast is about all things related to Federal Workers Compensation, FECA, OWCP, DOL & Longshore claim filing as an injured federal worker. The podcast is an educational and informative training on how to navigate the OWCP claims filing process for all types of injured US government and federal workers. The podcaster has 29 years in assisting with federal workers compensation as a consultant and trainer. The podcast is free and is educational. If you need help with anything related to a federal workers compensation claim...help is just a cup of coffee away. The short coffee break format highlights solutions and gives directions on how to successfully resolve any federal workers compensation claim related issue. So if you are a federal employee and you want to learn about OWCP - DOL & FECA workers compensation....pour a cup of coffee and drop by...you will be glad you did.Today is a Q & A based on some frequently asked questions. This is part 1 of a two part series on FAQ!Now lets get our coffee started and start on YOUR questions! FAQs on our Medical Authorization and Bill Pay processes for Injured Workers, Medical Providers, and Employing Agencies. Q : I was injured on the job. How do I file a claim?A: You need to complete either form CA-1, "Federal Employee's Notice of Traumatic Injury and Claim for Continuation of Pay/Compensation" or form CA-2 "Notice of Occupational Disease and Claim for Compensation". A traumatic injury is one that can be pinpointed to have occurred during one particular work shift – falling down the steps for example. An occupational disease is a medical condition that has developed due to work activities performed over more than one work shift. 20 C.F.R. §§ 10.100-10.101. Forms can be submitted electronically via the Employees' Compensation Operations and Management Portal (ECOMP). Visit the ECOMP site to register for an account and initiate a claim. If you are submitting a CA-2, you should also review the appropriate CA-35 "Evidence Required in Support of a Claim for Occupational Disease" form/checklist. There are several of these detailing the different sorts of documentation to be submitted depending on the type of occupational disease.  For more information go to show transcripts for downloading answers to this episodes questions from other injured workers.For more information go to show transcripts for downloading answers to this episodes questions from other injured workers.Dr. Taylor's contact information is: https://fedcompconsultants@protonmail.com If you need a provider or assistance with a DOL claim in Tampa, Pensacola Florida, Atlanta Georgia, or Mobile Alabama    you can make an appointment to see Dr. Taylor, Dr. Sullivan or Dr. Thomas  at the clinic at  M & R Medical & Therapy Center or FWC Medical Centers. To make a consult with Dr. Taylor  to discuss your case or if you know someone in Alabama, Mississippi, Georgia or Florida who is recently injured you can call the clinic at 813-877-6900 or 813-215-4356 or go  to our website at https://mrtherapycenter.com/or https://fedcompconsultants.com/Also you can find OWCP -DOL  Fed Comp Coffee Break Podcast on Youtube,

Federal Workers Compensation Coffee Break Podcast is about all things related to Federal Workers Compensation, FECA, OWCP, DOL & Longshore claim filing as an injured federal worker. The podcast is an educational and informative training on how to navigate the OWCP claims filing process for all types of injured US government and federal workers. The podcaster has 29 years in assisting with federal workers compensation as a consultant and trainer. The podcast is free and is educational. If you need help with anything related to a federal workers compensation claim...help is just a cup of coffee away. The short coffee break format highlights solutions and gives directions on how to successfully resolve any federal workers compensation claim related issue. So if you are a federal employee and you want to learn about OWCP - DOL & FECA workers compensation....pour a cup of coffee and drop by...you will be glad you did.(Q) Are there any restrictions on when an employee can take leave for the birth or adoption of a child?Leave to bond with a newborn child or for a newly placed adopted or foster child must conclude within 12 months after the birth or placement. The use of intermittent FMLA leave for these purposes is subject to the employer's approval. If the newly born or newly placed child has a serious health condition, the employee has the right to take FMLA leave to care for the child intermittently, if medically necessary and such leave is not subject to the 12-month limitation.(Q) When can a parent take leave for a newborn?Mothers and fathers have the same right to take FMLA leave to bond with a newborn child. A mother can also take FMLA leave for prenatal care, incapacity related to pregnancy, and for her own serious health condition following the birth of a child. A father can also use FMLA leave to care for his spouse who is incapacitated due to pregnancy or child birth.For more information go to show transcripts for downloading answers to this episodes questions from other injured workers.Dr. Taylor's contact information is: https://fedcompconsultants@protonmail.com If you need a provider or assistance with a DOL claim in Tampa, Pensacola Florida, Georgia, Alabama   or Oklahoma City you can make an appointment to see him and the other providers at the clinic at  M & R Medical & Therapy Center or FWC Medical Centers. To make a consult with Dr. Taylor  to discuss your case or if you know someone if Florida who is recently injured you can call the clinic at 813-877-6900 or 813-215-4356 or go  to our website at https://mrtherapycenter.com/or https://fedcompconsultants.com/Also you can find OWCP -DOL  Fed Comp Coffee Break Podcast on Youtube, Spotify and Apple Podcast.  Be sure and subscribe, like, and/or share a comment or review if you find this podcast information to be beneficial. 

Episode 1 is an introduction to Dr. Taylor and his history as an  OWCP -  DOL ( Department of Labor)  provider and his years of consulting and teaching all things federal workers compensation related. This is an educational short form format for learning how to successfully file federal workers compensation claims. So grab a cup of coffee and lets begin. You will be glad you did!Here at this podcast we discuss all sorts of topics related to  federal  workers compensation, Department of Labor, OWCP, FECA ACT, FERS, longshore-maritime, DOD contractors, VA benefits. I cover these relevant topics in a short coffee break style format  because we like to discuss topics that are related to helping you the government employee with filing your claim, understanding your rights and responsibilities, relevant rules and provisions. I also like to cover topics that people are always wanting information on to help you successfully  navigate the convoluted waters of federal claim filing. I do this to assist you, you and your doctor  or your coworkers with claim filing denials or with appropriate filing of benefit claims, disability  or injured worker claims. T Dr. Taylor's contact information for more information or assistance is:fedcompconsultants@protonmail.comIf you need an OWCP approved medical provider, You can make a  a consultation with me to discuss your case or if you know someone in Tampa or Pensacola Florida and Atlanta and south Georgia or Alabama,  who is recently injured you can call the clinic at 813-877-6900 or 813-215-4356 or go  to our website at https://fedcompconsultants.com/    & https://mrtherapycenter.com/  Also if you are in  another state and you want me to assist  you with claim questions or assistance for your  doctor you can email me at fedcompconsultants@protonmail.com or send me a message on the website at fedcompconsultants.com

Federal Workers Compensation Coffee Break Podcast is an educational and informative training on how to navigate the DOL -OWCP claims filing process for all types of injured US government and federal workers. The podcast is free and is educational. If you need help with anything related to a federal workers compensation claim...help is just a cup of coffee away.You can file an oral hearing in ECOMP by uploading a written request to your claims examiner into ECOMP. The Claims examiner has thirty days to respond by DFEC procedure manual rule. One of these Oral Hearing appeal options is the employee's right to request and receive an Oral Hearing or Review of the Written Record. The Oral Hearing is a non-adversarial hearing with the employee, (and/or your designated  employee's representative (which can be your treating doctor, attorney or designated representative ie. Union rep etc, along with the hearing examiner and a professional transcriber present. The Oral Hearing gives the employee the opportunity to present additional facts and evidence for the examiner's consideration and allows the claimant to further present his/her case before any final decision by the examiner and OWCP can be rendered. This is a powerful tool that you can use to assist in appeals when there is a breakdown in communication with your claims examiner on matters where delays are based on non sensical errors or miscommunications. More information is found in the show's transcript!Dr. Taylor's contact information is: https://fedcompconsultants@protonmail.com If you need a provider or assistance with a DOL claim in Tampa, Pensacola Florida  or Oklahoma City you can make an appointment to see him and the other providers at the clinic at  M & R Medical & Therapy Center or FWC Medical Centers. To make a consult with Dr. Taylor  to discuss your case or if you know someone if Florida who is recently injured you can call the clinic at 813-877-6900 or go  to our website at https://mrtherapycenter.com/or https://fedcompconsultants.com/ Also you can find Fed Comp Coffee Break Podcast on Youtube, Spotify and Apple Podcast.  Be sure and subscribe, like, and/or share a comment or review if you find this podcast information to be beneficial. 

Federal Workers Compensation Coffee Break Podcast is an educational and informative training on how to navigate the DOL -OWCP claims filing process for all types of injured US government and federal workers. The podcast is free and is educational. If you need help with anything related to a federal workers compensation claim...help is just a cup of coffee away.If you are injured, you probably are currently on a medical restriction related to your accepted federal workers compensation claim. As such, this means that your doctor has instructed your employee agency that you are not able to perform certain job duties or actions during your normal workday due to medical restrictions. But one of the big misunderstandings that injured workers have is the following question, “What am I allowed to do with my self-care activities? What that doctor has not ordered or give instructions on, by completing a return-to-work status form such as a CA-17 & CA-5C is that you must stop performing specific actions which you need to execute in order to live your normal daily life.The CA-17 is a form which the OWCP directs both the injured worker's supervisor and his/her treating physician to complete. The CA-17 is a legal OWCP document for reporting work status to OWCP not to the employee agencyThe OWCP Form 5c Work Capacity Evaluation Musculoskeletal Conditions is also a work status for that can be completed by the injured worker's treating physician, but it DOES NOT contain any information regarding the employee's:clinical diagnosisother disabling conditionsthe treating physician's clinical findingsMore information is found in the show's transcript!Dr. Taylor's contact information is: https://fedcompconsultants@protonmail.com If you need a provider or assistance with a DOL claim in Tampa, Pensacola Florida  or Oklahoma City you can make an appointment to see him and the other providers at the clinic at  M & R Medical & Therapy Center or FWC Medical Centers. To make a consult with Dr. Taylor  to discuss your case or if you know someone if Florida who is recently injured you can call the clinic at 813-877-6900 or go  to our website at https://mrtherapycenter.com/ Also you can find Fed Comp Coffee Break Podcast on Youtube Be sure and subscribe, like, and/or share a comment or review if you find this podcast information to be beneficial. 

Federal Workers Compensation Coffee Break Podcast is an educational and informative training on how to navigate the DOL -OWCP claims filing process for all types of injured US government and federal workers. The podcast is free and is educational. If you need help with anything related to a federal workers compensation claim...help is just a cup of coffee away.Section 1:15 of the Federal Employees' Compensation Act (FECA) Practice Manual states that Social Security Disability Retirement (SSDR) benefits are payable concurrently with FECA compensation. However, this does not mean that an injured federal worker claimant can receive both Social Security Disability benefits and temporary disability benefits under FECA without any reduction.When an injured federal worker is eligible for both SOCIAL SECURITY DISABILITY RETIREMENT and temporary disability benefits under FECA, the SOCIAL SECURITY DISABILITY RETIREMENT benefits are typically subject to an offset or reduction. The purpose of this reduction is to prevent the claimant from receiving a double benefit for the same period of disability, as both SOCIAL SECURITY DISABILITY RETIREMENT and FECA temporary disability benefits are meant to provide financial assistance during periods of disability. Generally, the reduction is designed to ensure that the total amount of benefits the claimant receives (when combining SOCIAL SECURITY DISABILITY RETIREMENT and FECA) does not exceed a certain percentage of their average pre-disability earnings.For the scenario of a federal employee who is eligible for temporary disability benefits under FECA and also qualifies for permanent Social Security Disability benefits due to a disability that makes them permanently unable to return to a government position of employment. Listen to the podcast and download the attached show transcript for  an explanation of the relevant federal laws and provisions for eligibility of receiving SSDI & OWCP temporary disability or FERS disability benefits concurrently. Dr. Taylor's contact information is: https://fedcompconsultants@protonmail.com If you need a provider or assistance with a DOL claim in Tampa, Pensacola or Jacksonville Florida  or Oklahoma City you can make an appointment to see him and the other providers at the clinic at  M & R Medical & Therapy Center or FWC Medical Centers. To make a consult with Dr. Taylor  to discuss your case or if you know someone if Florida who is recently injured you can call the clinic at 813-877-6900 or go  to our website at https://mrtherapycenter.com/Fed Comp Coffee Break Podcast on Youtube  Be sure and subscribe, like, and/or share a comment or review if you find this podcast information to be beneficial. 

