Is your OWCP claim denied? Don't panic—and more importantly, don't just click "Appeal." In this episode of Breaking OWCP, Chris and Gini reveal why the standard appeal process often fails and why the Request for Reconsideration is your actual path to approval.

Chris shares a specific "speed reading" hack to find the exact reason your claim was denied within the decision letter, allowing you to fix the narrative with your doctor. We also breakdown the complex world of MMI (Maximum Medical Improvement), how it leads to cash payouts via Schedule Awards, and why you must report your injuries before you retire if you want lifetime medical benefits.

In This Episode You Will Learn:

• The "Appeal" Trap: Why you should almost always check the box for "Reconsideration" (to submit new evidence) rather than an Oral Hearing or ECAB appeal.
• The "Specifically" Hack: How to scan your denial letter for the paragraph starting with the word "Specifically" to find the exact error your doctor needs to fix.
• Retirement Rules: Why reporting an injury after you retire is a recipe for denial, and how to lock in lifetime medical benefits before you leave.
• The 72-Hour Myth: Debunking the lie that you only have 3 days to report an injury (The law says you have 3 years).
• MMI Explained: What Maximum Medical Improvement means, why you need an AMA 6th Edition impairment rating, and how to file for a Schedule Award (Form CA-7, Box D).
• Supervisor Bullying: When to call OSHA (1-800-321-OSHA) if a supervisor violates your CA-17 medical restrictions.

Timestamps:

• [01:50] Topic 1: What to do when your claim is denied (It’s usually the doctor’s fault).
• [05:00] The Appeal Form: Why "Reconsideration" is the only box that matters.
• [09:00] What a doctor’s narrative must say (avoiding "medical probability").
• [11:15] The Hack: Finding the "Specifically" paragraph in your denial letter.
• [14:30] OWCP & Retirement: Why you must file while still employed.
• [20:00] Busting the "72 Hour" reporting myth.
• [23:30] Modified Job Offers: What to do if they violate your medical restrictions.
• [27:45] Form CA-17 Side A: The Supervisor's mandatory responsibility.
• [41:30] Topic 2: MMI (Maximum Medical Improvement) defined.
• [43:00] The 6th Edition Impairment Rating & Schedule Awards (Box D).

Key Laws & Resources Mentioned:

• Schedule Award: Filed via Form CA-7 (Box D) after reaching MMI.
• Reconsideration: You have 12 months from a denial to file this with new evidence.
• Reporting Timeline: You have 3 years to file a claim (statutory), though 30 days is required for COP (Continuation of Pay).
• OSHA: osha.gov or 1-800-321-OSHA.

Website for Locations. www.federalinjurycenters.com
Contact: 877-787-OWCP or message us Facebook
To Buy The Book: www.breakingowcp.com
To Email information: Info@federalinjurycenters.com
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Wednesday Night OWCP Chats with Chris & Gini

Live from Las Vegas, Chris and Gini dive into the technical—but critical—foundations of filing a federal injury claim. If you have ever been confused about whether your injury counts as a "traumatic injury" or an "occupational disease," filing the wrong paperwork can sink your case before it starts.

In this episode, we break down the specific differences between Form CA-1 and Form CA-2. More importantly, Chris issues a stern warning about why you should never use your personal health insurance for a work injury if you can avoid it, and why "appealing" a decision is often the wrong legal move compared to a "Request for Reconsideration."

In This Episode You Will Learn:

• The Forms Defined: How to know if your injury requires a CA-1 (Single Shift/Traumatic) or a CA-2 (Two or more shifts/Occupational).
• The Health Insurance Trap: Why using your own insurance forfeits your right to mileage reimbursement, time-back buyback, and Schedule Awards.
• The "1 in 13" Stat: In 2018, only 1 out of 13 federal claims were accepted—usually because private doctors write insufficient narratives.
• Don't "Appeal": Why clicking the "Appeal" button is a mistake, and why you should file a Request for Reconsideration with new evidence instead.
• The "Penalty" Statute: The specific law (5420.33) you need to cite if a supervisor refuses to process your claim.

Timestamps:

• [00:00] Live from Las Vegas: Birthday celebrations and intros.
• [02:00] Topic 1: CA-1 (Traumatic) vs. CA-2 (Occupational) – Which one do you need?
• [03:30] Why you must sit with your supervisor while they fill out Page 2.
• [05:15] Topic 2: OWCP vs. Health Insurance – Why private insurance kills your benefits.
• [08:20] Stop saying "Appeal": The power of the Request for Reconsideration.
• [12:30] Q&A: What to do when DOL won't accept medical docs directly from you.
• [14:40] Q&A: Getting paid on a CA-7 and the 5-day submission law.
• [24:15] Defining MMI (Maximum Medical Improvement) and Schedule Awards.
• [33:00] The Supervisor Penalty: Citing 5420.33 (Penalty for failure to process claim) for a listener in Texas.

