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Created by APWU Human Relations Department Director, Sue Carney 1 FEDERAL INJURY COMPENSATION OVERVIEW How Does the Process Work? How Does It All Fit Together? - ppt download
Created by APWU Human Relations Department Director, Sue Carney 1 FEDERAL INJURY COMPENSATION OVERVIEW How Does the Process Work? How Does It All Fit Together?
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Presentation on theme: "Created by APWU Human Relations Department Director, Sue Carney 1 FEDERAL INJURY COMPENSATION OVERVIEW How Does the Process Work? How Does It All Fit Together?"— Presentation transcript:
Created by APWU Human Relations Department Director, Sue Carney 1 FEDERAL INJURY COMPENSATION OVERVIEW How Does the Process Work? How Does It All Fit Together? 20 CFR DOL FECA OWCP APWU INJURED EMPLOYEE ELM 540 EL 505 USPS 2
Created by APWU Human Relations Department Director, Sue Carney 2 TABLE OF CONTENTS Message from APWU President Burrus and Human Relations Director Susan M. Carney TOPIC SLIDE No. OWCP Statistics 99 What It’s All About1010 Who’s Involved In The Claim Process1111 Responsibilities Immediate Supervisor 1212 USPS Injury Compensation Specialist 1313 Assistance By APWU 1414 Five Basic Requirements For Successful Claim1515 Time Limits 1616 Civilian Employee 1616 Fact of Injury 1717 Performance of Duty 1919 Causal Relationship 2020 Cite Reference Chart: Five Basic Requirements 2121 3
Created by APWU Human Relations Department Director, Sue Carney 3 TABLE OF CONTENTS (continued) TOPIC SLIDE No. Types of Claims Traumatic Injury Definition (Form CA-1) 2222 Occupational Disease Definition (Form CA-2) 2424 Recurrence Definition (Form CA-2A) 2626 Cite Reference Chart: Three Types of Claims 2929 Traumatic Injury Form CA-16 Authorization for Examination/Treatment 3030 Cite Reference Chart: Traumatic Injury (Form CA-16) 3232 Continuation Of Pay (COP) 3333 Cite Reference Chart: Traumatic Injury: COP 3636 Controversion with COP Withheld 3838 Cite Reference Chart: Traumatic Injury: COP Withheld 4040 Stopping COP Which Has Already Begun4141 Cite Reference Chart: Traumatic Injury: COP Stopped 4343 Claim for Compensation (Forms CA-7, CA-20) 4444 Cite Reference Chart: Claim for Compensation 4848 Leave Buy Back (Form CA-7b) 5050 Cite Reference Chart: Leave Buy Back (CA-7b) 5353 4
Created by APWU Human Relations Department Director, Sue Carney 4 TABLE OF CONTENTS (continued) TOPIC SLIDE No. Return To Work Capability Medical Restrictions 5555 Cite Reference Chart: Return to Work Capability (Medical Restrictions) 5757 Job Offers (Limited Duty/Rehab) 5858 Cite Reference Chart: Job Offers 6262 Rights and Benefits 6363 Selection of Physician 6666 Postal Physician or Contract Equivalent 6868 USPS May Require Medical Examination7070 Physician Changes & Referrals 7272 Cite Reference Chart: Selection of Physician 7373 Providing Supporting Evidence7474 Employee’s Statement7575 Medical Reports7979 Sample Medical Report Traumatic Injury 8383 Sample Medical Report Occupational Disease 8484 OWCP Criteria For Evaluating Medical Reports8585 OWCP Directed Medical Exams Second Opinions 8686 Referee Specialist 8888 5
Created by APWU Human Relations Department Director, Sue Carney 5 TABLE OF CONTENTS (continued) TOPIC SLIDE No. Postal Service: Fitness for Duty 9090 Medical Privacy 9292 Schedule Award 9595 Cite Reference: Schedule Award 9999 Challenging Formal OWCP Decisions Oral Hearing Review of the Written Record Reconsideration Review by ECAB Definitions Work Limitation Due To Pain Separation Disability Disability Retirement Medical Bill Payment and Medical Authorization Process 6
Created by APWU Human Relations Department Director, Sue Carney 6 TABLE OF CONTENTS (continued) TOPIC SLIDE No. OWCP Information Federal Employees Compensation Act (FECA), Title 5, Chapter 81 Code of Federal Regulations, Claims for Compensation under FECA, Parts 10 and 25 Questions and Answers About FECA, CA 550 Injury Compensation for Federal Employees, CA 810 When Injured at Work, Guide for Federal Employees, CA 11 OWCP Forms OWCP- Information (Handbooks and Manuals) U.S. Dep’t of Labor, Self-Instructional Injury Compensation Specialist Training Video ELM 540, Injury Compensation Program EL 505, Injury Compensation Letters, MOUS, and Step 4 Decisions Letters: Letter from USPS Labor Relations At Headquarters—Services Policy for Employees that Sustained On-the-job injuries. A1 USPS Sample Letter—Limited Duty Assignments and MOU from Headquarters. A2 Letter from USPS Labor Relations—Local Management...Limited Duty A6 Letter from USPS Labor Relations—Use of Medical Reports A9 Letter from USPS. Management’s Discrimination of... limited duty vs. light duty assignments. A14 Letter from USPS Labor Relations Discipline for Safety Rule Violation A27 7
Created by APWU Human Relations Department Director, Sue Carney 7 TABLE OF CONTENTS (continued) TOPIC SLIDE No. National Pre-Arb Settlement: Limited Duty AssignmentsA3A3 Limited Duty FTRE... with varying report times. A5A5 Job Related First Aid Injuries A8A8 Step 4 Decisions: Separation from Postal Service for reasons of disability A4A4 Reporting an accident A7A7 Fitness for duty... on-the-job injury or illness A10A10 Availability of CA-8 Forms A11A11 Limited Duty—Violation of ELM Provisions A12A12 Locally developed form supplementing data on Form 3996 A15A15 Use of Locally generated forms A16A16 Outside party paying medical expenses... compensation forms A17A17 Employee can’t be compelled... during non-working hours A18A18 Light duty/limited duty signing Overtime Desired List A19A19 Completing form 2488 is voluntary (employee) A20A20 CA17 usually adequate for medical information A21A21 Completing PS Form 3971, Continuation of Pay (COP) A22A22 Limited Duty Employee Coverage by CBR A23A23 8
Created by APWU Human Relations Department Director, Sue Carney 8 TABLE OF CONTENTS (continued) TOPIC SLIDE No. Step 4 Decisions (continued): Agreement Violation of Permanently Reassigned Work in another craft A24A24 Removal from bid while on Limited Duty A25A25 Limited Duty Withdrawal with subsequent Notice of Proposed Removal. A26A26 MOUs: (NALC) Limited Duty Grievance Representation A13A13 9
Created by APWU Human Relations Department Director, Sue Carney 9 OFFICE OF WORKERS’ COMPENSATION (OWCP) STATISTICS  Approximately 175,000 Workers’ Compensation Claims Are Filed Annually.  Of These, 85,000 Are Filed By USPS Employees, Representing More than 10% Of The USPS Workforce.  Generally, 90% Of Simple Traumatic Claims And 60% Of Simple Occupational Claims Are Accepted.  In 2003, These Claims Cost The USPS Over $1.5 Billion.  The Future Liability For These Employee Injuries Is Almost $7 Billion. 10
Created by APWU Human Relations Department Director, Sue Carney 10 WHAT IT’S ALL ABOUT? Federal Employee Compensation Act (FECA) 20 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Employee Labor Relations Manual (ELM) EL 505, Injury Compensation FECA 5 U.S.C CFRELMEL 505CA 550 Q&A Ch. 1A-1 § 8149Ch. 1 FECA Q&A OWCP Forms Time Limits ELM 11
Created by APWU Human Relations Department Director, Sue Carney 11 WHO’S INVOLVED IN THE CLAIM PROCESS?  Under The Department Of Labor, The Employment Standards Administration Oversees OWCP.  Within OWCP, The Division Of Federal Employees’ Compensation (FEC) Decides Injury Claims. They Are The Determining Office.  In The USPS, The Injury Compensation Specialist (ICS) Is Responsible For Sending Claims To OWCP. The USPS Injury Compensation Office And Their Representatives Are Not An Extension Of OWCP. They Are The Control Point And Have No Authority To Adjudicate Claims.  The USPS Supervisor Forwards Claim Forms To The ICS. 12
Created by APWU Human Relations Department Director, Sue Carney 12 RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE IMMEDIATE SUPERVISOR  Immediately Ensuring That Appropriate Medical Care Is Provided.  Form CA-1 (Traumatic), Or Form CA-2 (Occupational)  Provide Form To Employee (Complete Receipt And Give To Employee).  On The Same Day As Received, Complete And Forward Form CA-1 Or Form CA-2 To The ICS [ ELM ]. ELM  Permit Employee To Select A Physician/Hospital Of Choice [ELM ].ELM  If Traumatic Injury Prevents Employee From Working Must Advise Employee Of Right To Choose Continuation Of Pay (COP) [ELM ].ELM  Cannot Cause An Employee To Forgo Filing A Claim, Or Refuse To Process It [ELM ].ELM 13
Created by APWU Human Relations Department Director, Sue Carney 13 RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE USPS INJURY COMPENSATION SPECIALIST  Completes Employer Portions Of Forms CA-16 And CA-17.  Advises Employee Whether Continuation Of Pay (COP) Will Be Controverted.  Advises Employee If COP Will Not Be Paid.  Provides Copy Of Completed CA-1, CA-2 Or CA-2a To Employee And Copy Of All Correspondence Between USPS And Employee’s Physician. [ELM ].ELM  Submits Form CA-1, CA-2, Or CA-2a To OWCP Within 10 Working Days. [ELM ].ELM  If Traumatic Injury (CA-1) Must Promptly Authorize Medical Care By Issuing Employee Form CA-16 Within 4 Hours Of Receiving Notice Of Claimed Injury. [ELM ].ELM Go See Dr. 14