Federal Workers Compensation Coffee Break Podcast is an educational and informative training on how to navigate the DOL -OWCP claims filing process for all types of injured US government and federal workers. The podcaster has 28 years in assisting with federal workers compensation as a consultant and trainer. The podcast is free and is educational. If you need help with anything related to a federal workers compensation claim...help is just a cup of coffee away.Loss of Wage Earning Capacity (LWEC). The loss of wage-earning capacity determination performed pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 8115 provides that an injured worker will not be penalized for returning to a lower-paying job because of a disabling condition. It also permits the adjustment of compensation to reflect partial rather than total disability, if the requirements of the law are strictly met. So how does wage loss compensation get denied based on a LWEC decision by a OWCP claims examiner? Some government  employees who have had their medically suitable job withdrawn by the Employee agency as a result of the National Reassessment Process (NRP) are being denied wage loss compensation by OWCP because of a previous LWEC decision. How does this happen?OWCP DFEC Procedure Manual lists procedures that establish that after an employee with an accepted claim has returned to work for at least 60 days, (you guys have heard me call this the “60 day rule” in previous podcasts. The claims examiner  has the right to  determine if the salary that the injured worker/claimant is being paid, fairly and reasonably represents that employee's actual wage earning capacity.The Employees' Compensation Appeals Board (ECAB) has ruled repeatedly that once a formal LWEC has been issued, it can only be changed  in three circumstances: ·        The original LWEC rating was in error; ·        The claimant's medical condition has changed; or ·        The claimant has been vocationally rehabilitated, i.e. is working in a new job which             pays at least 25% more than the current pay of the job he or she was working            when the original LWEC was performed.ECAB decisions that that support your appeal of a odd-lot job offer withdraw and/or LWEC 0% decision:Baggett, 50 ECAB 560; Wade, 37 ECAB 556 (1986); Rowe, Docket No.88-1179 (issued September 27, 1988); and Moss, Docket No. 89-846 (issued July 26, 1989), Woolever, 29 ECAB 114, Emory, 47 ECAB 371, and in Weisman, 50 ECAB 418For more information please read the attached transcript! Dr. Taylor's contact information is: https://fedcompconsultants@protonmail.com If you need a provider or assistance with a DOL claim in Tampa, Pensacola or Jacksonville Florida  you can make an appointment to see him and the other providers at the clinic at  M & R Medical & Therapy Center. To make a consult with Dr. Taylor  to discuss your case or if you know someone if Florida who is recently injured you can call the clinic at 813-877-6900 or go  to our website at https://mrtherapycenter.com/Fed Comp Coffee Break Podcast on Youtube 

Federal Workers Compensation Coffee Break Podcast is about all things related to Federal Workers Compensation, FECA, OWCP, DOL & Longshore claim filing as an injured federal worker.  The podcast is an educational and informative training on how to navigate the DOL -OWCP claims filing process for all types of injured US government and federal workers. The podcaster has 28 years in assisting with federal workers compensation as a consultant and trainer. The podcast is free and is educational. If you need help with anything related to a federal workers compensation claim...help is just a cup of coffee away.OWCP Form  CA-7 Claim for Compensation, is used for claiming compensation for wage loss due to an on-the-job injury when leave is used most of the time. But it also is used for other things that I want to cover in today's podcast.  There are 4 basic reasons for filing a CA-7 form in SECTION 2 of the form. Reimbursement for Leave without pay,, Leave buy back, Other wage loss; specify type, such as downgrade, loss of night differential, etc. and lastly a schedule award for a financial settlement for their work related  injuries. Now the CA-7 form itself requires that the injured worker complete the front side and submit it to the employer. The employer completes the reverse (side or page 2) and forwards it to OWCP.  When  OWCP  does  not  timely  receive  CA-7s, employees suffer delayed payment of benefits. Now there is a new process of filing the CA-7 form and that is filing the form electronically in ECOMP. So let's dive in on this topic and also we are going to touch on a topic that most people do not understand that is associated with the CA-7 form and that is LWEC or lost wage earning capacity.CA-7s should be filed via the injured workers ECOMP dashboard. The form can be found in ECOMP under the forms section. The injured worker can track the form's submission to OWCP via the dashboard. If the form has not been forwarded to OWCP within the required 5 working days, a grievance investigation should be initiated.FECA Act Federal law: 20 CFR 10.111(c) and 10.112(c) provide:Upon receipt of Form CA-7 from the employee...the employer shall complete the appropriate portions of the form. As soon as possible, but no more than five working days after receipt from the employee, the employer shall forward the completed Form CA-7 ...to OWCP. Loss of Wage Earning Capacity (LWEC). The loss of wage-earning capacity determination performed pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 8115 provides that an injured worker will not be penalized for returning to a lower-paying job because of a disabling condition. It also permits the adjustment of compensation to reflect partial rather than total disability Dr. Taylor's contact information is: https://fedcompconsultants@protonmail.comIf you need a provider or assistance with a DOL claim in Tampa Florida  you can make an appointment to see him and the other providers at the clinic at  M & R Medical & Therapy Center. To make a consult with Dr. Tayor  to discuss your case or if you know someone if Florida who is recently injured you can call the clinic at 813-877-6900 or go  to our website at https://mrtherapycenter.com/ 

Federal Workers Compensation Coffee Break Podcast is about all things related to Federal Workers Compensation, FECA, OWCP, DOL & Longshore claim filing as an injured federal worker.  The podcast is an educational and informative training on how to navigate the DOL -OWCP claims filing process for all types of injured US government and federal workers. The podcaster has 28 years in assisting with federal workers compensation as a consultant and trainer. The podcast is free and is educational. If you need help with anything related to a federal workers compensation claim...help is just a cup of coffee away.You have been injured on the job.  What are you supposed to do?  What type of a condition is it, and what paperwork is required?  This handbook will walk you through the basic steps of getting the needed medical care, and then guide you through the sometimes complicated and confusing steps of reporting and documenting your compensation case. Anytime you have questions or need assistance in dealing with a workers' compensation issue, you can call and ask to see me for a consultation at M&R Medical & Therapy  and/or  speak Dr. Taylor or  our Workers' Compensation Specialist  for assistance and advice.  This podcast episode does not cover all the details of the Federal Employee's Compensation Act or all the benefits employees may be due.  Rather, it is intended to provide quick and simple guidance that will help you through the majority of the situations you will encounter if you suffer a job-related injury or disease.Dr. Taylor's educational podcast utilizes his experience and history as a DOL - OWCP provider and his years of consulting and teaching all things federal workers compensation related. This is an educational short form format for learning how to successfully file federal workers compensation claims.Dr. Taylor's contact information is: https://fedcompconsultants@protonmail.comIf you need a provider or assistance with a DOL claim in Tampa Florida  you can make an appointment to see him and the other providers at the clinic at  M & R Medical & Therapy Center. To make a consult with me to discuss your case or if you know someone if Florida who is recently injured you can call the clinic at 813-877-6900 or go  to our website at https://mrtherapycenter.com/  

Federal Workers Compensation Coffee Break Podcast is about all things related to Federal Workers Compensation, FECA, OWCP, DOL & Longshore claim filing as an injured federal worker.  The podcast is an educational and informative training on how to navigate the DOL -OWCP claims filing process for all types of injured US government and federal workers. The podcaster has 28 years in assisting with federal workers compensation as a consultant and trainer. The podcast is free and is educational. If you need help with anything related to a federal workers compensation claim...help is just a cup of coffee away.                                                                   VIDEO SURVEILLANCEInjured federal workers who draw wage loss compensation should assume that investigators associated with the USPS Office of Inspector General (OIG) have covertly filmed them or will film them. This is a very common technique and tool of investigating an OWCP federal injury claim. The Employees' Compensation Appeals Board also known as ECAB,  issued a decision on Sept. 26 (Docket 11-863) that addresses a number of issues involving Employee agency. OIG surveillance videotape. All federal  injured workers, OWCP approved doctors and/or advocates should be familiar with this important decision. It is important because it addresses a critical distinction between use of surveillance videotape for the purposes of 1) fraud investigation and 2) for claims development.ECAB reviewed this injured workers termination case dispute and reversed the termination on several grounds—two are detailed below: First, the Employee agencyviolated the regulations prohibiting direct contact with the treating physician, 20 CFR 10.506. The Board wrote: It is clear that the agents of the employing establishment took an active, and in some issues decisive, role in developing appellant's claim and building the case for termination of her benefits. The Board finds that OWCP departed from the implementing regulations by relying on evidence obtained through direct contact between agents of the employer and appellant's (injured worker) treating physician… OWCP should have rejected evidence generated by a violation of the applicable regulations. Second, the injured worker was not afforded the required notice regarding the existence of the surveillance video and its intended use for the purpose of obtaining an adverse medical opinion. For more information review the transcript!Dr. Taylor's educational podcast utilizes his experience and history as a DOL - OWCP provider and his years of consulting and teaching all things federal workers compensation related. This is an educational short form format for learning how to successfully file federal workers compensation claims.Dr. Taylor's contact information is: https://fedcompconsultants@protonmail.comIf you need a provider or assistance with a DOL claim in Tampa Florida or in Oklahoma you can make an appointment to see him and the other providers at the clinic at 813-877-6900  in Florida or at Ellis Clinic at 844-625-5300 in Oklahoma City in Oklahoma.   https://ellisclinic.com/index.html 

Federal Workers Compensation Coffee Break Podcast is about all things related to Federal Workers Compensation, FECA, OWCP, DOL & Longshore claim filing as an injured federal worker.  The podcast is an educational and informative training on how to navigate the DOL -OWCP claims filing process for all types of injured US government and federal workers. The podcaster has 28 years in assisting with federal workers compensation as a consultant and trainer. The podcast is free and is educational. If you need help with anything related to a federal workers compensation claim...help is just a cup of coffee away.                                                   Injured Worker's Responsibilities      To seek or accept suitable employment.      To resume regular Federal employment if capable.      To provide physician with information on any available light duty.      To advise employing agency of limitations imposed by attending physician.     To report efforts to obtain suitable employment, if requested by OWCP.                                                          Employer's Responsibilities      Authorize medical caree      If alternative positions are available for a partially disabled employee, advise the        employee in writing of specific duties and physical demands.      Where no alternative position is available, advise the injured worker of any                accommodations the  agency can make.   Employer must consider the physical or emotional restrictions placed on an       injured worker due to the work injury as well as any concurrent, non-injury related ailments.  Agency personnel can request work restrictions directly from the physician, from    the OWCP nurse, or OWCP.  If work restrictions differ, OWCP will determine which are appropriate.                           How Does the HIPPA Law Affect the Employing Agency?HIPAA prohibits health providers from discussing or giving information to anyone without a patient release. This includes other physicians. Now listen up this is a word of caution and advise! This HiPPA law  hinders the employing agencies from obtaining medical information directly  from the injured worker's physician.A light duty assignment is provided to IW to accommodate the restrictions.Prepare a written assignment for IW. Duties must meet the physical requirements.Verbal assignment allowed, but written assignment should be made within two days.Assignment can be job modification of an existing job with light duties.Dr. Taylor's educational podcast utilizes his experience and history as a DOL - OWCP provider and his years of consulting and teaching all things federal workers compensation related. This is an educational short form format for learning how to successfully file federal workers compensation claims.Dr. Taylor's contact information is: https://fedcompconsultants@protonmail.comIf you need a provider or assistance with a DOL claim in Tampa Florida or in Oklahoma you can make an appointment to see him and the other providers at the clinic at 813-877-6900  in Florida or at Ellis Clinic at 844-625-5300 in Oklahoma City in Oklahoma.  h