Key Laws & Codes Mentioned:

• 5420.33: Penalty for failure to process a claim (Up to $500 fine or imprisonment).
• 20 CFR 10.110: Supervisor obligation to fill out forms.

Website for Locations. www.federalinjurycenters.com
Contact: 877-787-OWCP or message us Facebook
To Buy The Book: www.breakingowcp.com
To Email information: Info@federalinjurycenters.com
Find Us on Facebook, YouTube, LinkedIn, Instagram @
Wednesday Night OWCP Chats with Chris & Gini

Are you one of the 12 out of 13 federal employees whose work injury claim gets denied? In this episode of Breaking OWCP, Chris from Federal Injury Centers tackles the #2 reason claims fail: Management giving employees a hard time.

If your supervisor is refusing to help, claiming they "don't have time," or arguing that you aren't really hurt, they might be breaking federal law. Chris breaks down the specific Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) you need to quote to management, how to use OSHA whistleblower protections to your advantage, and the "All In" poker move that forces your agency to process your paperwork.

In This Episode You Will Learn:

• The shocking statistic: Why only 1 in 13 federal injury claims were accepted in 2018.
• The Law: Specific breakdown of 20 CFR 10.16 and 20 CFR 10.110—why impeding a FECA claim is a crime and why your employer must give you a receipt.
• The OSHA Option: How to use the whistleblower hotline (1-800-321-OSHA) if you are being threatened or ignored.
• The "All In" Strategy: How to print, fill, and force the submission of your own CA-1 or CA-2 forms.
• Medical Evidence: Why your supervisor is legally forbidden from waiting for medical records before submitting your forms.

Timestamps:

• [00:00] Intro: The grim statistics of accepted federal injury claims.
• [01:45] The Supervisor's Obligation: What the Dept. of Labor training module actually says.
• [02:45] Know Your Rights: 20 CFR 10.16 – Is your supervisor committing a crime by impeding your claim?
• [03:48] The Receipt Rule: Why you must leave the office with signed copies.
• [06:30] The Nuclear Option: Calling OSHA and filing a whistleblower complaint.
• [08:40] Advice for USPS Employees: When to call the Postal Inspector.
• [10:30] The "Poker Move": How to file your own forms when management refuses.
• [15:30] Q&A: Stem cell therapy coverage and settlements.
• [17:40] Q&A: How to appeal a denied claim (Reconsideration vs. Oral Hearing).
• [24:10] Explaining Consequential Injuries vs. Recurrences.
• [29:00] The struggle of finding doctors who understand OWCP narratives.

Relevant Laws & Resources Mentioned:

• 20 CFR 10.16: Wrongfully impeding a FECA claim.
• 20 CFR 10.110: Employer obligations to process forms within 10 days.
• 5 USC 8122: The 3-year statute of limitations for filing.
• OSHA Whistleblower Complaint: osha.gov or 1-800-321-OSHA.

Website for Locations. www.federalinjurycenters.com
Contact: 877-787-OWCP or message us Facebook
To Buy The Book: www.breakingowcp.com
To Email information: Info@federalinjurycenters.com
Find Us on Facebook, YouTube, LinkedIn, Instagram @
Wednesday Night OWCP Chats with Chris & Gini

Q&A Special: CA-17 Refusals, The OSHA Strategy, and Finding the Right Doctor

In this interactive Q&A episode of Breaking OWCP, Chris and Gini return from opening the new Montgomery, AL office to play a game of "Stump Chris" with listener questions. If you have ever been confused about who fills out which side of the CA-17, or if you are struggling to find a doctor in your state, this episode provides direct answers.

Chris explains the "Alphabet Rule" for the CA-17 Duty Status Report, clarifying why the Supervisor MUST complete Side A before the doctor completes Side B.

We also preview a major upcoming strategy involving OSHA—explaining how to use federal safety regulations to stop supervisors from refusing to sign your forms. Plus, we discuss the validity of denied claims, the role of Nurse Case Managers, and upcoming coverage on PRP and Stem Cell therapy.