Created by APWU Human Relations Department Director, Sue Carney 14 ASSISTANCE BY APWU ●Member And Non-Member: If Language Of Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) Or A Handbook Or Manual (e.g., ELM 540, EL 505) Has Been Violated By The USPS Make Grievance Decision. Grievances Cannot Be Filed Against OWCP. ●Member Only: Provide Information About OWCP Procedures And Appeals. You Do Not Have To Be Employee’s “Authorized OWCP Representative” To Assist Them With Their Claim. 15
Created by APWU Human Relations Department Director, Sue Carney 15 FIVE BASIC REQUIREMENTS FOR SUCCESSFUL CLAIM In The Order They Are Considered: ●Time Limits ●Civilian Employee ●Fact Of Injury ●Performance Of Duty ●Causal Relationship (continued) 16
Created by APWU Human Relations Department Director, Sue Carney 16 FIVE BASIC REQUIREMENTS (continued)  Written Notice Must Be Given Within 3 Years Of Injury Or Onset Of Medical Condition.  Latent (Not Evident) Disability—Must Be Given Within 3 Years Of Reasonably Knowing Condition Caused By Work Activity. Civilian Employee  All USPS Employees Including Casuals And TEs Are Civilian Federal Employees. (continued) Time Limits 17
Created by APWU Human Relations Department Director, Sue Carney 17 Two Elements Must Be Met: Occurrence Of Event  The Employee Must Have Actually Experienced The Accident, Event Or Employment Factor.  Determined On The Basis Of Factual Evidence, Including Statements From The Employee, The Supervisor, And Any Witnesses.  An Injury Does Not Have To Be Witnessed To Be Compensable. (continued) FIVE BASIC REQUIREMENTS (continued) Fact Of Injury 18
Created by APWU Human Relations Department Director, Sue Carney 18 Existence Of Medical Condition  The Accident Or Employment Factor Resulted In An Injury Or Disease. However, Employment Is Not Required To Be The Sole Factor To Have Caused An Injury Or Disease, Only A Contributing Factor.  Determined On The Basis Of The Attending Physician’s Statement That A Medical Condition Is Present That Could Be Related To The Incident Though The Medical Report Does Not Have To Relate The Condition To The Incident.  Simple Exposure Does Not Constitute An Injury. (continued) FIVE BASIC REQUIREMENTS: (continued) Fact Of Injury 19
Created by APWU Human Relations Department Director, Sue Carney 19 FIVE BASIC REQUIREMENTS (continued) Performance Of Duty  Usually Injury/Illness Must Occur While At Work.  Must Be Performing Expected Job Duties.  Breaks And “Lunches” Covered If On Premises.  For Most APWU Crafts Driving To And From Work Ordinarily Not Covered. (continued) 20
Created by APWU Human Relations Department Director, Sue Carney 20 FIVE BASIC REQUIREMENTS (continued) Causal Relationship ● Physician Must State To A “Reasonable Medical Certainty” That Work Activity Caused Or Contributed To The Diagnosed Condition. ● Physician Must Provide Medical Reasoning (Rationale) To Support Opinion Of Causal Relationship (How Physician Came To The Conclusion That There Is A Causal Relationship Between The Injury And The Workplace). (continued) 21
Created by APWU Human Relations Department Director, Sue Carney 21 FIVE BASIC REQUIREMENTS ●Time Limits ●Civilian Employee ●Fact Of Injury ●Performance Of Duty ●Causal Relationship FECA 5 USC 20 CFRELMEL 505 CA 550 Q&A § Exh. 4-6C-2 §8101.(1)10.5(h) b.Exh. 4-6 A-3 C-3 §8101.(5)10.115(c) c.Exh. 4-6C-4 §8102.(a)10.115(d) dExh. 4-6 C-5 to C-9 §8101.(5)10.115(e) eExh. 4-6C-10 22
Created by APWU Human Relations Department Director, Sue Carney 22 THREE TYPES OF CLAIMS: TRAUMATIC, OCCUPATIONAL, AND RECURRENCE Traumatic Injuries (Form CA-1)Form CA-1  A Medical Condition Caused By A Specific Incident Or Series Of Incidents In A Single Work Day/Shift.  Specific As To When And Where It Happened.  Specific As To Part Of The Body Injured.  Filed As Traumatic Not By Type Of Medical Condition, But Because Injury Happened On A Single Work Day/Shift.  May Choose COP If Injury Reported On Form CA-1 Within 30 Days Of The Injury. (continued) Go see Dr. 23
Created by APWU Human Relations Department Director, Sue Carney 23 THREE TYPES OF CLAIMS Traumatic Injury (continued)  Complete CA-1 To Give Notification.CA-1  USPS Has Ten (10) Working Days To Submit CA-1CA-1 To OWCP.  COP – If Eligibility Requirements Are Met.  CA-1 States Employer Statement And Physician’s CA-1 Medical Report Are Required.  Follow Instructions On CA-1 To Satisfy Requirements.CA-1 (continued) USPS 24
Created by APWU Human Relations Department Director, Sue Carney 24 THREE TYPES OF CLAIMS (continued) Occupational Disease Or Illness (Form CA-2)Form CA-2 ●A Medical Condition Caused By Work Activity Occurring Over More Than A Single Work Day/Shift. ●No Entitlement To COP Or Form CA-16. ●Filed As An Occupational Not By Type Of Medical Condition But Because It Happened Over More Than One Work Day/Shift. (continued) Go see Dr. 25
Created by APWU Human Relations Department Director, Sue Carney 25 THREE TYPES OF CLAIMS (continued) Occupational Disease/Illness (Form CA-2)Form CA-2 ●Complete CA-2 To Give Notification.  USPS Has 10 Working Days To Submit CA-2 To OWCP ●No COP Entitlement.  File CA-7 For Wage Loss Compensation ●CA-16 (Issuance Very Rare. USPS May Issue Only After Obtaining Approval From OWCP). (continued) 26
Created by APWU Human Relations Department Director, Sue Carney 26 THREE TYPES OF CLAIMS (continued) Recurrence (Form CA-2A)Form CA-2A Recurrence Of Disability ● Spontaneous Worsening Of An Accepted Condition Without An Intervening Event.  Worsening: Unable To Continue Working The Same Amount Of Hours After Returning To Work, e.g., 40 Hours To 30 Hours, Call-Out Due To Work-Related Injury.  If Accepted Condition Is Worsened By Work Activity, File A New Traumatic Or Occupational Claim. May Be Entitled To COP If Traumatic. (continued) Go see Dr. 27
Created by APWU Human Relations Department Director, Sue Carney 27 THREE TYPES OF CLAIMS Recurrence Recurrence Of Disability (continued)  USPS Withdrawal Of Limited Duty/Rehab Job.  Any Reduction In Job Hours.  Recurrence Of A Need For Medical Treatment With No Work Stoppage (Also Reopening A “Closed Claim”).  If No Longer Seeing Physician But Need Additional Medical Care  Continuous Treatment Is Not “Additional” Treatment  Simple Examination By Physician Is Not “Treatment” (continued) Go see Dr. 28
Created by APWU Human Relations Department Director, Sue Carney 28 THREE TYPES OF CLAIMS Recurrence (continued) ● May Be Entitled To Any COP Balance If Original Injury Traumatic.  Must Provide A Detailed Factual Statement (Comply Fully With Instructions On Form CA-2a).Form CA-2a  Medical Evidence Must Establish That The Recurrence Of Inability To Work Is Causally Related To The Original Accepted Injury.  After Returning To Work From Original Disability, Only OWCP Can Declare A Subsequent Absence Compensable, i.e., An “IOD”. (continued) Go see Dr. 29
Created by APWU Human Relations Department Director, Sue Carney 29 THREE TYPES OF CLAIMS  Traumatic Injury (Form CA-1)Form CA-1  Occupational Disease (Form CA-2)Form CA-2  Recurrence ( Form CA-2a ) Form CA-2a FECA 5 USC 20 CFRELMEL 505 CA 550 Q&A §8101 (5) 10.5 (ee) r Exh. 5.1 Ch. 3-6 Ch. 4-1 B-3 §8101 (5) (q) j Ch. 3.7 Exh. 5.1 Ch. 4-8 B-3 B (x) 10.5 (y) p q Ch. 3.8 Ch. 5 B-8 B-9 30
Created by APWU Human Relations Department Director, Sue Carney 30 TRAUMATIC INJURY OWCP Form CA-16 “Authorization For Examination/Treatment”Form CA-16  Issued For Traumatic Injuries Requiring Medical Care.  Authorizes Medical For 60 Days Unless OWCP Stops Authorization.  Employee Chooses Physician.  Must Be Issued To Employee Within 4 Hours Of Receiving Notice Of Claimed Injury (Within 48 Hours If Initial Authorization Is Verbal).  Not Issued If More Than One Week From Injury Date. (continued) USPS 31
Created by APWU Human Relations Department Director, Sue Carney 31 TRAUMATIC INJURY OWCP Form CA-16 “Authorization For Examination/Treatment” (continued)Form CA-16  Authorization Includes Subsequent Physicians When Original Physician Refers.  Issuance Required Even If USPS Doubts Injury.  Not Required For First Aid When Employee Voluntarily Accepts Postal/Contract Physician (Maximum 2 Visits).  Not Required For Simple Hazard Exposure Without Medical Condition. (continued) USPS 32
Created by APWU Human Relations Department Director, Sue Carney 32 TRAUMATIC INJURY OWCP FORM CA16 “Authorization For Examination/Treatment”  Authorizes Medical Care  60 Day Maximum  Employee Selects Physician  Within 4 Hours  Within One Week Of Injury  Referral To Different Physician  USPS Doubts Injury  First Aid By Postal/Contract  Hazard Exposure FECA 5 USC20 CFRELMEL 505 CA 550 Q&A §8103(b)10.300(a)545.21Ch. 3.3B-1.(c.) (c)E-2 §8103(a)10.300(d)Ch. 3.10E (b)545.21Ch. 3.10E (b)545.21E E Ch (a) USPS 33
