All wage loss claims must be supported by medical evidence of injury-related disability for the period of the claim. You are not required to use your sick or annual leave before you claim compensation. If you have already used it, you may be able to buy it back. Return to work as soon as your doctor allows you to do so. You must advise your personnel or safety offices immediately of your doctor's instructions concerning return to work, and arrange for those offices to receive written verification of this information.
Many agencies have light duty programs which allow injured employees to return to duty.
Your agency sonnel will provide a written description of a light duty job, you must provide a copy to your doctor and ask if and when you can perform the duties described. At a minimum your doctor should state what your duty restrictions are so that a light duty job can be designed to meet those restrictions. COP or compensation may be terminated if you refuse work which is within your medical restrictions without good cause, or if you do not respond within specified time limits to a job offer. Tell your family about the benefits and keep them advised as to what you are doing. Your injury may get worse making it difficult for you to do many of these things.