Federal Workers Compensation Coffee Break Podcast is about all things related to Federal Workers Compensation, FECA, OWCP, DOL & Longshore claim filing as an injured federal worker.  The podcast is an educational and informative training on how to navigate the DOL -OWCP claims filing process for all types of injured US government and federal workers. The podcaster has 28 years in assisting with federal workers compensation as a consultant and trainer. The podcast is free and is educational. If you need help with anything related to a federal workers compensation claim...help is just a cup of coffee away.Family Medical & Leave Act (FMLA) Paper Work Tutorial helpful tips!Employee rights under the FMLA . The Family and Medical Leave Act does not give federal workers any additional paid leave, beyond the paid leave to which federal workers  are entitled under FMLA rules and provisions with the Government service workers and any related postal handbooks and manuals. Rather, the law guarantees employees:♦  The right to take time off, using annual leave or leave without pay (LWOP) in most situations, and sick leave in certain circumstances, for the purposes listed above.♦  The right to retain the job and its benefits. The employer may not discontinue or change an employee's benefits, change his or her job rights, place the employee on restricted sick leave or take disciplinary action against the employee for taking leave covered by the FMLA.♦  The right to be informed. The employer is required by the FMLA to inform employees that they have a right to leave under the law, and to inform employees whether any leave they have requested is covered by the FMLA.Specific rules and regulations . Employee rights and employer responsibilities under the FMLA are governed by detailed federal regulations and by Section 515 of the Postal Service's Employee and Labor Relations Manual (ELM).WHO is eligible employee use FMLA leave?A covered employer must grant an eligible employee up to a total of 12 workweeks of unpaid, job-protected leave in a 12 month period for one or more of the following reasons:for the birth of a son or daughter, and to bond with the newborn child;for the placement with the employee of a child for adoption or foster care, and to bond with that child;to care for an immediate family member (spouse, child, or parent – but not a parent “in-law”) with a serious health condition;to take medical leave when the employee is unable to work because of a serious health condition; orfor qualifying exigencies arising out of the fact that the employee's spouse, son, daughter, or parent is on covered active duty or call to covered active duty status as a member of the National Guard, Reserves, or Regular Armed Forces.The FMLA also allows eligible employees to take up to 26 workweeks of unpaid, job-protected leave in a “single 12-month period” to care for a covered service member with a serious injury or illness.Click here for the NALC FMLA forms.Dr. Taylor's educational podcast utilizes his experience and history as a DOL - OWCP provider and his years of consulting and teaching all things federal workers compensation related. This is an educational short form format for learning how to successfully file federal workers compensation claims.Dr. Taylor's contact information is: https://fedcompconsultants@protonmail.comIf you need a provider or assistance with a DOL claim in Tampa Florida or in Oklahoma you can make an appointment to see him and the other providers at the clinic at 813-877-6900  in Florida or 844-625-5300 in Oklahoma City in Oklahoma.

Federal Workers Compensation Coffee Break Podcast is about all things related to Federal Workers Compensation, FECA, OWCP, DOL & Longshore claim filing as an injured federal worker.  The podcast is an educational and informative training on how to navigate the DOL -OWCP claims filing process for all types of injured US government and federal workers. The podcaster has 28 years in assisting with federal workers compensation as a consultant and trainer. The podcast is free and is educational. If you need help with anything related to a federal workers compensation claim...help is just a cup of coffee away.                                                                 FECA Bulletin 23-03         OWCP expands period for submitting evidence in initial claims to 60 daysThe Fiscal Year 2023 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA)  law has some legislated changes that affect OWCP & DOL. Under Section 5305(c) of the Act, effective March 7, 2023, injured federal workers covered by the Office of Workers' Compensation Programs (OWCP) will now have 60 days to supply evidence in support of an initial claim. Specifically, the legislation directed the secretary of labor to  amend the Federal Employees' Compensation Act (FECA) regulations at 20 CFR 10.121 to increase the minimum time to submit supporting documentation on an initial claim from 30 to 60 days, and 2) modify the FECA procedure manual to do the same. OWCP has explained the revised regulations and changes in FECA Bulletin 23-03 that it issued on Jan. 9 of this year. The FECA Bulletin basically says “Claimants should be aware that the expanded 60-day time frame applies only to the initial adjudication of a claim.”The Department of Labor published a final rule in the Federal Register which became effective on March 7, 2023) amending 20 CFR 10.121 to read:If the claimant submits factual evidence, medical evidence, or both, but OWCP determines that this evidence is not sufficient to meet the burden of proof, OWCP will inform the claimant of the additional evidence needed. You the claimant will be allowed at least 60 days to submit the evidence required. Dr. Taylor's educational podcast utilizes his experience and history as a DOL - OWCP provider and his years of consulting and teaching all things federal workers compensation related. This is an educational short form format for learning how to successfully file federal workers compensation claims. Dr. Taylor's contact information for more information or assistance is:https://fedcompconsultants@protonmail.comIf you need a provider or assistance with a DOL claim in Tampa Florida or in Oklahoma you can make an appointment to see him and the other providers at the clinic at 813-877-6900  in Florida or ELLIS CLINIC at 844-625-5300 in Oklahoma City in Oklahoma. https://ellisclinic.com/

Federal Workers Compensation Coffee Break Podcast is about all things related to Federal Workers Compensation, FECA, OWCP, DOL & Longshore claim filing as an injured federal worker.  The podcast is an educational and informative training on how to navigate the DOL -OWCP claims filing process for all types of injured US government and federal workers. The podcaster has 28 years in assisting with federal workers compensation as a consultant and trainer. The podcast is free and is educational. If you need help with anything related to a federal workers compensation claim...help is just a cup of coffee away.                                                             OWCP Contract NursesOWCP utilizes contracted nursing services in order to facilitate an injured worker's claim. OWCP nurse intervention program and other programs available are utilized  by OWCP claims examiners to improve case management and/or reducing costs. The nurse intervention program provides a nurse to work directly with the employee with the intent of helping that employee return to the work environment as soon as possible. They are generally assigned for 120 days, but may be extended for longer periods if warranted. The nurses can fulfill different roles including: Making assessments of the initial extent of the injury;Coordinating treatment necessary for recovery;Communicating return-to-work expectations;OWCP nurses may be identified by the titles of “COP Nurse“, “Field Nurse“, or “Nurse Case Manager”. The use of a contracted nursing by OWCP service is permitted by 20 CFR 10.310(a). OWCP has published a Field Nurse Handbook (FNHB) describing the roles and responsibilities of the assigned contract nurses. OWCP has separate guidelines for COP Nurses (during the initial Continuation of Pay period) and Field Nurses.Link to the Field Nurse Handbook website:https://www.dol.gov/agencies/owcp/FECA/regs/compliance/DFECfolio/FNHB-PT1Nurse Case Managers can be helpful or a hindrance with your injury claim. Federal employees can elect whether to work with a Nurse Case Manager but be ready for potential retaliation and difficulties if you refuse to work with the nurse case managers. Federal employees have the sole right to select whether they want the nurse to be at their appointments with their treating physician. Federal employees can elect on whether to allow a Nurse Case Manager to be present during their physician visit or to talk to their physician after their visit. Federal employee's treating physician can ALSO chose  whether or not to talk with a Nurse Case Manager or to allow them into their office.Dr. Taylor's contact information for more information or assistance is:https://fedcompconsultants@protonmail.comIf you need a provider or assistance with a DOL claim in Tampa Florida or in Oklahoma you can make an appointment to see him and the other providers at the clinic at 813-877-6900  in Florida or 844-625-5300 in Oklahoma City in Oklahoma. 

Federal Workers Compensation Coffee Break Podcast is about all things related to Federal Workers Compensation, FECA, OWCP, DOL & Longshore claim filing as an injured federal worker.  The podcast is an educational and informative training on how to navigate the DOL -OWCP claims filing process for all types of injured US government and federal workers. The podcaster has 28 years in assisting with federal workers compensation as a consultant and trainer. The podcast is free and is educational. If you need help with anything related to a federal workers compensation claim...help is just a cup of coffee away.OPM Disability Retirement is a benefit granted to all Federal Employees who meet the criteria of "Disability". By "Disability", however, it does not mean that you must be completely physically incapacitated or disabled either; rather, it simply requires that you demonstrate by examination and history that you are no longer able to provide effective service in the essential elements of your job. Notice how by that standard definition, you do not need to be "totally disabled" in order to be eligible for Federal or Postal disability Retirement under FERS or CSRS. The Office of Personnel Management of your employer reviews all applications for Federal Disability Retirement. It is a benefit which should be looked at as an entitlement and an investment. FERS Provides Early Retirement for both Medical and/or Psychological Conditions. Many people do not understand that and do not know their own rights. OK…listen up who qualifies for Medical Disability Retirement!You cannot continue to do the work for which you were hired …not that you can not work but that you can not work at the position or an equivalent position for which you were hired.Cannot perform any gainful employment The disability must be expected to last at least one year. Easier and fairer qualification criteria than Social Security Disability Requires a physician's medical opinion, following OPM rules                                                      FERS Eligibility RequirementsYou must meet all of the following conditions to be eligible for disability retirement:You must have completed at least 18 months of Federal civilian service which is creditable under the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS). You must, while employed in a position subject to the retirement system, have become disabled, because of disease or injury, for useful and efficient service in your current position. The disability must be expected to last at least one year. Dr. Taylor's educational podcast utilizes his experience and history as a DOL – OWCP provider and his years of consulting and teaching all things federal workers compensation related. This is an educational short form format for learning how to successfully file federal workers compensation claims. So grab a cup of coffee and lets begin.Dr. Taylor's contact information for more information or assistance is:https://fedcompconsultants@protonmail.comIf you need an OWCP approved medical provider:You can find Dr. Taylor in Oklahoma at Ellis Clinic at 5100 N Brookline Ave Ste 465, 73112-3625, Oklahoma City (405) 917-5336  https://ellisclinic.com/Dr. Taylor  also is located at M & R Medical & Therapy in Tampa at 4150 N. Armenia Ave. Ste. 102, Tampa Florida 33607 (813) 877-6900

Federal Workers Compensation Coffee Break Podcast is about all things related to Federal Workers Compensation, FECA, OWCP, DOL & Longshore claim filing as an injured federal worker.  The podcast is an educational and informative training on how to navigate the DOL -OWCP claims filing process for all types of injured US government and federal workers. The podcaster has 28 years in assisting with federal workers compensation as a consultant and trainer. The podcast is free and is educational. If you need help with anything related to a federal workers compensation claim...help is just a cup of coffee away.                                         What earnings  information must a government employee report?An employee who is receiving compensation for partial or total disability must advise OWCP immediately of any  outside employment, outside income (no matter how small)  including any concurrent dissimilar employment held at the time of injury, even if the injury did not result in any lost time in that position. The employee must report even those earnings which do not seem likely to affect his or her level of benefits. Many kinds of income, though not all, will result in reduction of compensation benefits. While earning income will not necessarily result in a reduction of compensation, failure to report income may result in forfeiture of all benefits paid during the reporting period.There are two primary ways an injured worker will be asked to report: on OWCP forms CA-7 and EN-1032.Section 3 of the CA-7 states: You must report all earnings from employment (outside your federal job); include any employment for which you received a salary, wages, income, sales commissions, piece- work, or payment of any kind during the period(s) claimed in Section 2. Include self-employment, involvement in business enterprises, as well as service with the military forces. Fraudulent concealment of employment or failure to report income may result in forfeiture of compensation benefits and/or criminal prosecution. Dr. Taylor's educational podcast utilizes his experience and history as a DOL – OWCP provider and his years of consulting and teaching all things federal workers compensation related. This is an educational short form format for learning how to successfully file federal workers compensation claims. So grab a cup of coffee and lets begin.Dr. Taylor's contact information for more information or assistance is:https://fedcompconsultants@protonmail.comIf you need a provider or assistance with a DOL claim in Tampa, Jacksonville or other areas of Florida you can make an appointment to see him and the other providers at the clinic at 813-877-6900 .