Created by APWU Human Relations Department Director, Sue Carney 33 TRAUMATIC INJURY Continuation Of Pay ●COP Is The Continuation Of Employee’s Regular Salary For Wage Loss Due To Disability And/Or Medical Treatment. ●It’s Intended To Eliminate Interruption Of The Employee’s Income While OWCP Processes The Claim. ●It Includes N/D, S/P And Holiday Pay. ●COP Is Not Considered Compensation. ●Is Employer Paid. ●Is Subject To Deductions For Income Tax, Retirement, Etc. ●Employee Is In Pay Status. (continued) USPS 34
Created by APWU Human Relations Department Director, Sue Carney 34 TRAUMATIC INJURY Continuation Of Pay (continued)  Not Available For Occupational Injuries (Form CA-2).Form CA-2  Must File CA-1 Within 30 Days Of Injury.CA-1  Must Begin Losing Time From Work Within 45 Days Of Injury.  Employee’s Choice To Use COP—Should Not Be Required To Use S/L Or A/L. If Unaware COP Was An Entitlement/ Choice, Employee Has One Year (From Date Of Use) To Request Adjustment.  Must Provide Prima Fascia Medical Evidence Of Disability (Inability To Work) Within 10 Days Of When COP Begins In Order For COP To Continue.  45 Calendar Day Entitlement.  Day Of Injury Not Counted As COP (Paid As Administrative Leave). (continued) USPS 35
Created by APWU Human Relations Department Director, Sue Carney 35 TRAUMATIC INJURY Continuation Of Pay (continued)  Must Begin Using Any Balance Of COP Within 45 Days Of First Return To Work (RTW)—RTW From Disability Not Date Of Injury.  COP May Be Used Beyond 45 Day RTW Time Limit Provided Employee Begins Using COP Balance No Later Than The 45 th Day From Their RTW And Disability Continues Without Interruption.  If Disability Extends Beyond COP Period, File For Compensation.  May Use COP For Medical Treatment/Examination Time. Employee Required To RTW To Complete Work Shift Unless Disabled.  COP Is Counted By Days Not Hours. Partial Days Of COP Count As A Full Day Of COP.  May Later Request COP After Using SL/AL Once Claim Is Approved.  If OWCP Denies Claims COP Must Be Repaid (May Use SL/AL). USPS 36
Created by APWU Human Relations Department Director, Sue Carney 36 TRAUMATIC INJURY Continuation Of Pay  Not For “Occupationals”  File Within 30 Days  Lose Time Within 45 Days  Medical Within 10 Days  45 Day Entitlement  Day Of Injury Not Counted  Repayment (continued) FECA 5 USC20 CFRELMEL 505 CA 550 Q&A §8118(a)10.205(a)(1) a D (a)(2) bExh. 4.16D-4(f) (a)(3) c d Exh D-4(g ) (b) b a d Ch. 13.1D-5a §8118(b) (a) (b) d Ch. 1 Ch D (a)541.2.d (2)Ch Ch USPS 37
Created by APWU Human Relations Department Director, Sue Carney 37 TRAUMATIC INJURY Continuation Of Pay (continued)  Begin Within 45 Days Of RTW  Using Balance (Uninterrupted)  Disability Goes Beyond COP  Physician Visits  Remaining COP  May Request COP Later FECA 5 USC20 CFRELMEL 505 CA 550 Q&A (a)(3) d c Exh. 4-16D-4 (g.) Ch (a) Exh. 3-5.aD-7 Ch §8118(d) cExh. 3.5.a USPS 38
Created by APWU Human Relations Department Director, Sue Carney 38 TRAUMATIC INJURY Controversion With COP Withheld  The USPS Can Controvert (Challenge, Dispute) An OWCP Claim. However, OWCP Makes The Final Decision As To Whether A Claim Is Accepted Or Denied.  The USPS Can Controvert And Deny Payment Of COP Only For The Following Reasons:  The Disability Was Not Caused By A Traumatic Injury;  The Employee Is Not A Citizen Of The U.S. Or Canada;  No Written Claim Was Filed Within 30 Days From The Date Of Injury; (continued) Go see Dr. 39
Created by APWU Human Relations Department Director, Sue Carney 39 TRAUMATIC INJURY: CONTROVERSION WITH COP WITHHELD (continued)  The Injury Was Not Reported Until After Employment Has Been Terminated;  The Injury Occurred Off The Employing Agency’s Premises And Was Not Otherwise Within The Performance Of Official Duties;  The Injury Was Caused By The Employee’s Willful Misconduct, Intent To Injure Or Kill Himself/Herself Or Another Person, Or Was Proximately Caused By Intoxication By Alcohol Or Illegal Drugs;  First Absence Caused By The Injury Was More Than 45 Days After The Date Of Injury. ( continued) Go see Dr. 40
Created by APWU Human Relations Department Director, Sue Carney 40 TRAUMATIC INJURY COP Withheld  Not A Traumatic Injury  Not A Citizen Of U.S.  No Claim Within 30 Days  Injury Not Reported Prior To Termination Notice  Injury Off Premises And Not In Performance Of Duty  Willful Misconduct, Intent To Injure, Intoxication  First Absence More Than 45 Days After Injury FECA 5 USC20 CFRELMEL 505 CA 550 Q&A §8118(b)10.220(a) (a)Exh. 4.16D-4 (a) (b)D-4 (c) (c) (b)D-4 (f) (d) (c)D-4 (h) (e) (d)D-4 (d) (f) (e)D-4 (e) §8118(b)10.220(g) (f)Exh. 4.16D-4 (g) 41
Created by APWU Human Relations Department Director, Sue Carney 41 TRAUMATIC INJURY Stopping COP Which Has Already Begun After COP Has Been Started It May Be Stopped Only In The Following Circumstances:  Medical Evidence Which On Its Face Supports Inability To Work Due To The Workplace Injury Is Not Received Within 10 Calendar Days After Claim Is Submitted;  Medical Evidence From Employee’s Physician Shows Employee Not Disabled;  Medical Evidence From Employee’s Physician Shows Employee Not Totally Disabled And Employee Refuses Written Job Offer That Is Approved By Employee’s Physician; (continued) USPS 42
Created by APWU Human Relations Department Director, Sue Carney 42 TRAUMATIC INJURY Stopping COP Which Has Already Begun (continued)  Employee Returns To Work With No Loss Of Pay;  Specific Term Of Employment Ends;  Termination Of Employment Established Prior To Injury;  OWCP Directs Employer To Stop COP;  And/Or COP Paid For 45 Calendar Days. USPS 43
Created by APWU Human Relations Department Director, Sue Carney 43 TRAUMATIC INJURY COP Stopped  No Medical Evidence Within 10 Days  Medical Evidence Shows No Disability  Medical Evidence Shows Partial Disability And Job Offer Refused  Employee Returns To Work With No Pay Loss  Term Of Employment Ends  Termination Of Employment  OWCP Directs  45 Days Paid FECA 5 USC20 CFRELMEL 505 CA 550 Q&A (a)(1) aExh. 4-16D-5 (a) (a)(2) b (a)(3) c D-5 (b) D (a)(4) d (a)(5) eD-5(c) (b) fD (a)(6) gExh (a)(7) hExh. 4.16 44
Created by APWU Human Relations Department Director, Sue Carney 44 CLAIM FOR COMPENSATION (Form CA-7) (Form CA-20)Form CA-7Form CA-20 ●Submit Form CA-7 To Supervisor Every Two WeeksForm CA-7 And Send Form CA-20, “Attending Physician’s Report”Form CA-20 To OWCP. ●Wage Loss Compensation Is Paid At Two-Thirds Of Pay Rate If No Dependents And Three-Fourths If One Or More Dependents. ●Compensation Is Based On Pay Rate On Day Of Injury Or First Disability, Whichever Is Greater. (continued) 45
Created by APWU Human Relations Department Director, Sue Carney 45 CLAIM FOR COMPENSATION (continued) ●Night Differential, Sunday Premium And Holiday Pay Are Included In Pay Rate, But Overtime Is Excluded. ●Compensation Is Tax Free. The Only Deductions Are Premiums For Health Insurance And Optional Life Insurance. ●Payable After Three Day Wait (Non-Work Day, Non-Pay Status), But Waiting Period Waived If Total Disability Exceeds 14 Days. (continued) 46
Created by APWU Human Relations Department Director, Sue Carney 46 CLAIM FOR COMPENSATION (continued) ● Postal Service Must Submit CA-7 To OWCP Not More Than 5 Working Days After Receipt From Employee. ● An Employee Is In A Leave Without Pay (LWOP) Status When Receiving Wage Loss Compensation From OWCP. ● Employees In A LWOP Status For Any Reason Do Not Accrue Sick Or Annual Leave Nor Can They Participate In The Thrift Savings Plan. (continued) 47
Created by APWU Human Relations Department Director, Sue Carney 47 CLAIM FOR COMPENSATION (continued) ● Time Spent In A LWOP Status For Purpose Of Receiving OWCP Compensation Is Computed As Creditable Service For Retirement. ● Once Pay Rate For Compensation Is Established It Does Not Change (No Negotiated COLAs Or Raises), Unless Employee Returns To Work For More Than 6 Months Of Regular Full Time Employment. (continued) 48
Created by APWU Human Relations Department Director, Sue Carney 48 CLAIM FOR COMPENSATION ●Submit Form CA-7Form CA-7 ●⅔ Or ¾ Pay Rate ●Pay Rate At Time Of Injury ●Sunday Premium, Night Differential, Holiday Pay, Not OT ●Tax Free ●Three Day Wait (continued) FECA 5 USC20 CFRELMEL 505 CA 550 Q&A (b)(1) §8105 § (b)Ch.1F-9 § (s)541.2.iCh.1 §8114(e)Ch.1F-14 F-28 G (a)545.83F-4 49
Created by APWU Human Relations Department Director, Sue Carney 49 CLAIM FOR COMPENSATION (continued) ●Five Working Days, USPS To OWCP ●LWOP For Compensation ●No Leave Accrual In LWOP ●Creditable Service For Retirement ●No Contractual Increase In Compensation Pay Rate FECA 5 USC20 CFRELMEL 505 CA 550 Q&A (c) Ch Exh e e dExh.11.9e §8101(4) 50