Key Topics Discussed:

• The CA-17 "Alphabet Rule": A simple way to remember that the Supervisor (Side A) must fill out the form before the Physician (Side B). Chris explains what doctors do when supervisors refuse.
• Success Rates & Denials: Why "no denial is final." Chris discusses the reality that even the best cases get denied initially but can be fixed with a proper narrative and appeal.
• The OSHA "Mic Drop": A preview of a powerful strategy: calling OSHA when management refuses to process injury forms. Chris explains the 72-hour investigation timeline and whistleblower protections.
• Doctor Spotlight: Recommendations for specific OWCP-trained doctors, including Dr. Patron (Chicago) for complex neuropathy cases, Dr. Toll (Indianapolis), and the new Montgomery, AL office.
• Advanced Treatments: A teaser for next week’s discussion on Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) and Stem Cell therapy coverage under DOL.
• Medication & Pharmacy: How to use your case number at major pharmacies like CVS and Walgreens to get prescriptions covered without out-of-pocket costs.

Timestamps:

• CA-17 Logic: Why Side A (Supervisor) comes before Side B (Physician).
• Denials: Why 100% success rates don't mean zero initial denials.
• Nurse Case Managers: Are they on your side?
• The OSHA Strategy: Using OSHA to force compliance from supervisors.
• Doctor Referral: A look at Dr. Patron’s success in Chicago with peripheral neuropathy.
• Upcoming Topic: Dr. Fitz Harper and PRP/Stem Cell injections coverage.

Website for Locations. www.federalinjurycenters.com
Contact: 877-787-OWCP or message us Facebook
To Buy The Book: www.breakingowcp.com
To Email information: Info@federalinjurycenters.com
Find Us on Facebook, YouTube, LinkedIn, Instagram @
Wednesday Night OWCP Chats with Chris & Gini

In this episode of Breaking OWCP, Chris and Gini tackle the rampant issue of supervisor intimidation and the mishandling of federal workers' comp forms. If you have been told that a Nurse Case Manager can force you to leave a doctor’s office, or if your supervisor is refusing to provide you with a CA-16 or CA-17, this episode is mandatory listening.

Chris breaks down the specific legal obligations of your supervisor regarding the critical OWCP forms. We explain why you must receive a CA-16 within four hours of reporting a traumatic injury, how to properly handle the "Side A vs. Side B" requirements of the CA-17 Duty Status Report, and why management has no authority to dictate your medical treatment.

Key Topics Discussed:

• Nurse Case Managers: Your rights when a nurse case manager enters the exam room. Chris clarifies that they cannot force you to change doctors or leave a chiropractic office if you have a valid claim.
• Supervisor Responsibilities (CA-1 & CA-2): Why supervisors must fill out Page 2, submit the forms within 10 days, and provide you with full copies (front and back) plus the receipt.
• The CA-17 Duty Status Report: A step-by-step guide to this form. Chris explains that the Supervisor is responsible for "Side A" (left side) and the Doctor is responsible for "Side B" (right side).
• The "Unicorn" Form (CA-16): What is the CA-16? It pays your medical bills for the first 60 days before your claim is accepted. We discuss the law that states management has four hours to provide this to you after a traumatic injury.
• Filing Grievances: When and how to file a grievance if management refuses to provide forms or intimidates you.
• New Locations: Announcements for the new Montgomery, AL office and updates on doctors in Chicago, Virginia, Indianapolis, and Michigan.

Timestamps:

• Nurse Case Managers: Can they kick you out of a doctor's office?
• Management’s limited role: They cannot dictate medical opinions.
• CA-1 Form Rules: The 10-day submission rule and your right to copies.
• CA-17 Duty Status Report: Why supervisors must fill out "Side A."
• The CA-16: The "4-Hour Rule" and why it pays your bills for 60 days.
• Q&A: Addressing listener questions on part-time work and denials.
• Union Stewards: The importance of getting union support and training.
• Location Update: Grand opening of the Montgomery, AL office.

Mentioned Resources:

• Forms: CA-1, CA-2, CA-16, CA-17, CA-20.
• Regulations: 20 CFR (Code of Federal Regulations) regarding interference with claims.
• Offices: Federal Injury Centers (Montgomery, Clearwater, Atlanta, Birmingham, Memphis, Boston area).

OWCP, CA-16, CA-17, Federal Workers Compensation, Nurse Case Manager, Supervisor Responsibilities, Traumatic Injury, Federal Injury Centers, CA-1 Form, Union Steward, Postal Service, USPS, AFGE, DOL, Department of Labor, Workers Comp Grievance.

Website for Locations. www.federalinjurycenters.com
Contact: 877-787-OWCP or message us Facebook
To Buy The Book: www.breakingowcp.com
To Email information: Info@federalinjurycenters.com
Find Us on Facebook, YouTube, LinkedIn, Instagram @
Wednesday Night OWCP Chats with Chris & Gini

Are you a federal or postal employee being told you cannot see a specific doctor for your injury? In this episode of OWCP Wednesday Night Chats, we tackle the wave of misleading letters from management threatening to deny CA-7s and CA-17s based on your medical provider.