Federal Workers Compensation Coffee Break Podcast is about all things related to Federal Workers Compensation, FECA, OWCP, DOL & Longshore claim filing as an injured federal worker.  The podcast is an educational and informative training on how to navigate the DOL -OWCP claims filing process for all types of injured US government and federal workers. The podcaster has 28 years in assisting with federal workers compensation as a consultant and trainer. The podcast is free and is educational. If you need help with anything related to a federal workers compensation claim...help is just a cup of coffee away.         Explaining Common Questions on Rights, Rules, Laws & Regulations                         How and when is a notice of traumatic injury filed?(a)  For injuries sustained on or after September 7, 1974, a notice of injury must be filed within three years of the injury.(The form contains the necessary words of claim.) The requirements for filing notice are further described in 5 U.S.C. 8119. (b)  Another section covers timely filing as well at  § 10.205 addressing time requirements for filing claims for continuation of pay.(1) If the claim is not filed within three years, compensation may still be allowed if notice of injury was given within 30 days or the employer had actual knowledge of the injury or death within 30 days after occurrence. This knowledge may consist of written records or verbal                                     You Have The Right to Choose Your Own DoctorThe employer should advise the employee of the right to his or her initial choice of physician. The employer shall allow the employee to select a qualified physician,                       Your EA has 5 days to submit your CA7 to OWCP-DOL What should the employer do when an employee files an initial claim for compensation due to disability or permanent impairment?Upon receipt of Form CA-7 from the employee, or someone acting on his or her behalf, the employer shall complete the appropriate portions of the form. As soon as possible, but no more than five working days after receipt from the employee, the employer shall forward the completed Form CA-7 and any accompanying medical report to OWCP.... more on the episode!Dr. Taylor's educational podcast utilizes his experience and history as a DOL – OWCP provider and his years of consulting and teaching all things federal workers compensation related. This is an educational short form format for learning how to successfully file federal workers compensation claims. So grab a cup of coffee and lets begin.Dr. Taylor's contact information for more information or assistance is:https://fedcompconsultants@protonmail.comIf you need a provider or assistance with a DOL claim in Tampa, Jacksonville or other areas of Florida you can make an appointment to see him and the other providers at his clinic at 813-877-6900.

Federal Workers Compensation Coffee Break Podcast is about all things related to Federal Workers Compensation, FECA, OWCP, DOL & Longshore claim filing as an injured federal worker.  The podcast is an educational and informative training on how to navigate the DOL -OWCP claims filing process for all types of injured US government and federal workers. The podcaster has 28 years in assisting with federal workers compensation as a consultant and trainer. The podcast is free and is educational. If you need help with anything related to a federal workers compensation claim...help is just a cup of coffee away.How to meet 5th element causality requirements in  OWCP DOL new case filing!Causal Relationship: GeneralFor filing a workers' compensation claim, the burden of proof is on the injured worker. Therefore, it is the injured worker's responsibility to show a causal relationship between their  disability and an on-the-job injury, or their claimed occupational disease and conditions/factors  of employment.To qualify for workers' compensation, the employee must be covered under the FECA act; there must be an injury or disease claimed to be related to employment; the employee must make a timely filing of the claim within the provisions of FECA; the injury or disease must be the result of activity in the performance of duty; and the employee's injury or disease must have been proximately caused by, or aggravated by, a work-related injury or by employment conditions, ie., there must be a causal relationship.There are two kinds of evidence under FECA: factual, which refers to evidence submitted by the employee; and medical, which refers to evidence submitted by physicians.In addition to factual evidence, reliable and substantial medical evidence which establishes an accurate history of injury in traumatic injury claims, or an accurate description of working conditions in occupational illness claims must be submitted in order to establish a causal relationship. This medical information must be provided by a qualified physician.  The employee must first write a statement describing the work-related injury or work-related illness, the conditions of employment, including daily on-the-job activities, and how the employee believes specific work activities and conditions caused his or her injury or illness. This statement must go into specific detail of work activities & conditions relevant to the claimed injury or disease to decide a claim. Dr. Taylor's educational podcast utilizes his experience and history as a DOL – OWCP provider and his years of consulting and teaching all things federal workers compensation related. This is an educational short form format for learning how to successfully file federal workers compensation claims. So grab a cup of coffee and lets begin.Dr. Taylor's contact information for more information or assistance is:https://fedcompconsultants@protonmail.comIf you need an OWCP approved medical provider:You can find Dr. Taylor in Oklahoma at Ellis Clinic 5100 N Brookline Ave Ste 465, 73112-3625, Oklahoma City (405) 917-5336Dr. Taylor  also is located at M & R Medical & Therapy in Tampa at 4150 N. Armenia Ave. Ste. 102, Tampa Florida 33607 (813) 877-6900

Federal Workers Compensation Coffee Break Podcast is about all things related to Federal Workers Compensation, FECA, OWCP, DOL & Longshore claim filing as an injured federal worker.  The podcast is an educational and informative training on how to navigate the DOL -OWCP claims filing process for all types of injured US government and federal workers. The podcaster has 28 years in assisting with federal workers compensation as a consultant and trainer. The podcast is free and is educational. If you need help with anything related to a federal workers compensation claim...help is just a cup of coffee away.How to File an OWCP DOL  Form - Introduction to the ECOMP Claims ProcessReporting a workplace incident and filing a claim for compensation require different forms, depending upon your employment status and government organization. Not all government agencies use ECOMP for form filing. You can check to see what forms your agency files through ECOMP by clicking "Register" from the ECOMP homepage and then selecting your employing government organization.If your agency uses ECOMP for form filing, you will be able to manage the entire process from your Employee Dashboard. You can get to your Employee Dashboard by clicking "Sign In" on the ECOMP homepage. Lately I am seeing more and more employee agencies utilizing ECOMP portal for E-filing of CA-1 & Ca-2 forms for establishing a case. We have been using paper CA forms and uploading them into ECOMP …forever but now many employers like for example the VA require that you fill out the CA forms online on the portal. So I want to walk you through some of these new online filing requirements. IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT FOR CQS USERS: Starting April 27th, CQS will be integrated directly into the Employees' Compensation Operations and Management Portal (ECOMP) and will be decommissioned as a standalone system. If you do not already have an ECOMP account, please register for one to access this information. Once a case number has been assigned, you can submit information pertaining to that case file through ECOMP's Document Upload feature, available from the ECOMP homepage. To use this feature, you will need your last name, case number, date of birth and date of injury.  Click on PODCAST Transcript for more information... Dr. Taylor's educational podcast utilizes his experience and history as a DOL – OWCP provider and his years of consulting and teaching all things federal workers compensation related. This is an educational short form format for learning how to successfully file federal workers compensation claims. So grab a cup of coffee and lets begin.Dr. Taylor's contact information for more information or assistance is:https://fedcompconsultants@protonmail.comIf you need a provider or assistance with a DOL claim in Tampa, Jacksonville or other areas of Florida you can make an appointment to see him and the other providers at his clinic at 813-877-6900.

Federal Workers Compensation Coffee Break Podcast is about all things related to Federal Workers Compensation, FECA, OWCP, DOL & Longshore claim filing as an injured federal worker.  The podcast is an educational and informative training on how to navigate the DOL -OWCP claims filing process for all types of injured US government and federal workers. The podcaster has 28 years in assisting with federal workers compensation as a consultant and trainer. The podcast is free and is educational. If you need help with anything related to a federal workers compensation claim...help is just a cup of coffee away.                                         What is a consequential injury or condition?1.    Define ‘consequential illness/injury or conditions2.    List the steps required to develop for a consequential illness/injury including for psychological conditions.Consequential Injury: Any injury or illness occurring as a result of/due to treatment of accepted occupational illness or covered condition .Consequential condition, injury or illness must occur AFTER primary condition accepted.For establishing a consequential condition, the FECA act and the DFEC procedure manual clearly outline that if the second injury or medical condition is a result of an accepted OWCP injury then the second injury is a consequence of the original injury and the second injury would be accepted by OWCP.  After the original acceptance of a claim, an injury occurring outside the performance of duty may affect the compensability of an existing accepted injury.  Consequential Injury. This kind of injury occurs because of weakness or impairment caused by a work-related injury, and it may affect the same part of the body as the original injury or a different area altogether.  See transcript for further information...Dr. Taylor's educational podcast utilizes his experience and history as a DOL – OWCP provider and his years of consulting and teaching all things federal workers compensation related. This is an educational short form format for learning how to successfully file federal workers compensation claims. So grab a cup of coffee and lets begin.Dr. Taylor's contact information for more information or assistance is:https://fedcompconsultants@protonmail.comIf you need a provider or assistance with a DOL claim in Tampa, Jacksonville or other areas of Florida you can make an appointment to see him and the other providers at his clinic at 813-877-6900.

Federal Workers Compensation Coffee Break Podcast is about all things related to Federal Workers Compensation, FECA, OWCP, DOL & Longshore claim filing as an injured federal worker.  The podcast is an educational and informative training on how to navigate the DOL -OWCP claims filing process for all types of injured US government and federal workers. The podcaster has 28 years in assisting with federal workers compensation as a consultant and trainer. The podcast is free and is educational. If you need help with anything related to a federal workers compensation claim...help is just a cup of coffee away.The Office of Workers Compensation Programs (OWCP) has strict criteria and guidelines for eligibility. Your claim must be established in a very specific manner. Our clinic has 28 years of experience providing impairment rating evaluations that are  needed to make a successful scheduled award claim. In order to qualify for a scheduled award an impairment rating evaluation needs to be completed by a OWCP approved and properly qualified physician who must submit a narrative report with a description of the medical evidence that satisfy the necessary procedural requirements for a valid impairment including MMI, use of AMA's 6th edition Guides, calculation of rating, citation of AMA tables, etc.  BUT the purpose of this podcast is to make sure you understand if you are actually qualified to receive a scheduled award based on your federal work-related injury.  The OWCP lists specific body parts that qualify for receiving a schedule award. Does your injury meet the basic qualifications before you go through the award process? These are the body parts that qualify:Arm, Leg, Hand, Fingers, Foot, Eye, Breast, Skin, Kidney, Lung, Skin, Throat, Penis, Testicle, Tongue , Ovary, Uterus, Vagina, Toes. Unfortunately, if you have an injured body part, not on the list, you do not qualify for an award. Dr. Taylor's educational podcast utilizes his experience and history as a DOL - OWCP provider and his years of consulting and teaching all things federal workers compensation related. This is an educational short form format for learning how to successfully file federal workers compensation claims. So grab a cup of coffee and lets begin.Dr. Taylor's educational podcast utilizes his experience and history as a DOL – OWCP provider and his years of consulting and teaching all things federal workers compensation related. This is an educational short form format for learning how to successfully file federal workers compensation claims. So grab a cup of coffee and lets begin.Dr. Taylor's contact information for more information or assistance is:https://fedcompconsultants@protonmail.comIf you need a provider or assistance with a DOL claim in Tampa, Jacksonville or other areas of Florida you can make an appointment to see him and the other providers at his clinic at 813-877-6900.