Created by APWU Human Relations Department Director, Sue Carney 50 LEAVE BUY BACK (Form CA-7b)Form CA-7b ●A Leave Buy Back (LBB) Program Is At The Discretion Of The Employer. It Is Not An OWCP Requirement. ●If Employees Use Sick Or Annual Leave While Waiting For Their Claim To Be Approved By OWCP They May Apply To Buy It Back. ●The USPS Will Not Process A LBB Request For Leave Used After A Claim Has Been Approved.  File Local Grievance, Hold Pending Adjudication Of National Grievance (Q98C-4Q-C ). (continued) 51
Created by APWU Human Relations Department Director, Sue Carney 51 LEAVE BUY BACK (continued) ●When Paid Leave Is Bought Back, The Original Period Of Leave Use Is Retroactively Changed To LWOP Which Will Result In A Downward Adjustment Of Leave For Every 80 Hours Of LWOP. ●LBB May Have Income Tax Implications, Consult IRS Or Tax Advisor [Form CA-7b Worksheet].Form CA-7b Worksheet (continued) 52
Created by APWU Human Relations Department Director, Sue Carney 52 LEAVE BUY BACK (continued) ●LBB Must Be Initiated Within 1 Year Of RTW Or Within 1 Year Of OWCP Approval Of Claim, Whichever Is Later. ●Cannot Buy Back Leave If No Longer A USPS Employee. ●If LBB For Previous Year Exceeds Allowable Carryover The Excess Will Be Forfeited. ●The Employee Must Pay The USPS The Difference Between Paid Leave (100% Of Wage) And The Compensation Amount (66 ⅔% Or 75% Of The Wage) [Form CA-7b Worksheet].Form CA-7b Worksheet (continued) 53
Created by APWU Human Relations Department Director, Sue Carney 53 LEAVE BUY BACK FECA 5 USC20 CFRELMEL 505 CA550 Q&A F-7 F f Ch Exh a (a) Ex e(6) f a Exh a Discretionary Program For Leave Used While Waiting For Claim Adjudication By OWCP No LBB Of Leave Used After Claim Approved Initiate Within 1 year (continued) 54
Created by APWU Human Relations Department Director, Sue Carney 54 Leave Buy Back (continued) FECA 5 USC20 CFRELMEL 505 CA 550 Q&A f b Exh a b Exh e.(6) Ch Exh a c. Exh e(6) Exh a  No LBB If No Longer USPS Employee  Cannot Exceed Maximum Leave Carry-Over  Retroactive Conversion To LWOP Will Change Leave Balance 55
Created by APWU Human Relations Department Director, Sue Carney 55 RETURN TO WORK CAPABILITY Medical Restrictions ●Form CA-17, “Duty Status Report,” Is Normally Used.Form CA-17  Treating Physician Completes “Side B” In Detail.  Physician Should Provide Specific Details If Using General Language Such As “No Repetitive Activity.” ●Employees Must Advise Their Physicians That The USPSWill Accommodate Work Limitations And Must Also Advise The USPS Of These Limitations. (continued) 56
Created by APWU Human Relations Department Director, Sue Carney 56 RETURN TO WORK CAPABILITY Medical Restrictions (continued) ●Medical Restrictions Also Apply To Your Activities Outside The Workplace. ●The USPS May Contact Your Physician (In Writing Only, Must Send Copy To You) Concerning Your Work Limitations And Possible Job Assignments. (continued) 57
Created by APWU Human Relations Department Director, Sue Carney 57 RETURN TO WORK CAPABILITY Medical Restrictions FECA 5 USC20 CFRELMEL 505 CA 550 Q&A Ch Ch D H ● Form CA-17Form CA-17 ● Advise Physician And USPS ● Contact With Your Physician 58
Created by APWU Human Relations Department Director, Sue Carney 58 JOB OFFERS Limited Duty/Rehab ●Limited Duty Job Offer = Temporary Medical Restrictions ●Rehab Job Offer = Long Term/Permanent Medical Restrictions  Maximum Medical Improvement (MMI) Achieved  MMI Declared By Physician ●An Employee Who Is Capable Of Performing Core Duties Of Their Bid (With Or Without Modification) Is Not Considered A Limited Duty/Rehab. (continued) 59
Created by APWU Human Relations Department Director, Sue Carney 59 JOB OFFERS Limited Duty/Rehab (continued) ●The Job Offer May Be Made Verbally As Long As Written Job Offer Is Provided Within 2 Business Days. ●To Be Considered Suitable By OWCP The Job Offer Must Include:  Description Of The Duties;  Description Of The Specific Physical Requirements;  Location Of The Job;  Effective Date;  Pay Rate;  The Date By Which The Job Offer Must Be Accepted/Refused. (continued) 60
Created by APWU Human Relations Department Director, Sue Carney 60 JOB OFFERS Limited Duty/Rehab (continued) ●If The Job Offer Is Not Accepted, OWCP Will Then Review The Offered Work To Determine Suitability  Compensation Will Be Continued Until Final OWCP Decision.  If Considered Suitable, Employee Will Have 30 Days To Accept Job Or Present Evidence Of Unsuitability.  If OWCP Determines The Reasons Are Unacceptable, The Employee Has 15 Days To Accept The Job.  No Further Evidence Will Be Considered By OWCP. (continued) 61
Created by APWU Human Relations Department Director, Sue Carney 61 JOB OFFERS Limited Duty/Rehab (continued) ●USPS Should Minimize Any Adverse Or Disruptive Impact On The Employee. ●If There Is Adequate Work Available Within Employee’s Craft, Facility, And Regular Hours, Then The Employee Must Be Assigned To That Work. ●All Concurrent Medical Conditions Whether Or Not Caused By Or Related To The Accepted Condition Must Also Be Included In Medical Suitability Determinations. (continued) 62
Created by APWU Human Relations Department Director, Sue Carney 62 JOB OFFERS Limited Duty/Rehab FECA 5 USC20 CFRELMEL 505 CA 550 Q&A (c) Ch. 7.4 Exh (d) Ch. 7.4 Ch H Ch. 7.5 Ch Exh Ch ● Job Offer ● Suitability ● OWCP Review ● Adverse Or Disruptive Impact ● All Concurrent Conditions 63
Created by APWU Human Relations Department Director, Sue Carney 63 RIGHTS AND BENEFITS ●LWOP For Compensation Is Credited For Computing Retirement Credit (Years Of Service) (ELM ).ELM  However, If Working Partial Days (e.g., Working 6 Hours With Compensation For 2 Hours) Current OPM Policy Is That The Full-Time Annuity (Salary) Rate Will Be Prorated (Reduced) According To Percentage Of LWOP Hours (EL505, Exhibit 11.9e).EL505, Exhibit 11.9e (continued) 64
Created by APWU Human Relations Department Director, Sue Carney 64 RIGHTS AND BENEFITS (continued) ●No Leave Accrual When In A LWOP Status. However, Leave Accrual Rate (4, 6, 8, Hours/Pay Period) Is Not Affected By LWOP For Compensation (ELM ).ELM ●No Deferral Of Step Increase For LWOP For Compensation (ELM ).ELM ●No Thrift Savings Plan When In LWOP (ELM ).ELM (continued) 65
Created by APWU Human Relations Department Director, Sue Carney 65 RIGHTS AND BENEFITS (continued) ●An Employee In A Limited Duty/Rehab Job Can:  Work Overtime If Within Restrictions (EL 505, Exhibit 7.1, Q&A);EL 505, Exhibit 7.1, Q&A  Bid If Meet Physical Requirements Of Bid Position (EL 505, Exhibit 11.9b);EL 505, Exhibit 11.9b  Convert To Full-Time If Capable Of Performing Core Duties (With Or Without Modification) Of Vacant Position (Step 4, , I90C-4I-C ). 66
Created by APWU Human Relations Department Director, Sue Carney 66 SELECTION OF PHYSICIAN ●Injured Employees Always Have The Right To Choose Their Treating Physician Or Medical Facility. ●Non-Emergency: The Employee May Select A Physician Or Hospital Within Approximately 25 miles. A Supervisor Is Not Authorized To Accompany The Employee. (A Chiropractor Is A Physician Under FECA Only For Manual Manipulation Of A Subluxation Of The Spine Demonstrated By X-Ray To Exist.) (continued) 67
Created by APWU Human Relations Department Director, Sue Carney 67 SELECTION OF PHYSICIAN (continued) ●Emergency: Sent To Nearest Available Physician Or Hospital, Or To Physician Or Hospital Chosen By The Employee. A Supervisor May Accompany The Employee To Ensure Prompt Medical Treatment. ●Animal Bites And Eye Injuries Are Always Considered Emergencies. If There Is Doubt As To The Emergent Nature Of An Injury, It Is Treated As An Emergency. ●Physician Providing Emergency Care Is Not Considered The Employee’s Treating Physician. (continued) 68
Created by APWU Human Relations Department Director, Sue Carney 68 SELECTION OF PHYSICIAN (continued) Postal Physician Or Contract Equivalent ●May Provide Medical Treatment Not To Exceed Two Visits If:  Employee Accepts Treatment;  Treatment Complies With EL-806 And With OWCP Regulations And Directives. ●If Treatment Exceeds Two Visits:  That Provider Becomes Employee’s Treating Physician. (continued) 69
Created by APWU Human Relations Department Director, Sue Carney 69 SELECTION OF PHYSICIAN Postal Physician Or Contract Equivalent (continued) ●Choosing A Contract Doctor As Your Treating Physician Is Probably Not In Your Best Interest.  More Obliged To Their Employer (The USPS) Than To The Employee.  Employee Sacrifices Doctor-Patient Confidentiality.  Doctor Legally Can Share Any Information With The USPS. (continued) 70
Created by APWU Human Relations Department Director, Sue Carney 70 SELECTION OF PHYSICIAN (continued) USPS May Require Employee To Be Examined By Their “Contract Doctor” ●Employee Does Not Have To Accept Their Recommended Course Of Treatment. ●Employee Does Not Have To Accept The “Contract Doctor” As Their Treating Physician. ●Such Examination May Not Delay Employee’s Initial Medical Treatment With Their Own Doctor. (continued) 71
