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The Office of Workers’ Compensation Programs (OWCP) oversees federal workers' compensation claims. It provides benefits provided by the Federal Employees' Compensation Act (FECA) for work-related injuries and illnesses. Understanding OWCP processes can help you secure the compensation you deserve.

Your denial of claim will list the different type of appeals afforded to you and the deadlines for each appeal afforded. The three possible types of appeal options are:

1. Reconsideration Appeal: A written appeal to the District Office where new evidence can be submitted; 2. Appeal before the Branch of Hearings and Review (BHR): This can be a Review of Written Record where you can submit a written appeal and the Hearing Officer reviews the case file or you can request a Telephonic Hearing and you will have a hearing with the BHR Hearing Representative where you can present testimony and evidence. New evidence can be submitted in support of this; 3. Appeal before the Employees Compensation Appeals Board (ECAB): An appeal submitted to Administrative Law Judges. However, no new evidence can be submitted in support of this appeal.

Your denial decision is supposed to explain the evidence needed to overcome the denial and obtain an accepted claim as well as a list of different appeal options. Often the denial of claim decision does not provide accurate or necessary information to the Claimant, leaving the Claimant in the dark and confused as to how to appeal the decision. Additionally, the denial decisions often misunderstands or ignores evidence already in your Case File. There are also strategic reasons for choosing a type of appeal (Reconsideration, BHR, or ECAB).

Please contact our firm as soon as you receive a denial decision so that an attorney can review and offer representation.

The Law Offices of Stephen J. Dunn handles all aspects of the disability medical retirement process for federal employees who have become disabled and prevented from efficiently performing the duties of their position. This representation includes assisting the employee in preparing a disability retirement application, obtaining the proper medical documentation, or appealing an adverse OPM determination to the Merit Systems Protection Board.

You can receive a Schedule Award from the OWCP while receiving an OPM retirement annuity if you have an accepted OWCP claim for a body part listed in the "Schedule." However, you cannot receive OWCP compensation pay at the same time as receiving an OPM retirement annuity. Schedule a consultation today to determine how our attorneys can help you obtain a Schedule Award from the OWCP.

If you are currently receiving compensation pay, you may elect to receive your disability retirement annuity payments, upon approval, at any time. If OWCP decides to terminate your benefits, you may then elect to receive your annuity.

Once approved, you may work another job as long as your salary does not exceed a set amount.