Federal Workers Compensation Coffee Break Podcast is about all things related to Federal Workers Compensation, FECA, OWCP, DOL & Longshore claim filing as an injured federal worker.  The podcast is an educational and informative training on how to navigate the DOL -OWCP claims filing process for all types of injured US government and federal workers. The podcaster has 27 years in assisting with federal workers compensation as a consultant and trainer. The podcast is free and is educational. If you need help with anything related to a federal workers compensation claim...help is just a cup of coffee away.Processing Claims for COVID-19 Diagnosed After January 27, 2023Claims for COVID-19 diagnosed after January 27, 2023, will now require to be fully developed to establish the five basic elements for claims adjudication under the FECA:a. The claim was filed within the time limits set by the FECA;b. The injured worker was an employee within the meaning of the FECA;c. The claimant provided evidence1. Of a diagnosis of COVID-19, and2. That establishes they actually experienced the event(s) or employment factor(s) alleged to have occurred.d. The alleged event(s) or employment factor(s) occurred while the employee was in the performance of duty; and e. The COVID-19 is found by a physician to be causally related to the established event(s) or employment factor(s) within the employee's Federal employment. 1. Policy Applicability. A determination as to whether a claim based on a COVID-19 diagnosis is treated under the ARPA COVID-19 provisions will be based exclusively on the date of the positive COVID-19 test results.2. Form. Claims for COVID-19 diagnosed after January 27, 2023 should generally be filed on Form CA-2. This is because in most cases there is no clear, identifiable incident or incidents over a single day or work shift to which the injured worker can specifically attribute the event alleged to have caused the diagnosed COVID-19. While OWCP had previously required these claims to be filed on Form CA-1,  those circumstances have now passed, so this change is being made so that COVID-19 is treated similarly to other airborne infectious disease where the specific etiology is unclear.Exception: Form CA-1 may be used only if the event alleged to have caused the diagnosed COVID-19 is identifiable as a single event or incident with identified time and place of occurrence. If there is no clear, identifiable incident or incidents over a single day or shift to which the injured worker is attributing the diagnosis of COVID-19, Form CA-2 should be used.  A positive Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) or Antigen COVID-19 test result is required. Dr. Taylor's educational podcast utilizes his experience and history as a DOL - OWCP provider and his years of consulting and teaching all things federal workers compensation related. This is an educational short form format for learning how to successfully file federal workers compensation claims. So grab a cup of coffee and lets begin.Dr. Taylor's contact information for more information or assistance is:https://fedcompconsultants@protonmail.comIf you need a provider or assistance with a DOL claim in Tampa, Jacksonville or other areas of Florida you can make an appointment to see him and the other providers at his clinic at  813-877-6900.

Federal Workers Compensation Coffee Break Podcast is about all things related to Federal Workers Compensation, FECA, OWCP, DOL & Longshore claim filing as an injured federal worker.  The podcast is an educational and informative training on how to navigate the DOL -OWCP claims filing process for all types of injured US government and federal workers. The podcaster has 27 years in assisting with federal workers compensation as a consultant and trainer. The podcast is free and is educational. If you need help with anything related to a federal workers compensation claim...help is just a cup of coffee away.Employees' Compensation Operations and Management Portal (ECOMP) Entity Management SystemA new component of ECOMP enables registered, designated representatives to securely view case data and documents in Office of Workers' Compensation (OWCP) case files for the FECA program. Functionality for the Longshore program is being deployed separately. While the basic components of the Entity Management System in ECOMP are the same regardless of OWCP program, there are some program specific nuances. Under the FECA, a claimant who has filed a claim with the Department of Labor's (DOL) Office of Workers' Compensation Programs, “may authorize an individual to represent him [or her] in any proceeding under this subchapter.” 5 U.S.C. § 8127(a). The Code of Federal Regulations provides that while the FECA claims process is informal, “a claimant may appoint one individual to represent his or her interests, but the appointment must be in writing.” 20 C.F.R § 10.700 (a). While injured workers are not required to select a representative in order to file or process their FECA claim, they do have the option to request a representative at any time in the life of their claim.The Entity Management System is a new feature in ECOMP that allows designated representatives, such as law firms, union representatives, or individual attorneys, to access case data and case file documents electronically.Entities must first register in ECOMP. Once done, any claimant may link an entity representative to their case file(s) in ECOMP. This may be someone who has already previously agreed to representation, or the claimant may request new representation directly in ECOMP. If the designated representative entity accepts the request for representation, the entity will have the ability to view case information such as payment history and pharmacy and bill payment transactions, and view case file documents electronically. The new entity user will be allowed to request that claimants contact them prior to designating them as an entity in ECOMP. An affirmative selection will generate a prompt for the claimant to verify that they have contacted the entity prior to attempting to link with them in ECOMP, but OWCP cannot enforce this contact requirement.Dr. Taylor's educational podcast utilizes his experience and history as a DOL - OWCP provider and his years of consulting and teaching all things federal workers compensation related. This is an educational short form format for learning how to successfully file federal workers compensation claims. So grab a cup of coffee and lets begin.Dr. Taylor's contact information for more information or assistance is:https://fedcompconsultants@protonmail.comIf you need a provider or assistance with a DOL claim in Tampa, Jacksonville or other areas of Florida you can make an appointment to see him and the other providers at his clinic at813-877-6900 M & R Medical & Therapy website is https://mrtherapycenter.com/federal-work-injury-blog/ and at twitter:  https://twitter.com/FedCompPodcast

Federal Workers Compensation Coffee Break Podcast is about all things related to Federal Workers Compensation, FECA, OWCP, DOL & Longshore claim filing as an injured federal worker.  The podcast is an educational and informative training on how to navigate the DOL -OWCP claims filing process for all types of injured US government and federal workers. The podcaster has 27 years in assisting with federal workers compensation as a consultant and trainer. The podcast is free and is educational. If you need help with anything related to a federal workers compensation claim...help is just a cup of coffee away.                                  ECOMP - Electronic Document Submission  DEEP DIVEDo I need to register with ECOMP in order to electronically upload a document? You do NOT need to register in ECOMP.  All you need to upload a document is the case number, as well as the claimant's last name, date of birth and date of injury. Can I file a form using the Electronic Document Submission process in ECOMP? Forms should not be submitted via the “upload document” feature in ECOMP.  If your agency enrolls in ECOMP for electronic form filing, you may be able to register and then use the “file a form” portion of ECOMP.  If your agency is not enrolled in ECOMP, you will receive a message telling you so and you should contact your agency for instructions on how to file a claim form. This podcast is a deep dive of ECOMP and how to navigate the ECOMP system and how to find or upload documents that are relevant and how to use and search for docs on ECOMP. ECOMP is a website login portal that provides federal agencies with an electronic system for recording workplace injuries and illnesses, and processing claims under the Federal Employees' Compensation Act (FECA). Once you register and verify your identity in ECOMP, you will have access to case information and letters from OWCP. See transcript attached for more of the podcast information: Links for tutorials: https://www.ecomp.dol.gov/#/help/userguide/claimant                                         https://www.ecomp.dol.gov/#/help/userguide/claimant/Review                                         https://www.ecomp.dol.gov/#/help/userguide/claimant/RegistrationDr. Taylor's educational podcast utilizes his experience and history as a DOL - OWCP provider and his years of consulting and teaching all things federal workers compensation related. This is an educational short form format for learning how to successfully file federal workers compensation claims. So grab a cup of coffee and lets begin.Dr. Taylor's contact information for more information or assistance is:https://fedcompconsultants@protonmail.comIf you need a provider or assistance with a DOL claim in Tampa, Jacksonville or other areas of Florida you can make an appointment to see him and the other providers at his clinic at813-877-6900His clinic website is https://mrtherapycenter.com/federal-work-injury-blog/ and at twitter:  https://twitter.com/FedCompPodcast

Federal Workers Compensation Coffee Break Podcast is about all things related to Federal Workers Compensation, FECA, OWCP, DOL & Longshore claim filing as an injured federal worker.  The podcast is an educational and informative training on how to navigate the DOL -OWCP claims filing process for all types of injured US government and federal workers. The podcaster has 27 years in assisting with federal workers compensation as a consultant and trainer. The podcast is free and is educational. If you need help with anything related to a federal workers compensation claim...help is just a cup of coffee away.                                                                    WAYS TO APPEAL A CLOSED CASEIf you receive a Notice of Decision letter from DOL/OWCP denying your claim, you have one (1) year from the date of the denial letter to appeal your decision. Also, if you have an accepted OWCP case that is closed due to inactivity or your case worker does not think that your case should be kept open due to your OWCP case diagnosis. You can appeal your closed case as well. Administrative closure usually happens when a patient's OWCP case is closed due to "no activity" in your case for a period of 120 or 180 days.  Oral hearings can be attended Telephonically! One of the most common ways to appeal a closed case is over the phone. OWCP Oral Hearings can now be conducted telephonically saving you the trouble and cost of attending your OWCP Oral Hearing in person. Your doctor, your union representative, OWCP consultant, lawyer  or even just you representing yourself  can represent you in an oral hearing. ORAL hearing appeals process telephonically allow you or your representative to  represent you during your OWCP Oral Hearing via telephone conference call. Although the FECA was intended to be non-adversarial, the law is complicated. 5 USC 8127 allows an injured worker to appoint a representative to act for him or her in any proceeding under the Act. A representative such as a union steward or attorney experienced in the ins and outs of this program can help an injured worker. The provision for this type of appeal is found under 5USC.8128(a). This pretty much means that an injured employee who does not agree with DOL & OWCP case decisions, They can then appeal orally but under an oral appeal there is the telephonic option. Which saves the injured employee time by not having to travel to meet in person . Dr. Taylor's educational podcast utilizes his experience and history as a DOL - OWCP provider and his years of consulting and teaching all things federal workers compensation related. This is an educational short form format for learning how to successfully file federal workers compensation claims. So grab a cup of coffee and lets begin.Dr. Taylor's contact information for more information or assistance is:https://fedcompconsultants@protonmail.comIf you need a provider or assistance with a DOL claim in Tampa, Jacksonville or other areas of Florida you can make an appointment to see him and the other providers at his clinic at813-877-6900His clinic website is https://mrtherapycenter.com/federal-work-injury-blog/ and at twitter:  https://twitter.com/FedCompPodcast