Created by APWU Human Relations Department Director, Sue Carney 71 SELECTION OF PHYSICIAN USPS May Require Employee To Be Examined By Their “Contract Doctor” (continued) ●If Exam Goes Beyond Employee’s Regular Work Hours, Employee May Request Through Their Supervisor To Leave. If Denied, Employee Should Request Overtime Pay. ●Employee Should Not Be Required To Sign Any Guarantor Or Medical Release Forms. (continued) 72
Created by APWU Human Relations Department Director, Sue Carney 72 SELECTION OF PHYSICIAN Physician Changes & Referrals (continued) ●To Ensure Payment Of A Medical Bill, An Employee Changing Physicians Should Write To OWCP Providing The Reason For The Change And The Name And Address Of Both The New Physician And The Previous One. ●Referral By A Physician To A Specialist Is Not A Change Of Physician. Get The Referral In Writing And Send A Copy To OWCP. (continued) 73
Created by APWU Human Relations Department Director, Sue Carney 73 SELECTION OF PHYSICIAN FECA 5 USC20 CFRELMEL 505 CA 550 Q&A § (d)545.41Ch. 3.2E-3 Ch. 3.2E-4 § Ch. 3.9E m (1)Ch. 3.9 E-4 E (a) (b) E E-3 Emergency Definition Non-Emergency Chiropractor Change Of Physician Contract Doctor 74
Created by APWU Human Relations Department Director, Sue Carney 74 PROVIDING SUPPORTING EVIDENCE ●The Greater The Complexity Of The Medical Condition Being Claimed, The Greater Is The Need For Thorough And Detailed Evidence. ●Claims For Occupational Disease/Illness Normally Require More Complete Evidence. ●One Of The Most Common Reasons For Claims Being Denied Is The Lack Of A Clear And Persuasive Medical Opinion Regarding Causal Relationship Between Specific Work Activity And The Diagnosed Condition. (continued) 75
Created by APWU Human Relations Department Director, Sue Carney 75 PROVIDING SUPPORTING EVIDENCE (continued) Employee’s Statement ●Traumatic Injury  Describe In Detail How And Why The Injury Occurred.  Give Appropriate And Specific Details.  Give A Complete Description Of The Condition(s) Resulting From Your Injury. ●Occupational Disease/Illness  Provide A Detailed History Of The Medical Condition From The Date It Started.  Give Specific Details About The Employment Activity Which You Believe Caused The Condition. (continued) 76
Created by APWU Human Relations Department Director, Sue Carney 76 PROVIDING SUPPORTING EVIDENCE Employee’s Statement ●Occupational Disease/Illness (continued)  Describe Specific Exposures To Substances Or Stress Causing The Disease/Illness.  Identify The Part Of The Body Affected.  Provide A Statement As To Whether Ever Suffered A Similar Condition. If So, Provide Full Details.  Give A Complete And Detailed Description Of The Current Disease/Illness (continued) 77
Created by APWU Human Relations Department Director, Sue Carney 77 PROVIDING SUPPORTING EVIDENCE Employee’s Statement (continued) ●Recurrence  Describe In Detail Your Medical Condition Since Returning To Work.  Provide A Listing Of The Nature And Frequency Of All Medical Treatment Received.  Describe Specifically How And When The Recurrence Happened.  Identify ALL Injuries/Illnesses Which Have Been Experienced Between Date Of Return To Work After The Original Injury And The Recurrence. (continued) 78
Created by APWU Human Relations Department Director, Sue Carney 78 PROVIDING SUPPORTING EVIDENCE (continued) Medical Reports ●Traumatic/Occupational/Recurrence  Dates Of Examination Or Treatment.  History Of Work Activity And The Claimed Condition As Provided By Employee.  Results Of X-rays, Laboratory Tests, MRIs, EMGs, Etc.  Specific Medical Diagnosis.  Opinion With Medical Reasoning Explaining The Basis Of Such Opinion Regarding Whether The Condition Was Caused Or Aggravated By Employment (Statement Of Causality). (For Recurrence, Such Opinion Should Address The Causal Relationship Between The Current Condition And The Original Injury). 79
Created by APWU Human Relations Department Director, Sue Carney 79 MEDICAL REPORTS (20 CFR , ELM )20 CFR ELM ●All Claims Reported To OWCP Require A Medical Report ●Detailed And Thorough Medical Evidence Is One Of The Most Important Aspects Of A Claim ●A Good Medical Report Should Include (See Sample Reports Traumatic, Occupational):  A History Of The Specific Work Activity Surrounding The Medical Condition;  Dates Of Examination And Treatment; (continued) USPS 80
Created by APWU Human Relations Department Director, Sue Carney 80 MEDICAL REPORTS (continued)  Physical Findings Including Results Of Diagnostic Testing;  Specific Diagnosis;  Course Of Treatment;  A Description Of All Medical Conditions Whether Work-Related Or Not;  Treatment Provided Or Recommended For The Claimed Condition;  The Physician’s Opinion With Medical Reasons Regarding Causal Relationship Between The Diagnosed Condition And Specific Work Activities And/Or Work Incidents;  Whether The Employee Can Perform Any Type Of Work;  Prognosis For Recovery (Full Or Partial). (continued) USPS 81
Created by APWU Human Relations Department Director, Sue Carney 81 MEDICAL REPORTS (continued) ●Form CA-16 May Be Used For Initial Medical Report,Form CA-16 Form CA-20 Form CA-20 May Also Be Used For Initial Report And Subsequent Reports (Use Of These Forms Is Not Mandatory). ●A Medical Report May Be Made In Narrative Form On The Physician’s Letterhead Stationery. ●Medical Reports Should Bear The Physician’s Signature Or Signature Stamp. (continued) USPS 82
Created by APWU Human Relations Department Director, Sue Carney 82 MEDICAL REPORTS (continued) ●The Medical Report Is Submitted Directly To OWCP (Keep A Copy For Yourself). ●The Postal Service May Request A Copy From OWCP. ●Form CA-17 Is Normally Used To Obtain Periodic ReportsForm CA-17 Regarding The Employee’s Medical Restrictions And Degree Of Disability. USPS 83
Created by APWU Human Relations Department Director, Sue Carney 83 EXAMPLE OF A THOROUGH MEDICAL REPORT: TRAUMATIC INJURY (PHYSICIAN’S LETTERHEAD STATIONERY) USPS To Whom It May Concern: On January 25, 2004 I examined Mr. Ricardo Velasquez. Mr. Velasquez, who is a Postal Service employee, works 3:30 PM to 11:00 PM at the Northland Processing and Distribution Center. He stated that at approximately 6:10 PM he was pushing a loaded mail container which weighed approximately 310 pounds up a small incline when it started to tip to the right. Mr. Velasquez quickly moved to the right side of the container raising his right arm and placing his right hand at the top of the container. He pushed against the container, preventing it from tipping over and held it upright for a few seconds until two co-workers came to his assistance and helped right the container. Mr. Velasquez felt no immediate pain and finished his work shift without incident. However, after sleeping several hours Mr. Velasquez woke up with a moderate to severe pain in his right shoulder area. An MRI was performed (see attached report) and it demonstrated a partial tear of the supraspinatus of approximately 1.7centimeters proximal to the humerus. The patient will be treated conservatively with physical therapy and ultrasound. He has no other complaints or symptoms. He can return to work but should not use his right arm to lift more than 5 pounds, nor should he reach above shoulder height with his right arm. In my medical opinion the above described traumatic work place incident caused the rotator cuff tear which was demonstrated by the referenced MRI report. Mr. Velasquez’ use of his right arm to keep the container upright caused a sudden loading of the right shoulder rotator cuff, especially the external rotators which were attempting to keep the humeral head centered in the glenoid causing macrotrauma to the supraspinatus as described above. Mr. Velasquez has a good prognosis for recovery. I will examine his progress at the end of four weeks of physical therapy. (Signed By Physician) 84
Created by APWU Human Relations Department Director, Sue Carney 84 EXAMPLE OF A THOROUGH MEDICAL REPORT: OCCUPATIONAL DISEASE (PHYSICIAN’S LETTERHEAD STATIONERY) USPS To Whom It May Concern: On January 25, 2004 I examined Ms. Brenda Starr. Ms. Starr, who is a Postal Service Employee, works 3:30 PM to 11:00 PM at the Northland Processing and Distribution Center. Ms. Starr, who is 5’4” tall, holds the position of automation clerk. She describes the physical activity of a normal work day as follows: for approximately two hours at a time, two times a day, she repeatedly lifts trays of mail, which she estimates as weighing lbs., over shoulder height to place them in a storage container. She has been performing this work for approximately three years. Ms. Starr complains that for the past two weeks she is awakened at night with moderate to severe pain in her right shoulder area. An MRI was performed (see attached report) and it demonstrated a partial tear of the supraspinatus of approximately 1.7 centimeters proximal to the humerus. The patient will be treated conservatively with physical therapy and ultrasound. She has no other complaints or symptoms. She can return to work, but should not use her right arm to lift more than 5 pounds, nor should she reach above shoulder height with her right arm. In my medical opinion the above described repetitive work performed at the Postal Service caused the rotator cuff tear which was demonstrated by the MRI report. Ms. Starr’s repetitive lifting overhead caused constant fatiguing of the rotator cuff muscles (especially the external rotators) as they attempted to keep the humeral head centered in the glenoid, resulting in chronic inflammation and microtrauma resulting in the injury to the supraspinatus as described above. Ms. Starr has a good prognosis for recovery. I will evaluate her progress at the end of 4 weeks of physical therapy. (Signed by Physician) 85