We break down the legal reality regarding Chiropractors and Nurse Practitioners, expose the intimidation tactics used to suppress claims, and review the specific federal regulations (CA-810) that protect your "Right of Choice." If you are being told where to go for medical treatment, you need to hear this breakdown of your rights and how to file a grievance to stop the harassment.

Key Topics Discussed:

• The "Chiropractor Letter": Why management is claiming they won't honor time off if you see a Chiropractor or Nurse Practitioner, and why they are wrong.
• The MD Sign-Off Rule: Clarifying how Medical Doctors (MDs) counter-sign reports for Nurse Practitioners to ensure your claim is valid.
• Know Your Rights (CA-810): A deep dive into the Injury Compensation for Federal Employees manual, specifically Section 6-3, which prohibits agency personnel from interfering with your choice of physician.
• Penalties for Management: The severe penalties (including potential jail time) for anyone preventing a federal employee from filing a claim.
• Union Power: How the union is taking these cases to the Labor Board and filing grievances against malicious management tactics.
• Success Rates: Why sticking with trained doctors results in a higher acceptance rate (7 out of 7) compared to the postal average (1 out of 7).

Mentioned Resources & Codes:

• CA-810 Manual: Section 6-3 (Right of Choice).
• CA-17 & CA-7 Forms: Duty Status and Claim for Compensation.
• Code of Federal Regulations: Penalties for interfering with claim filing.
• Contract Interpretation Manual: Page 5, Paragraph 1 (OWCP decisions vs. Agency decisions).

Timestamps:

• The issue: Management threatening to deny pay for seeing specific doctors.
• Understanding the role of MDs in Chiropractic offices.
• The Law: CA-810 Section 6-3 and your Right of Choice.
• Penalties for management interference and intimidation.
• Case Study: An employee accepted by OWCP but harassed by management.
• Filing grievances with the Labor Board.

OWCP, Federal Workers Compensation, US Postal Service, USPS Union, CA-17, CA-7, Right of Choice, Federal Employees, Injury Compensation, CA-810, Workers Comp Grievance, Nurse Practitioner, Chiropractor, DOL, Department of Labor.

Website for Locations. www.federalinjurycenters.com
Contact: 877-787-OWCP or message us Facebook
To Buy The Book: www.breakingowcp.com
To Email information: Info@federalinjurycenters.com
Find Us on Facebook, YouTube, LinkedIn, Instagram @
Wednesday Night OWCP Chats with Chris & Gini

Join Chris and Gini for their final Wednesday Night OWCP Chat of 2025! For nearly 10 years, this dynamic duo has been helping federal employees navigate the complex Office of Workers' Compensation Programs (OWCP) system—completely free.

What You'll Learn in This Episode:

✅ How to File OWCP Claims Correctly - CA-1, CA-2, CA-7, CA-16, and CA-17 forms explained
✅ Schedule Award Secrets - How to get maximum compensation for your injury
✅ Dealing with Claim Denials - Reconsideration strategies that actually work
✅ Congressional Inquiry Success Stories - Real federal employee wins
✅ Continuation of Pay (COP) - Don't lose benefits by making these mistakes
✅ Medical Benefits for Life - Understanding your lifetime OWCP coverage
✅ Choosing Your Own Doctor - Why this decision is critical to your claim
✅ Fighting Back Against Management - Your rights as an injured federal worker

Key Topics Covered:

• USPS workers compensation claims
• Federal law enforcement officer injuries (FLEOA partnership)
• Postal inspector OWCP cases
• Bureau of Prisons (BOP) injury claims
• TSA and federal employee rights
• Reopening old OWCP cases
• Getting a new claims examiner
• Limited duty job offers and CA-17 restrictions
• Havana Syndrome claims (anomalous health incidents)
• Back injury compensation and schedule awards

Featured Success Stories:

• Jeremy's congressional inquiry victory
• Real-time Q&A with federal employees nationwide
• Expert advice on avoiding common OWCP mistakes

Why This Matters:

Only 7-14% of federal employees nationwide have accepted OWCP claims. Chris and Gini are on a mission to change that by providing free education to postal workers, federal law enforcement, and all federal employees who deserve proper workers compensation benefits.