Federal Workers Compensation Coffee Break Podcast is about all things related to Federal Workers Compensation, FECA, OWCP, DOL & Longshore claim filing as an injured federal worker.  The podcast is an educational and informative training on how to navigate the DOL -OWCP claims filing process for all types of injured US government and federal workers. The podcaster has 27 years in assisting with federal workers compensation as a consultant and trainer. The podcast is free and is educational. If you need help with anything related to a federal workers compensation claim...help is just a cup of coffee away.Form CA-16, Authorization for Examination and/or Treatment. Form CA-16 is the vehicle by which the employing agency authorizes initial examination and/or medical treatment at OWCP expense. It is used to refer an employee who sustains a traumatic injury to a local physician or hospital of the employee's choice.  CA-16s are issued by Employing Agencies to Injured Workers so they can seek immediate medical care. When there is a CA-16, NO authorization is needed for office visits and consultations, labs, hospital services (including inpatient), X-rays (including MRI and CT scan), physical therapy, and Emergency services (including surgery) related to the work injury. a. Emergency Medical Facility. Emergency medical care by private physicians, clinics or hospitals may be authorized if such care is warranted. The employee may seek continuing medical care from the physician who provided the initial treatment or select another local physician.(2) Effect of Adjudication. Once a case is accepted, the period of authorization is automatically extended to cover necessary services for the accepted condition, and additional authorization is not necessary unless requested by a provider in a specific case. The U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) has contracted with Optum Workers' Compensation Services (“Optum”) to provide Pharmacy Benefit Management (PBM) services to the Federal Employees' Compensation Act (FECA) Program. Optum will be responsible for pharmaceutical transactions including but not limited to implementation of FECA Program eligibility determinations and pricing for pharmaceutical drugs provided to FECA claimants. FECA claimants MUST use the Optum/FECA pharmacy benefit card for injury-related prescriptions. No other pharmacy benefit card will be recognized for a claimant's federal workers' compensation injury. In a new Injury Ca-16  without an Optum pharmacy card the injured worker will need to pay for their medications with their personal insurance while a new case is being adjudicated. Dr. Taylor's educational podcast utilizes his experience and history as a DOL - OWCP provider and his years of consulting and teaching all things federal workers compensation related. This is an educational short form format for learning how to successfully file federal workers compensation claims. So grab a cup of coffee and lets begin.Dr. Taylor's contact information for more information or assistance is:https://fedcompconsultants@protonmail.comIf you need a provider or assistance with a DOL claim in Tampa, Jacksonville or other areas of Florida you can make an appointment to see him and the other providers at his clinic at813-877-6900His clinic website is https://mrtherapycenter.com/federal-work-injury-blog/ and at twitter:  https://twitter.com/FedCompPodcast

Federal Workers Compensation Coffee Break Podcast is about all things related to Federal Workers Compensation, FECA, OWCP, DOL & Longshore claim filing as an injured federal worker.  The podcast is an educational and informative training on how to navigate the DOL -OWCP claims filing process for all types of injured US government and federal workers. The podcaster has 27 years in assisting with federal workers compensation as a consultant and trainer. The podcast is free and is educational. If you need help with anything related to a federal workers compensation claim...help is just a cup of coffee away.If you are an employee of the federal government or the United States Postal Service and suffer from an injury or illness that prevents you from providing your job position requirements or any other useful service in your current or any other type of position, you may qualify for disability retirement benefits through the Office of Personnel Management.  So today I will step out of just OWCP discussion usual topics …because I have so many people ask questions about Federal retirement, SSDI, FERS, retirement and disability filing for people especially in the POST OFFICE, SO… I will try to explain the very general basics related to  disability retirement for Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS) employees.  There are several requirements for FERS disability retirement. You must be in a federal position covered by FERS with at least 18 months of creditable service and become disabled. The following criteria must be documented in order to qualify for FERS: • A deficiency in service with respect to performance, attendance or conduct, or, in the absence of any actual service deficiency, a showing that the medical condition is incompatible with either useful service or retention in the position; • A medical condition that is defined as a health impairment resulting from disease or injury, including work-related injury or psychiatric disease; • A relationship between the service deficiency and the medical condition such that the medical condition has caused the service deficiency; • The duration of the medical condition, both past and expected, and a showing that the condition, in all probability, will continue for at least one year from the date the application for disability retirement has been filed; • another criteria is The inability of the employing agency to reasonably accommodate the employee's medical condition (which happens commonly to work-related injuries) and, • The agency's consideration of the employee for reassignment to any vacant position within the employing agency and commuting area, at the same grade or pay level, for which the employee is qualified.Dr. Taylor's educational podcast utilizes his experience and history as a DOL - OWCP provider and his years of consulting and teaching all things federal workers compensation related. This is an educational short form format for learning how to successfully file federal workers compensation claims. So grab a cup of coffee and lets begin.Dr. Taylor's contact information for more information or assistance is:https://fedcompconsultants@protonmail.comIf you need a provider or assistance with a DOL claim in Tampa, Jacksonville or other areas of Florida you can make an appointment to see him and the other providers at his clinic at813-877-6900His clinic website is https://mrtherapycenter.com/federal-work-injury-blog/ and at twitter:  https://twitter.com/FedCompPodcast

Federal Workers Compensation Coffee Break Podcast is about all things related to Federal Workers Compensation, FECA, OWCP, DOL & Longshore claim filing as an injured federal worker.  The podcast is an educational and informative training on how to navigate the DOL -OWCP claims filing process for all types of injured US government and federal workers. The podcaster has 27 years in assisting with federal workers compensation as a consultant and trainer. The podcast is free and is educational. If you need help with anything related to a federal workers compensation claim...help is just a cup of coffee away.Longshore and Harbor Workers' Compensation Act - (PART ONE) Who is Eligible & who/what is covered under the Longshore and Harbor Workers' Compensation Act (LHWCA)!This Act, administered by the Office of Workers' Compensation Programs (OWCP), U. S. Department of Labor, offers compensation and medical care to employees disabled from injuries that occur on the navigable waters of the United States, or in adjoining areas customarily used in loading, unloading, repairing, or building a vessel. The Act also offers benefits to dependents if the injury causes the employee's death. These benefits are paid by an insurance company or by an employer who is authorized by the OWCP to be self-insured. The term "injury" includes occupational disease.The Longshore Act Covers WHO? How do I know if I am covered by Federal Workers Comp under OWCP division on FECA: The LHWCA covers employees in traditional maritime occupations such as longshore workers, ship-repairers, shipbuilders or ship-breakers, and harbor construction workers. The injuries must occur on the navigable waters of the United States or in the adjoining areas, including piers, docks, terminals, wharves, and those areas used in loading and unloading vessels. Non-maritime employees may also be covered if they perform their work on navigable water and their injuries occur there. Other Employees are covered similarly through the Longshore Act Extensions known as the following: Defense Base Act, Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act, Non-appropriated Fund Instrumentalities Act ,  & The Jones Act.  If you need additional information about your rights under this law, access the link provided below (from the official Longshore website) and contact the appropriate (link) Longshore District Office. Claims forms and additional information may be obtained from the official (link) Longshore website.Dr. Taylor's educational podcast utilizes his experience and history as a DOL - OWCP provider and his years of consulting and teaching all things federal workers compensation related. This is an educational short form format for learning how to successfully file federal workers compensation claims. So grab a cup of coffee and lets begin.Dr. Taylor's contact information for more information or assistance is:https://fedcompconsultants@protonmail.comIf you need a provider or assistance with a DOL claim in Tampa, Jacksonville or other areas of Florida you can make an appointment to see him and the other providers at his clinic at813-877-6900His clinic website is https://mrtherapycenter.com/federal-work-injury-blog/ and at twitter:  https://twitter.com/FedCompPodcast

Federal Workers Compensation Coffee Break Podcast is about all things related to Federal Workers Compensation, FECA, OWCP, DOL & Longshore claim filing as an injured federal worker.  The podcast is an educational and informative training on how to navigate the DOL -OWCP claims filing process for all types of injured US government and federal workers. The podcaster has 27 years in assisting with federal workers compensation as a consultant and trainer. The podcast is free and is educational. If you need help with anything related to a federal workers compensation claim...help is just a cup of coffee away.Longshore and Harbor Workers' Compensation Act - (PART TWO)Part 2 of the Longshore Workers  Compensation PodcastHow do I file a claim for Longshore compensation?In addition to the Notice of Injury given to your employer, you should file a written claim with the OWCP within one (1) year after the date of injury; or, if the employer has been voluntarily paying compensation benefits, you should file a written claim within a year of the last payment of compensation. You should use Form LS-203, Employee's Claim for Compensation, to file your written claim. What is my responsibility to report the injury?You must give a written notice of injury to the employer within 30 days of the occurrence of the injury or within 30 days of when you become aware that you have an injury or disability related to the employment. You should use Form LS-201, Notice of Employee's Injury or Death, for this purpose.How do I contact my Claims Examiner?You can call the District Suboffice that maintains your case file to speak with your Claims Examiner. Office contact information can be found in the Contact Us section on our website. See FAQ 18 and 19 for more information on determining where a case is located.You may also submit a written inquiry to the following address: U. S. Department of Labor, Office of Workers' Compensation Programs, Division of Longshore and Harbor Workers' Compensation, 400 West Bay Street, Suite 63A, Box 28, Jacksonville, FL 32202. Where should I submit case file documents?If you already have an OWCP file number, you can use Longshore's Secure Electronic Access Portal (SEAPortal), located at https://seaportal.dol.gov  The SEAPortal is a web-based application (This is ECOMP for LONGSHORE) This can be used by you, or your doctor. You simply need the OWCP case number and the injured worker's last name, date of birth and date of injury.  Dr. Taylor's educational podcast utilizes his experience and history as a DOL - OWCP provider and his years of consulting and teaching all things federal workers compensation related. This is an educational short form format for learning how to successfully file federal workers compensation claims. So grab a cup of coffee and lets begin.Dr. Taylor's contact information for more information or assistance is:https://fedcompconsultants@protonmail.comIf you need a provider or assistance with a DOL claim in Tampa, Jacksonville or other areas of Florida you can make an appointment to see him and the other providers at his clinic at813-877-6900His clinic website is https://mrtherapycenter.com/federal-work-injury-blog/ and at twitter:  https://twitter.com/FedCompPodcast