Created by APWU Human Relations Department Director, Sue Carney 85 OWCP CRITERIA FOR EVALUATING MEDICAL REPORTS ●When A Claims Examiner (CE) Must Determine The Relative Value Of Medical Evidence They Ask The Following Questions:  Is The Physician A Specialist In The Appropriate Field?  Is The Physician’s Opinion Based On A Complete And Accurate Medical History?  What Are The Nature And Extent Of Medical Findings?  Is The Physician’s Opinion Well-Reasoned (Rationalized)?  Is The Opinion Speculative Or Equivocal (Uncertain)? 86
Created by APWU Human Relations Department Director, Sue Carney 86 OWCP DIRECTED MEDICAL EXAMS Second Opinions ● The Attending Physician Is Ordinarily The Primary Source Of Medical Information And The First Line For Medical Questions From The CE. ● If The Physician Does Not Respond Or The Response Is Equivocal, A Second Opinion May Be Requested By The CE (An OWCP Second Opinion Exam Cannot Be Initiated By The Claimant). ● The Claimant Must Submit To An OWCP Mandated Examination As Often And At Such Times As OWCP Considers Necessary [20 CFR ].20 CFR (continued) 87
Created by APWU Human Relations Department Director, Sue Carney 87 OWCP DIRECTED MEDICAL EXAMS Second Opinions (continued) ● The Medical Opinion Determined By The CE To Hold More Probative Value (Using The Criteria Described Previously) Will Be Used To Determine Entitlement [20 CFR ].20 CFR ● If Two Medical Reports Of Virtually Equal Weight And Rationale Reach Opposing Conclusions A Medical Conflict Exists [20 CFR , 20 CFR ].20 CFR CFR ● An Employee Scheduled For A Second Opinion Exam Should Write To OWCP And Request A Copy Of: The Medical Report, The Statement Of Accepted Facts, The Questions The Physician Is Asked To Answer (And The Answers). (continued) 88
Created by APWU Human Relations Department Director, Sue Carney 88 OWCP DIRECTED MEDICAL EXAMS (continued) Referee Specialist Exam (Impartial Medical Exam) ●When Equally Well-Reasoned Medical Reports Support Inconsistent Conclusions About An Issue Under Consideration, OWCP Will Schedule A Referee Exam [20 CFR ].20 CFR ●A Physician Who Has Had No Prior Connection With The Case Who Is Qualified In The Appropriate Specialty Will Be Selected By OWCP [20 CFR ].20 CFR ●Results Of The Referee Examination Will Be Given “Special Weight” By OWCP [20 CFR ].20 CFR (continued) 89
Created by APWU Human Relations Department Director, Sue Carney 89 OWCP DIRECTED MEDICAL EXAMS Referee Specialist Exam (Impartial Medical Exam) (continued) ●An Employee Scheduled For A Referee Exam Should Write To OWCP And Request Copies Of: The Medical Report, The Statement Of Accepted Facts, The Questions The Physician Is Asked To Answer (And The Answers). 90
Created by APWU Human Relations Department Director, Sue Carney 90 POSTAL SERVICE FITNESS-FOR-DUTY ●The Postal Service Has Authority Independent Of FECA To Require A Fitness For Duty (FFD) Examination, And Nothing In The Law Changes That Right. Such Exam Shall Not Interfere With The Employee’s Initial Choice Of Physician, Treatment Or Issuance Of Form CA-16 [20 CFR ].20 CFR ●Such A FFD Report If Submitted To OWCP Must Receive Due Consideration, And If Its Findings Or Conclusions Differ Materially From The Treating Physician’s The CE Should Schedule A Second Opinion. (continued) 91
Created by APWU Human Relations Department Director, Sue Carney 91 POSTAL SERVICE FITNESS-FOR-DUTY (continued) ●A Postal Service Installation Head, Human Resources Manager, Or Designee Is Authorized To Approve A FFD Exam. [ELM ].ELM ●If The FFD Conflicts With Findings Of The Treating Physician No Administrative Action May Be Taken To Change The Employee’s Employment Status Until Resolution By OWCP [ELM ].ELM ] ●Employees And/Or Their Physicians Should Request A Copy Of The FFD Examination. 92
Created by APWU Human Relations Department Director, Sue Carney 92 MEDICAL PRIVACY ●Medical Reports Should Be Sent Directly To OWCP, The Postal Service May Request Copies From OWCP [20 CFR ].20 CFR ●The Postal Service May Submit Relevant Medical Evidence In Its Possession, Or Which It May Acquire Through Investigation. However, The Privacy Act Applies To Any Such Effort [20 CFR ].20 CFR ●The Postal Service May Contact The Treating Physician In Writing, But Not By Telephone Or Personal Visit (For Limited Reasons) [20 CFR , ELM ].20 CFR ELM (continued) 93
Created by APWU Human Relations Department Director, Sue Carney 93 MEDICAL PRIVACY (continued) ●When Such Communication Takes Place The Postal Service Must Send A Copy To OWCP And The Employee, As Well As A Copy Of The Physician’s Response Upon Receipt [20 CFR , ELM ].20 CFR ELM ●The Postal Inspection Service May Receive Restricted Medical Information Upon Written Request. ●The Signing Of A Medical Release For Postal Service Use Is Voluntary. (Step 4 Decision, PS Form 2488 )Step 4 Decision, PS Form 2488 (continued) 94
Created by APWU Human Relations Department Director, Sue Carney 94 MEDICAL PRIVACY (continued) ●Form CA-17, “Duty Status Report,” May Be Used ToForm CA-17 Obtain Interim Medical Reports Regarding Return To Work Capability [20 CFR , ELM ].20 CFR ELM ●OWCP Related Medical Records May Be Made Available To Supervisors Who Have A Legitimate Need To Know. ●These Records Are Confidential, Must Be Kept Under Strict Control And Stored In Locked File Cabinets. 95
Created by APWU Human Relations Department Director, Sue Carney 95 SCHEDULE AWARD ●Compensation For The Permanent Loss Or Loss Of Use (Permanent Impairment) Of Specified Members, Functions And Organs Of The Body. ●An Employee Who Has Reached Maximum Medical Improvement And Has A Permanent Impairment To A Part Of The Body May File For A Schedule Award. ●A Physician Must Determine The Percent Of Impairment Using The American Medical Association’s Guides To The Evaluation Of Permanent Impairment, Fifth Edition. (continued) 96
Created by APWU Human Relations Department Director, Sue Carney 96 SCHEDULE AWARD (continued) ● A Schedule Award And Wage Loss Compensation Cannot Be Paid At The Same Time, For The Same Part Of The Body. Therefore, Application For The Schedule Award Ordinarily Occurs After Return To Full Time Employment Or After Retirement. ● By Law A Schedule Award Cannot Be Paid For Brain, Heart, Or Back (Spine) Impairments. Other Members, Functions And Organs That Are Permanently Impaired As A Result Of These Exclusions Are Still Payable. (continued) 97
Created by APWU Human Relations Department Director, Sue Carney 97 SCHEDULE AWARD (continued) ●A Form CA-7, “Claim For Compensation,” MustForm CA-7 Be Completed Unless One Has Previously Been Submitted. ●The Award Is Tax-Free And Paid At Your Wage Loss Compensation Rate For The Specified Number Of Weeks Equivalent To Your Percentage Of Permanent Impairment. (continued) 98
Created by APWU Human Relations Department Director, Sue Carney 98 SCHEDULE AWARD (continued) ● Formula Is: Your Specified Number Of Weeks (Maximum Number Of Compensation Weeks Assigned To An Anatomical Member) X (Your Percentage Of Impairment) X (Your Amount Of Wage Loss Compensation) = Schedule Award. Example: 100% Loss Of Use For The Arm = 312 Weeks Of Compensation Determined Your Loss Of Use Is 20% = 62.4 Weeks Your Weekly Rate Of Pay Is $1000 Per Week You Have Dependents So You Are Compensated At 75% Or $750 $750 X 62.4 Weeks = Schedule Award (continued) 99
Created by APWU Human Relations Department Director, Sue Carney 99 SCHEDULE AWARD Schedule Award For Permanent Impairment Use AMA, Guides Cannot Get Compensation And Award Simultaneously Not For Brain, Heart, Or Back (Spine) Specific Number Of Weeks At Compensation Rate Compensation Schedule For Anatomical Member FECA 5 USC20 CFRELMEL 505 CA 550 Q&A § p. 11F (c)p. 11F-26 F-25 § (a) (b) p. 11 F-23 F-24 100