Connect with Chris & Gini:

• YouTube: Wednesday Night OWCP Chats with Chris and Gini
• Facebook: Wednesday Night OWCP Chats (19K+ followers)
• Email: gini@federalinjurycenters.com

Upcoming in 2026:

• 3-hour National OWCP Training (live on Wednesday nights)
• 10-year anniversary celebration (February 16, 2026)
• State and union convention trainings nationwide

#OWCP #FederalWorkersComp #PostalWorkers #USPS #FederalEmployees #WorkersCompensation #InjuryClaims #CA1 #CA2 #ScheduleAward #FLEOA #DisabilityBenefits #FederalInjury #ChrisAndGini

SEO Keywords Targeted:

• OWCP claims
• Federal workers compensation
• How to file CA-1
• How to file CA-2
• USPS injury claims
• Schedule award federal employees
• OWCP denial appeal
• Federal employee injury lawyer
• Continuation of pay OWCP
• OWCP claims examiner
• Federal workers comp benefits
• Postal worker injury
• OWCP medical benefits
• Federal law enforcement injury claims

Episode Length: 55 minutes
Release Date: November 21, 2025
Episode Type: Live Q&A / Educational

This is free educational content. Chris and Gini have never charged federal employees for OWCP advice and never will.

Website for Locations. www.federalinjurycenters.com
Contact: 877-787-OWCP or message us Facebook
To Buy The Book: www.breakingowcp.com
To Email information: Info@federalinjurycenters.com
Find Us on Facebook, YouTube, LinkedIn, Instagram @
Wednesday Night OWCP Chats with Chris & Gini

In this eye-opening episode, federal workers' compensation experts Chris and Gini expose the top 20 OWCP violations that supervisors commit daily—and how federal employees can protect their rights.

What You'll Learn:

• Why supervisors fail to provide CA-16 forms within the required 4 hours
• Your legal right to choose your own doctor (and how supervisors illegally interfere)
• How to get Continuation of Pay (COP) that you're entitled to
• The laws protecting you from retaliation when filing injury claims
• Why threatening employees over OWCP claims is a federal crime
• How to report supervisor violations to Inspector General and DOJ

Key Topics Covered:
✅ CA-1 and CA-2 form requirements and deadlines
✅ 10-day supervisor submission rule (20 CFR regulations)
✅ Your right to 4 hours administrative leave for medical appointments (20 CFR 10.310)
✅ Limited duty assignment rights and 30-day review period
✅ HIPAA violations and medical documentation mishandling
✅ Whistleblower Protection Act coverage for OWCP claims

Important Legal References Mentioned:

• 18 USC 1920 - Threatening employees filing claims
• 20 CFR 10.117 - Obstruction of federal claims
• 5 USC 8151 - Retaliation protections
• 5 USC 2302(B)(9) - Whistleblower Protection Act
• 20 CFR 10.506 - Unauthorized doctor contact
• 20 CFR 10.310 - Medical appointment leave rights

Special Announcements:
📅 National OWCP Convention - November 16th, 3-6 PM Eastern (Free 3-hour training on Facebook)
📍 Upcoming training with Federal Law Enforcement Officers Association (FLEOA)
📍 Jacksonville APW Fall Booster - November 5th live chat

Who Should Listen:

• USPS postal workers and mail handlers
• Federal law enforcement (DEA, FBI, ICE, Border Patrol, Postal Inspectors)
• VA employees
• Bureau of Prisons (BOP) staff
• TSA officers
• All federal employees with work injuries
• Union stewards and representatives

Resources Mentioned:

• Federal Injury Centers: federalinjurycenters.com
• OWCP doctor search: Google "OWCP doctor near me"
• Report violations: Contact your agency's Inspector General or DOJ

Hosts: Chris & Gini - Federal workers' compensation specialists with Federal Injury Centers, training unions and federal agencies nationwide since 2016.

Tags: #OWCP #FederalWorkersComp #USPS #PostalWorkers #FederalEmployees #WorkersCompensation #CA1 #CA2 #CA16 #COP #FLEOA #APWU #NALC #FederalInjury #WorkplaceInjury

Subscribe for weekly OWCP tips every Wednesday at 8 PM Eastern!

SEO Keywords: OWCP rights, federal workers compensation, CA-16 form, continuation of pay, postal worker injury, federal employee rights, supervisor violations, work injury claims, USPS injury, federal injury centers, OWCP training, workers comp retaliation

Website for Locations. www.federalinjurycenters.com
Contact: 877-787-OWCP or message us Facebook
To Buy The Book: www.breakingowcp.com
To Email information: Info@federalinjurycenters.com
Find Us on Facebook, YouTube, LinkedIn, Instagram @
Wednesday Night OWCP Chats with Chris & Gini