Federal Workers Compensation Coffee Break Podcast is about all things related to Federal Workers Compensation, FECA, OWCP, DOL & Longshore claim filing as an injured federal worker.  The podcast is an educational and informative training on how to navigate the DOL -OWCP claims filing process for all types of injured US government and federal workers. The podcaster has 27 years in assisting with federal workers compensation as a consultant and trainer. The podcast is free and is educational. If you need help with anything related to a federal workers compensation claim...help is just a cup of coffee away.If you are a federal worker that has a federal workers compensation claim either as a traumatic injury CA-1 or as a CA-2 occupational illness or injury and you submit your CA forms, Ca-1, Ca-20 and/or CA-16, Ca-17 and a written statement….either by mail or ECOMP. OWCP will provide you with an explanation of acceptance and/or denial by mail and /or ECOMP.   If either the your physician or you, the injured federal worker  believe  that the accepted conditions require expansion or modification to be more accurate, OWCP will request a detailed explanation as to how the additional conditions are related to the original work-related injury or resulting residuals. Most claims are denied with a 5 elements letter and lists which of the 5 elements were not met with an explanation why your claim is denied and advise you fully of your appeal rights, including the time frames for exercising these rights and the offices you should contact and lastly how to appeal the denial decision. I often have to explain to patients that the fight to get your full claim with all of your accurate diagnosis included needs to be continued and submitted. When you the federal worker receive an OWCP acceptance letter an alarm bell should sound off in your head if your acceptance letter only lists minimal diagnosis of bruises and strains. Often times when an intake medical provider sees an orthopedic injury the diagnosis is initially strain, sprain and or pain, swelling or contusion. This is due to the fact that the amount of damage or severity and location of the tearing of muscles, ligaments and tendons has not been confirmed more definitively by x-rays, CAT scans or MRIs. So, pay close attention to your first acceptance letter and make sure if you have a more severe injury you present the medical evidence from an OWCP approved medical provider that contains an expansion diagnosis narrative with supporting diagnostic tests along with a strong causation statement explanation. Dr. Taylor's educational podcast utilizes his experience and history as a DOL - OWCP provider and his years of consulting and teaching all things federal workers compensation related. This is an educational short form format for learning how to successfully file federal workers compensation claims. So grab a cup of coffee and lets begin.Dr. Taylor's contact information for more information or assistance is:https://fedcompconsultants@protonmail.comIf you need a provider or assistance with a DOL claim in Tampa, Jacksonville or other areas of Florida you can make an appointment to see him and the other providers at his clinic at813-877-6900 His clinic website is https://mrtherapycenter.com/federal-work-injury-blog/ and at twitter:  https://twitter.com/FedCompPodcast

Federal Workers Compensation Coffee Break Podcast is about all things related to Federal Workers Compensation, FECA, OWCP, DOL & Longshore claim filing as an injured federal worker.  The podcast is an educational and informative training on how to navigate the DOL -OWCP claims filing process for all types of injured US government and federal workers. The podcaster has 27 years in assisting with federal workers compensation as a consultant and trainer. The podcast is free and is educational. If you need help with anything related to a federal workers compensation claim...help is just a cup of coffee away.When the Office of Workers' Compensation Programs (OWCP) has determined that there is sufficient factual and medical evidence to accept the claim, a formal decision is issued which explains which conditions were accepted as arising out of the claimed factors. •    Where medical evidence establishes that a pre- existing condition was aggravated, an          aggravation should be accepted, not the underlying condition itself.•      Whether the claim is a Traumatic Injury or an Occupational Disease, the same criteria          need to established.•       In Traumatic Injury cases with resulting disability, continuation of pay (COP) should be          authorized unless one of the nine reasons to controvert COP have been established.•       In either type of case, with resulting disability, the claimant should be notified of          placement into disability management (QCM) and the purpose of the QCM program.If either the physician or claimant indicate that the accepted conditions require expansion or modification, OWCP should request a detailed explanation as to how the additional conditions are related to the original injury or resulting residuals.  Claims for consequential conditions should be referred to the District Medical Advisor for review.  If OWCP denies an initial claim, a formal denial will be issued. The decision will contain the following: •       describe the nature of the injury; •        summarize the evidence initially submitted with the claim and provide an explanation as              to why it was deficient; •        summarize what was requested upon development; •        describe all evidence received after development; and •        explain why the evidence is insufficient to support the claim.Dr. Taylor's educational podcast utilizes his experience and history as a DOL - OWCP provider and his years of consulting and teaching all things federal workers compensation related. This is an educational short form format for learning how to successfully file federal workers compensation claims. So grab a cup of coffee and lets begin.Dr. Taylor's contact information for more information or assistance is:https://fedcompconsultants@protonmail.comIf you need a provider or assistance with a DOL claim in Tampa, Jacksonville or other areas of Florida you can make an appointment to see him and the other providers at his clinic at813-877-6900His clinic website is https://mrtherapycenter.com/federal-work-injury-blog/

Federal Workers Compensation Coffee Break Podcast is about all things related to Federal Workers Compensation, FECA, OWCP, DOL & Longshore claim filing as an injured federal worker.  The podcast is an educational and informative training on how to navigate the DOL -OWCP claims filing process for all types of injured US government and federal workers. The podcaster has 27 years in assisting with federal workers compensation as a consultant and trainer. The podcast is free and is educational. If you need help with anything related to a federal workers compensation claim...help is just a cup of coffee away.The FECA provides that loss of both hands, arms, feet, or legs, or the loss of sight of both eyes is prima facie evidence of permanent total disability. See 5 U.S.C. 8105(b). It does not mean, however, that a claimant in this medical condition should be automatically declared permanently and totally disabled. Compensation is provided for specified periods of time for the permanent loss or loss of use of certain members, organs and functions of the body. Such loss or loss of use is known as permanent impairment. Compensation for proportionate periods of time is payable for partial loss or loss of use of each member, organ or function. 5 U.S.C. 8107(b)(19).  Employees covered under the Federal Employees' Retirement System (FERS) are required to apply for Social Security disability benefits in order to obtain FERS disability retirement. Social Security regulations provide for dollar-for-dollar offset of Social Security disability benefits if an employee receives workers' compensation disability benefits.Social Security Disability: Social Security considers OWCP Schedule Awards as disability benefits, and will deduct the full amount from any Social Security disability benefits due. Moreover, Social Security will report the full amount of the deduction to the IRS as taxable income, even though it never was paid to the injured worker.VA Disability: Under FECA, an injured federal worker whose claim is accepted is entitled to medical benefits and wage loss compensation. For federal worker with DVA disability ratings, applying for some FECA benefits may require an election between the DVA benefits and FECA benefits. An injured worker with a DVA disability rating for the same injury will often receive more from an increase of their DVA disability rating than from a schedule award. Injured workers with DVA disability ratings should contact their National Business Agent's office for guidance. To receive a Schedule Award, the person must be rated by a physician, using the AMA Guides to the Evaluation of Permanent Impairment, Sixth Edition, g, the person has to have reached Maximum Medical Improvement, which is referred to as MMI.Schedule Award is paid using the formula:(OWCP Compensation Rate) x (Number of weeks allowed on the Schedule for the injured body part) x (% of Impairment) = $Schedule AwardDr. Taylor's educational podcast utilizes his experience and history as a DOL - OWCP provider and his years of consulting and teaching all things federal workers compensation related. This is an educational short form format for learning how to successfully file federal workers compensation claims. So grab a cup of coffee and lets begin.Dr. Taylor's contact information for more information or assistance is:https://fedcompconsultants@protonmail.comIf you need a provider or assistance with a DOL claim in Tampa, Jacksonville or other areas of Florida you can make an appointment to see him and the other providers at his clinic at813-877-6900His clinic website is https://mrtherapycenter.com/federal-work-injury-blog/

Federal Workers Compensation Coffee Break Podcast is about all things related to Federal Workers Compensation, FECA, OWCP, DOL & Longshore claim filing as an injured federal worker.  The podcast is an educational and informative training on how to navigate the DOL -OWCP claims filing process for all types of injured US government and federal workers. The podcaster has 27 years in assisting with federal workers compensation as a consultant and trainer. The podcast is free and is educational. If you need help with anything related to a federal workers compensation claim...help is just a cup of coffee away.                                                            Initial Denial   ---Burden of Proof:•The claimant has the burden to establish the components of his/her claim.•However, the Office of Workers' Compensation Programs (OWCP) is not a disinterested arbiter. •Thus OWCP shares in the responsibility to establish the claim if prima facie evidence has been established. ( I know that is what the DFEC procedure manual says but the level of attempts to share in this responsibility is simply astounding in my experience.  If OWCP denies your  initial claim, a formal denial will be issued.  The DENIAL decision will contain the following:  •describe the nature of the injury;•summarize the evidence initially submitted with the claim and provide an explanation as to why it was deficient;•summarize what was requested upon development;•describe all evidence received after development; and•explain why the evidence is insufficient to support the claim.•A denial decision should describe which of the five basic elements have or have not been met, the specific element upon which the claim is being denied, and a clear discussion of the necessary evidence to support the claim. (remember if you receive a denial and it list one of the five basic elements as having not been satisfied go back and listen to podcast # 11 & 16 for assistance with your denial response. •Formal denials must always include appeal rights! These appeal rights are usually listed on the last page of the denial letter and require  you to sign and date that appeals page and return it to your claims examiner by the deadlines that are assigned to the type of appeal you choose. You are typically granted three types of appeals:1.  Appeal to ECAB, or the Employees' Compensation Appeals Board2. Appeal to the Branch of Hearings and Review3. Reconsideration carried out by the District OfficeDr. Taylor's educational podcast utilizes his experience and history as a DOL - OWCP provider and his years of consulting and teaching all things federal workers compensation related. This is an educational short form format for learning how to successfully file federal workers compensation claims. So grab a cup of coffee and lets begin.Dr. Taylor's contact information for more information or assistance is: fedcompconsultants@protonmail.comIf you need a provider or assistance with a DOL claim in Tampa, Jacksonville or other areas of Florida you can make an appointment to see him and the other providers at M & R MEdical & Therapy Center at : 813-877-6900His clinic website is https://mrtherapycenter.com/federal-work-injury-blog/

Federal Workers Compensation Coffee Break Podcast is about all things related to Federal Workers Compensation, FECA, OWCP, DOL & Longshore claim filing as an injured federal worker.  The podcast is an educational and informative training on how to navigate the DOL -OWCP claims filing process for all types of injured US government and federal workers. The podcaster has 27 years in assisting with federal workers compensation as a consultant and trainer. The podcast is free and is educational. If you need help with anything related to a federal workers compensation claim...help is just a cup of coffee away.How do I prepare before starting my VA Disability application?    Find out if you're eligible for VA disability compensation What evidence will I need to provide to support my VA Disability claim?There are four key things you need to do:(1) Determine if you are eligible for VA Disability Compensation(2) Gather sufficient proof to support your disability claim(3) Fill out all the necessary VA disability claim forms to complete your claim(4) File your claim through one of the three approaches: mail, in person, onlineYou can help to support your VA disability claim by providing documents such as:VA medical records and hospital records that relate to your claimed illnesses or injuries or that show your rated disability has gotten worsePrivate medical records and hospital reports that relate to your claimed illnesses or injuries or that show your disability has gotten worseSupporting statements you'd like to provide from family members, friends, clergy members, law enforcement personnel, or those you served with that can tell us more about your claimed condition and how and when it happened or how it got worseDepending on the type of claim you file, you may gather supporting documents yourself, or you can ask for our help to gather evidence. How do I file my claim? You can file your disability compensation claim online right now.File a disability compensation claim You can also file a disability claim: By mail, in person or  online or with the help of a trained professional.VA Forms 21-4142 and 21-4142a:  https://www.vba.va.gov/pubs/forms/VBA-21-4142-ARE.pdf(VSO)Veterans Service Office assistance list link: https://www.va.gov/ogc/apps/accreditation/index.aspDr. Taylor's educational podcast utilizes his experience and history as a DOL - OWCP provider and his years of consulting and teaching all things federal workers compensation related. This is an educational short form format for learning how to successfully file federal workers compensation claims. So grab a cup of coffee and lets begin.Dr. Taylor's contact information for more information or assistance is: tecconsulting@outlook.comIf you need a provider or assistance with a DOL claim in Tampa, Jacksonville or other areas of Florida you can make an appointment to see him and the other providers at his clinic at813-877-6900His clinic website is https://mrtherapycenter.com/federal-work-injury-blog/