Created by APWU Human Relations Department Director, Sue Carney 100 CHALLENGING FORMAL OWCP DECISIONS ●OWCP Will Enclose A Description Of Appeal Rights With Every Formal Decision. The Choices Are:  Hearing (Oral And Written)  Reconsideration  Employees’ Compensation Appeals Board (ECAB) ●You May Not Request Two Forms Of Appeal At The Same Time. ●Be Sure To Send Your Appeal To The Right Address. ●Time Limits For Appeal Begin To Run On The Date Of The Decision Letter. ●The Date Of Your Appeal Is Determined By The Postmark Of Your Appeal Letter. (continued) 101
Created by APWU Human Relations Department Director, Sue Carney 101 CHALLENGING FORMAL OWCP DECISIONS (continued) Branch Of Hearings And Review Oral Hearing ●Request Must Be Made Within 30 Days Of Decision. [20 CFR ].20 CFR ●Conducted By An OWCP Hearing Representative Within Commuting Area Where The Claimant Lives. ●Probably More Than 3-4 Months Before Hearing Is Scheduled. ●Claimant Notified At Least 30 Days In Advance Of The Time And Place. [20 CFR ].20 CFR (continued) 102
Created by APWU Human Relations Department Director, Sue Carney 102 CHALLENGING FORMAL OWCP DECISIONS Branch Of Hearings And Review Oral Hearing (continued)  Claimant States Argument And Provides Any New Evidence [20 CFR ].20 CFR  Postal Service May Attend, But Not Give Argument. [20 CFR ].20 CFR  Probably More Than 3 Months Or More After Hearing Is Held Before A Decision Is Issued.  May Request A Reconsideration Of An Oral Hearing Decision. (continued) 103
Created by APWU Human Relations Department Director, Sue Carney 103 CHALLENGING FORMAL OWCP DECISIONS Branch Of Hearings And Review (continued) Review Of The Written Record  Request Must Be Made Within 30 Days Of Decision [20 CFR ].20 CFR  Conducted By An OWCP Hearing Representative In Washington, DC, After Claim File Is Sent To Them [20 CFR ].20 CFR  New Evidence And/Or Argument May Be Submitted (No Oral Testimony) [20 CFR ].20 CFR (continued) 104
Created by APWU Human Relations Department Director, Sue Carney 104 CHALLENGING FORMAL OWCP DECISIONS Branch Of Hearings And Review Review Of The Written Record (continued)  Branch Policy Is To Issue A Decision Within 120 Days Of Receipt Of Claim File.  May Request A Reconsideration Of A Review Of The Written Record Decision. 105
Created by APWU Human Relations Department Director, Sue Carney 105 CHALLENGING FORMAL OWCP DECISIONS Reconsideration Reconsideration  Request Must Be Made Within One Year Of The Date Of The Decision [20 CFR ].20 CFR  Must Be In Writing, Contain Argument And/Or Evidence Showing An Erroneous Application Of Law Or Advancing A New Legal Argument, And Must Constitute Relevant New Evidence Not Previously Submitted [20 CFR ].20 CFR (continued) 106
Created by APWU Human Relations Department Director, Sue Carney 106 CHALLENGING FORMAL OWCP DECISIONS Reconsideration (continued) ●Sent To The OWCP District Office Where The Original Decision Was Made [20 CFR ].20 CFR ●A Claims Examiner Different From The One Who Made The Original Decision Will Conduct The Review [20 CFR ].20 CFR ●OWCP’s Policy (Not A Requirement Of Law) Is To Issue A Decision Within 90 Days. ●An Employee Who Has Previously Requested A Reconsideration Cannot Appeal That New Merit Decision To The Branch Of Hearings And Review [20 CFR ]. However, A New Reconsideration May Be Requested.20 CFR ●A Decision Refusing To Conduct A Reconsideration May Only Be Appealed To ECAB. (continued) 107
Created by APWU Human Relations Department Director, Sue Carney 107 CHALLENGING FORMAL OWCP DECISIONS (continued) Employees’ Compensation Appeals Board (ECAB) [20 CFR ]20 CFR ●Final Decisions Of OWCP May Be Appealed To ECAB Within 90 Days Of The Decision Being Appealed. ●For Good Cause Shown ECAB May Waive The 90-day Time Limit And Accept An Appeal Up To One Year From The Date Of Decision Being Appealed. ●No New Evidence Will Be Considered By ECAB. ●The Board Consists Of Three Members Appointed By The Secretary Of Labor. ●It Takes Approximately Months To Receive A Decision From ECAB. 108
Created by APWU Human Relations Department Director, Sue Carney 108 DEFINITIONS ACCELERATION—A Medical Process By Which Workplace Activity Has Increased The Speed Of An Expected Worsening Of A Progressive Pre-Existing Condition. AGGRAVATION—A Medical Process By Which Workplace Activity Has Worsened The Severity Of A Pre-Existing Medical Condition. ● TEMPORARY—A Worsening For A Specific Period Of Time Ultimately Returning To Previous Medical Status. ● PERMANENT—An Irreversible Worsening With No Return To Previous Medical Status. (continued) 109
Created by APWU Human Relations Department Director, Sue Carney 109 DEFINITIONS (continued) CONSEQUENTIAL INJURY—A New Medical Condition Caused By A Weakness Or Impairment Resulting From An Accepted Workplace Injury Or Illness. Can Be To The Same Or To A Different Part Of The Body. No Special Claim Form Needed, Submit To OWCP A Full Narrative Medical Report Detailing The New Condition And Its Connection To The Original Accepted Condition. (continued) 110
Created by APWU Human Relations Department Director, Sue Carney 110 DEFINITIONS (continued) IDIOPATHIC FALL—A Fall Caused By A Non-Work Related Medical Condition (e.g., Epilepsy, Diabetes) And The Subsequent Injury Was Caused By Contact With The Floor. However, If The Injury Was Caused By Workplace Equipment Or Furnishing, Then That Injury Is Compensable, But The Medical Condition Causing The Fall Is Not. An Injury Caused By A Fall Which Is Unexplained, But Not Idiopathic, And Occurs In Performance Of Duty Is Compensable Even If The Injury Is Caused By The Floor. (continued) 111
Created by APWU Human Relations Department Director, Sue Carney 111 DEFINITIONS (continued) INTERVENING INJURY— A Non-Work Injury To The Same Part Of The Body Previously Accepted As A Compensable Workplace Injury. The Original Injury Must Still Contribute To The Disability Caused By The New Non-Work Condition. No Special Claim Form Needed, Submit A Full Narrative Medical Report To OWCP Detailing The New Condition And Its Connection To The Original Accepted Condition. PRECIPITATION—A Medical Process By Which Workplace Activity Hastens The Occurrence Of A Medical Condition Or Causes It To Happen Unexpectedly Or Sooner Than Normal. 112
Created by APWU Human Relations Department Director, Sue Carney 112 WORK LIMITATION DUE TO PAIN ●Ordinarily, OWCP Does Not Accept Pain As Justification For Not Working. ●Pain Is Considered To Be A Symptom Of An Underlying Medical Problem. Therefore, OWCP Wants A Medical Diagnosis Of The Underlying Condition Which Is Causing The Pain. ●However, If There Is No Physical Basis For The Pain And It Is Not Exaggerated, Or Produced Voluntarily Or Falsely, Then The Condition Could Be Designated As “Psychogenic Pain Disorder.” ●This Diagnosis Would Have To Result From An Accepted Medical Condition And Would Be Filed As A Consequential Injury. 113
Created by APWU Human Relations Department Director, Sue Carney 113 SEPARATION—DISABILITY [ELM 545.9]ELM ●This Is Not A Disability Retirement. ●An Employee May Be Issued A Disability Separation If That Employee:  Has Been In Continuous LWOP For A Year, And Is Not Likely To Return In The Next 6 Months, And The Separation Is Approved By USPS Headquarters.  An Employee Who Partially Or Fully Recovers After Separation Has Certain Restoration Rights Enforceable Through The Merit System Protection Board (MSPB) [ELM And 546.4].ELM 114
Created by APWU Human Relations Department Director, Sue Carney 114 DISABILITY RETIREMENT ●OPM Makes Decisions Regarding Disability Retirement Based On Whether An Employee Has A Medical Condition, Work Related Or Not, Which Prevents That Employee From Performing Useful And Efficient Service In The Job The Employee Was Hired To Perform. ●OWCP Makes Decisions Regarding Wage Loss Compensation Based On Whether An Employee Has An Accepted Workplace Medical Condition Which Prevents That Employee From Performing Any Type Of Medically Suitable Work. ●Each Agency Makes Independent Decisions. ●A Claimant Who Is Receiving OWCP Wage Loss Compensation From OWCP Can Retire, Waive The OPM Retirement Annuity, And Continue To Receive Compensation For As Long As OWCP Determines The Claimant Continues To Be Disabled. (continued) 115
Created by APWU Human Relations Department Director, Sue Carney 115 DISABILITY RETIREMENT (continued) ●Application For Disability Retirement Must Be Received By OPM Within One Year Of Separation. ●A FERS Employee Applying For Disability Retirement Must Also Apply For Social Security Disability Benefits. ●Under OPM Regulations An Employee Receiving A Disability Annuity Can Work In A Non-Government Job And Earn Up To 80% Of The Current Salary Of The Previous USPS Job. ●A Claimant Receiving Compensation Who Is Separated From The USPS, Or Who Has Dependents And Is In Poor Health And/Or Of Advanced Age, Should Seriously Consider Filing For Retirement. ●Do Not Make A Decision Before Receiving Pre-Retirement Counseling From The USPS, And, If Applicable, The Social Security Administration. 116