Federal Workers Compensation Coffee Break Podcast is about all things related to Federal Workers Compensation, FECA, OWCP, DOL & Longshore claim filing as an injured federal worker.  The podcast is an educational and informative training on how to navigate the DOL -OWCP claims filing process for all types of injured US government and federal workers. The podcaster has 27 years in assisting with federal workers compensation as a consultant and trainer. The podcast is free and is educational. If you need help with anything related to a federal workers compensation claim...help is just a cup of coffee away.Third Party Liability for DOL & OWCP Federal Workers Compensation ClaimantsImportance to OWCPThese are the important topics that we are going to cover today that YOU  MUST KNOW…it can and will effect your case to the point of denial of your entire claim…so pay close attention to the next 4 statements…Ready Pins out …here we go… First…•The claimant (that is You) is required to pursue damages.•Injured workers (IW) are required to report any settlements obtained from the third party.•Benefits can be suspended if claimant does not pursue damages or fails to report them.•A portion of any settlement obtained must be refunded to OWCP.Here is the link with the entire podcast information included: https://www.dol.gov/sites/dolgov/files/owcp/dfec/icstraining/thirdpartyliability/thirdpartyliability.pdf Dr. Taylor's educational podcast utilizes his experience and history as a DOL - OWCP provider and his years of consulting and teaching all things federal workers compensation related. This is an educational short form format for learning how to successfully file federal workers compensation claims. So grab a cup of coffee and lets begin.Dr. Taylor's contact information for more information or assistance is:https://fedcompconsultants@protonmail.comIf you need a provider or assistance with a DOL claim in Tampa, Jacksonville or other areas of Florida you can make an appointment to see him and the other providers at his clinic at813-877-6900His clinic website is https://mrtherapycenter.com/federal-work-injury-blog/

Federal Workers Compensation Coffee Break Podcast is about all things related to Federal Workers Compensation, FECA, OWCP, DOL & Longshore claim filing as an injured federal worker.  The podcast is an educational and informative training on how to navigate the DOL -OWCP claims filing process for all types of injured US government and federal workers. The podcaster has 27 years in assisting with federal workers compensation as a consultant and trainer. The podcast is free and is educational. If you need help with anything related to a federal workers compensation claim...help is just a cup of coffee away.Initial Claim DevelopmentUpon initial receipt of an Office of Workers' Compensation Programs (OWCP) claim form (CA-1, CA-2, CA-2a, CA-5, etc.), the responsible claims examiner (CE) will determine if the initial claim and supplemental documentation is sufficient to meet the following five basic criteria for OWCP claims. | Five Basic Criteria  The Federal Employees' Compensation Act (FECA) five basic criteria:(1) Be timely filed.(2) Be made by a Federal Civil Employee.(3) Establish Fact of Injury, which has both a factual and medical component. Factually, the injury, accident or employment factor alleged must have actually occurred. Medically, a medical condition must be diagnosed in connection with the injury or event.(4) Establish Performance of Duty. The injury and/or medical condition must have arisen during the course of employment and within the scope of compensable work factors.(5) Establish Causal Relationship, which means the medical evidence establishes that the diagnosed condition is causally related to the injury or event. These criteria must be satisfied in the order listed above. | Development and Adjudication |•CE will allow at least 30 days for response from the claimant.  •Failure to allow at least 30 days before making an adverse decision is reversible error.  •CE must explain deficiencies in initial evidence – which of the five basics are not established.Dr. Taylor's educational podcast utilizes his experience and history as a DOL - OWCP provider and his years of consulting and teaching all things federal workers compensation related. This is an educational short form format for learning how to successfully file federal workers compensation claims. So grab a cup of coffee and lets begin.Dr. Taylor's contact information for more information or assistance is:https://fedcompconsultants@protonmail.comIf you need a provider or assistance with a DOL claim in Tampa, Jacksonville or other areas of Florida you can make an appointment to see him and the other providers at his clinic at813-877-6900His clinic website is https://mrtherapycenter.com/federal-work-injury-blog/

Federal Workers Compensation Coffee Break Podcast is about all things related to Federal Workers Compensation, FECA, OWCP, DOL & Longshore claim filing as an injured federal worker.  The podcast is an educational and informative training on how to navigate the DOL -OWCP claims filing process for all types of injured US government and federal workers. The podcaster has 27 years in assisting with federal workers compensation as a consultant and trainer. The podcast is free and is educational. If you need help with anything related to a federal workers compensation claim...help is just a cup of coffee away.In order to receive a Schedule Award, the person must be rated by a physician, using the AMA Guides to the Evaluation of Permanent Impairment, Sixth Edition, otherwise known as the AMA GUIDE 6th Edition. Prior to receiving the rating, the person has to have reached Maximum Medical Improvement, which is referred to as MMI. This rating should not be for the whole body, but for the injured body area or body part,  such as 25% of the right  lower extremity. When the physician rates the injured employee, YOUR physician is required to reference the page number and paragraph of the sixth  edition guides to the evaluation of permanent impairment  that relates to the employee's ratings. Please be aware that one does not have to accept surgery before receiving a Schedule Award. No invasive procedure can be performed on the claimant if he or she objects to it. Invasive procedures are considered anytime you penetrate the skin, such as injections or other procedures such as surgeries. What should the employer do when an employee files an initial claim for compensation due to disability or permanent impairment ?Upon receipt of Form CA-7 from the employee,   the employer shall complete the appropriate portions of the form. As soon as possible, but no more than five (5) working days after receipt from the employee, the employer shall forward the completed Form CA-7 and accompanying medical report to OWCP. OWCP clarifies schedule award procedures, including how pre-existing or ,nonindustrial medical conditions affect these important permanent disability awards. I want to talk about a common misunderstood and misused category that claims examiners and second opinion doctors attempt to utilize that is not included in the DFEC procedure manual or Code of Federal Regulations. The word that I am referring to is called apportionment.Under federal law, there is no "apportionment" - that is, if your employment contributed to any degree to the medical condition causing the disability, the entire disability is covered in full. Link to the DFEC Procedure Manual portion:https://www.dol.gov/agencies/owcp/FECA/regs/compliance/DFECfolio/FECA-PT2/group2#20808Happy Hunting! :)Dr. Taylor's educational podcast utilizes his experience and history as a DOL - OWCP provider and his years of consulting and teaching all things federal workers compensation related. This is an educational short form format for learning how to successfully file federal workers compensation claims. So grab a cup of coffee and lets begin.Dr. Taylor's contact information for more information or assistance is:https://fedcompconsultants@protonmail.comIf you need a provider or assistance with a DOL claim in Tampa, Jacksonville or other areas of Florida you can make an appointment to see him and the other providers at his clinic at813-877-6900His clinic website is https://mrtherapycenter.com/federal-work-injury-blog/

Federal Workers Compensation Coffee Break Podcast is about all things related to Federal Workers Compensation, FECA, OWCP, DOL & Longshore claim filing as an injured federal worker.  The podcast is an educational and informative training on how to navigate the DOL -OWCP claims filing process for all types of injured US government and federal workers. The podcaster has 27 years in assisting with federal workers compensation as a consultant and trainer. The podcast is free and is educational. If you need help with anything related to a federal workers compensation claim...help is just a cup of coffee away.Schedule Awards are monetary payments for a prescribed number of weeks to federal employees who suffer the permanent total or partial loss of use of those anatomical members, functions or organs of the body that are listed on the OWCP website. There are many body parts that are covered and some that are excluded. I would suggest you go over the body part list on the OWCP website. For the sake of brevity we will not cover each body part. This is 2 part podcast series. The firs podcast is me narrating the exact wording of the DFEC procedure manual on all of the legislated rules and provision of impairment rating and scheduled awards. The schedule award is payable whether the employee is working, sick or on annual leave, receiving retirement benefits, or is no longer employed by the federal government. However, an employee cannot receive a schedule award while receiving compensation for wage loss at the same time they receive the schedule award.DFEC Procedure Manual Part 2 Scheduled AWARDSEntitlement to Schedule Awards. Permanent impairment to certain parts of the body will entitle the claimant to an award of compensation payable for a set number of weeks. The Claims Examiner (CE) should monitor medical reports for the possibility of eventual impairment to a schedule member and the date by which maximum medical improvement (MMI) is expected. If it appears that a schedule award may be payable, the CE should advise the claimant via Form CA-1053, or the equivalent, of his or her possible entitlement to such an award. Here is the link to the DFEC Procedure Manual portion addressing the federal rules associated with Scheduled Awards, MMI, and Impairment Ratings:https://www.dol.gov/agencies/owcp/FECA/regs/compliance/DFECfolio/FECA-PT2/group2#20808Happy Hunting! :) Dr. Taylor's educational podcast utilizes his experience and history as a DOL - OWCP provider and his years of consulting and teaching all things federal workers compensation related. This is an educational short form format for learning how to successfully file federal workers compensation claims. So grab a cup of coffee and lets begin.Dr. Taylor's contact information for more information or assistance is:https://fedcompconsultants@protonmail.comIf you need a provider or assistance with a DOL claim in Tampa, Jacksonville or other areas of Florida you can make an appointment to see him and the other providers at his clinic at813-877-6900His clinic website is https://mrtherapycenter.com/federal-work-injury-blog/

Federal Workers Compensation Coffee Break Podcast is about all things related to Federal Workers Compensation, FECA, OWCP, DOL & Longshore claim filing as an injured federal worker.  The podcast is an educational and informative training on how to navigate the DOL -OWCP claims filing process for all types of injured US government and federal workers. The podcaster has 27 years in assisting with federal workers compensation as a consultant and trainer. The podcast is free and is educational. If you need help with anything related to a federal workers compensation claim...help is just a cup of coffee away.COP stands for Continuation of Pay & is the continuance of a federal employee's regular pay for a period not to exceed 45 calendar days of disability for a federal worker who is injured on the job. COP is the continuation of your regular pay check uninterrupted for 45 days rather than being paid for time off of work through OWCP.  This entire podcast 2 part COP series is about being paid while off of work for the first 45 days rather than your employer wrongly using and not reimbursing YOU the injured worker for your LEAVE! In the second part of our COP series wee address the  COP rules for Postal workers, discuss termination of COP and practicing some COP scenarios and practice questions.  1   Continuation of Pay (COP) is the continuance of the employee's regular pay for a period not to exceed 45 calendar days of disability 2.   Employee must begin losing time from work due to traumatic injury within 45 days of the injury to be  eligible for COP. 3.  COP should be charged for weekends and holidays if the medical evidence shows the employee was disabled on the days in question - calendar days are counted, not just work days. 4. If an employee returns to work following a work stoppage without using all 45 days of COP and then suffers a recurrence of disability within 45 days from the first Return To Work date, the employee is entitled to use the remainder of the 45 days.5. To controvert the claim, the agency must complete the indicated portion of Form CA-1 and submit detailed information in support of the controversion to the OWCP.6. An YOUR EMPLOYER's objection to paying COP for one of nine reasons provided by regulation is called “controversion”.  COP may be controverted only if one of the nine reasons apply.7. When YOUR EMPLOYER has paid COP, it may be stopped only in certain instances.  Please see Continuation of Pay presentation for those instances.Dr. Taylor's educational podcast utilizes his experience and history as a DOL - OWCP provider and his years of consulting and teaching all things federal workers compensation related. This is an educational short form format for learning how to successfully file federal workers compensation claims. So grab a cup of coffee and lets begin.Dr. Taylor's contact information for more information or assistance is:https://fedcompconsultants@protonmail.comIf you need a provider or assistance with a DOL claim in Tampa, Jacksonville or other areas of Florida you can make an appointment to see him and the other providers at his clinic at813-877-6900His clinic website is https://mrtherapycenter.com/federal-work-injury-blog/