Created by APWU Human Relations Department Director, Sue Carney 116 OWCP MEDICAL BILL PAYMENT AND AUTHORIZATION FOR MEDICAL PROCEDURES ●OWCP Has Contracted With ACS, A Private Sector Firm, To Administer Bill Payments And Medical Authorizations. ●The Web Site Is Thewww.owcp.dol.acs-inc.com Interactive Voice Response (IVR) Phone Number Is The Customer Service Number Is (850) (Mon-Fri, 8 AM-8PM, ET). This Number Is Not Toll Free. ●Medical Providers Must Enroll. They May Do So Through The Above Web Site. Providers And Claimants May Review Bill Pay And Authorization Status At The Above Web Site. (continued) 117
Created by APWU Human Relations Department Director, Sue Carney 117 OWCP MEDICAL BILL PAYMENT AND AUTHORIZATION FOR MEDICAL PROCEDURES (continued) ●Medical Bills Are First Mailed To First Health/USPS, P.O. Box 23808, Tucson, AZ Where They Are Reviewed And Forwarded To ACS (OWCP). ●OWCP Still Is The Final Decision-Making Authority Regarding Entitlement To All Medical Benefits. 118
Created by APWU Human Relations Department Director, Sue Carney 118 OWCP INFORMATION ●Federal Employees’ Compensation Act (FECA), Title 5, Chapter 81 ●Code Of Federal Regulation, Claims For Compensation Under FECA, Part 10 and 25FECA, Part 10 and 25 ●Questions And Answers About FECA, CA 550CA 550 ●Injury Compensation For Federal Employees, CA-810CA-810 ●When Injured At Work, Guide For Federal Employee, CA11CA11 119
Created by APWU Human Relations Department Director, Sue Carney 119 OWCP FORMS ●CA-1 Federal Employee's Notice Of Traumatic Injury And Claim For Continuation Of PayCA-1 ●CA-2 Notice Of Occupational Disease And Claim For CompensationCA-2 ●CA-2a Notice Of RecurrenceCA-2a ●CA-5 Claim For Compensation By Widow, Widower, And/Or ChildrenCA-5 ●CA-6 Official Superior’s Report Of Employee’s DeathCA-6 ●CA-7/20 Claim For Compensation/Attending Physician’s ReportCA-720 ●CA-7a Time Analysis FormCA-7a ●CA-7b Leave Buy Back (LBB) Worksheet Certification And ElectionCA-7b ●CA-16 Authorization (Employer Issued) For Examination And/Or TreatmentCA-16 ●CA-17 Duty Status ReportCA-17 ●CA-915 Claimant Medical Reimbursement FormCA-915 120
Created by APWU Human Relations Department Director, Sue Carney 120 OWCP INFORMATION (continued) ●U.S. Department of Labor, Office of Workers’ Compensation Programs, Self-Instructional Video: Injury Compensation Specialist Training.” ThisSelf-Instructional Video: Injury Compensation Specialist Training Video Presentation Was Created For Use By The Federal Employing Agencies. Please Be Very Aware When Reviewing This Training Tool, The Presentor Is Speaking To The Agency Representative, Not The Injured Worker. ●ELM 540, Injury Compensation ProgramELM 540 ●EL 505, Injury CompensationEL 505 121
Created by APWU Human Relations Department Director, Sue Carney 121 LETTERS, MOUs AND STEP 4 DECISIONS ●A1 Letter From USPS Labor Relation At Headquarters. On theA1 Services Policy for Employees that Sustained On-The-Job Injuries ●A2 USPS Sample Letter. Limited Duty Assignments and MOUA2 from Headquarters ●A3 National Pre-Arb Settlement. When an employee has partially overcome a compensable disability, the USPS must make everyA3 effort toward assigning the employee to limited duty consistent with the employee’s medically defined work limitation tolerances (see ). In assigning such limited duty the USPS should minimize any adverse or disruptive impact on the employee. The following considerations must be made in effecting such limited duty assignments. (continued) 122
Created by APWU Human Relations Department Director, Sue Carney 122 LETTERS, MOUs AND STEP 4 DECISIONS (continued) ●A4 Step 4 Decision. Grievant has been determined medicallyA4 unable to perform the duties of a letter carrier. As he has declined the opportunity to be permanently reassigned to duties which he can perform in another Craft the employer has no alternative, at this time, other than to consider his separation from the Postal Service for reasons of disability. However, he is not precluded from filling an application for disability retirement if he should choose to do so. ●A5 National Pre-Arb Settlement. Full-time regular employeesA5 on limited duty will not be scheduled day-to-day with varying reporting times. (continued) 123
Created by APWU Human Relations Department Director, Sue Carney 123 LETTERS, MOUs AND STEP 4 DECISIONS (continued) ●A6 Letter from USPS Labor Relation at Headquarters. StatesA6 that local management will Instruct employees on light or limited duty to perform only duties which are permitted by the instructions of the physician ● A7 Step 4 Decision. An employee may be required to reportA7 an accident on the day it occurs however completion of the appropriate forms will be in accordance with applicable rules and regulation and need not be on the day of the accident ( continued) 124
Created by APWU Human Relations Department Director, Sue Carney 124 LETTERS, MOUs AND STEP 4 DECISIONS (continued) ●A8 Management Instruction EL5409. Job-Related First Aid InjuresA8 ●A9 Letter from USPS Labor Relations at Headquarters. OWCP UseA9 of Medical Reports Submitted by employing Agencies ●A10 Step 4. The following procedures apply only to fitness-for-duty determinations incident to an on-the-job injury or illness.A10 Fitness-for-duty determinations for other purposes are not covered by this instruction. ●A11 Step 4. Management's instructions requiring employees onA11 limited duty to pick up CA-8 forms during daytime hours at the Injury Compensation Office violates the National Agreement. The said Forms will be made available to employees in limited duty status on all tours. (continued) 125
Created by APWU Human Relations Department Director, Sue Carney 125 LETTERS, MOUs AND STEP 4 DECISIONS (continued) ●A12 Step 4. Whether management’s assignment of limited dutyA12 In this case violated the provisions of ELM, Section ●A13 MOU between APWU, USPS and NALC. For example, if aA13 letter carrier craft employee is given a limited duty assignment in the clerk craft, and grieves that assignment, the employee will be represented by the NALC. If a clerk craft employee is given a limited duty assignment in the letter carrier craft, and grieves that assignment, the employee will be represented by the APWU. (continued) 126
Created by APWU Human Relations Department Director, Sue Carney 126 LETTERS, MOUs AND STEP 4 DECISIONS (continued) ●A14 Step 4. Letter from USPS. The union alleges thatA14 management discriminates against employees injured off duty in violation of Article 13 of the collective bargaining agreement, when limited-duty assignments are granted preference over light-duty assignments ●A15 Step 4. The issue in this grievance is whether management violated the National Agreement when it used a locally developed form to supplement the data provided on Form 3996A15 ●A16 Step 4. Use of locally generated formsA16 ●A17 Step 4. Even if you are injured and an outside party wants toA17 pay for the medical expenses you must still fill out compensation forms (continued) 127
Created by APWU Human Relations Department Director, Sue Carney 127 LETTERS, MOUs AND STEP 4 DECISIONS (continued) ●A18 Step 4. It is agreed that an employee cannot be requiredA18 or compelled by the Postal Service to undergo a scheduled medical examination and/or treatment, during nonworking hours. ●A19 Step 4. Whether employees on light duty or limited dutyA19 may sign the Overtime Desired list. ●A20 Step 4. Completion of PS Form 2488 by the employee isA20 voluntary ●A21 Step 4. CA-17 is usually adequate for medical informationA21 on an injured employee Completion of PS Form 2488 by the employee is voluntary (continued) 128
Created by APWU Human Relations Department Director, Sue Carney 128 LETTERS, MOUs AND STEP 4 DECISIONS (continued) ●A22 Step 4. Whether management may require an employee toA22 complete PS Form 3971 to receive Continuation of Pay (COP) ●A23 Step 4. Are limited duty employees covered by the collectiveA23 bargaining agreement ●A24 Step 4. Whether management violated the Agreement when,A24 the grievant was permanently reassigned work in another craft. (continued) 129
Created by APWU Human Relations Department Director, Sue Carney 129 LETTERS, MOUs AND STEP 4 DECISIONS (continued) ● A25 Step 4. Management removing employees permanently A25 from their bid while on Limited duty ● A26 Step 4. Whether management violated the NationalA26 Agreement when it withdrew the grievant from limited duty and issued a Notice of Proposed removal ● A27 Letter from USPS Labor Relation at Headquarters.A27 Discipline for safety rules violations Download ppt "Created by APWU Human Relations Department Director, Sue Carney 1 FEDERAL INJURY COMPENSATION OVERVIEW How Does the Process Work? How Does It All Fit Together?"
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