OWCP Forms Guide

OWCP Forms for Federal Workers

Filing the wrong form — or filling out the right one incorrectly — is the #1 reason OWCP claims get denied. Here is a plain-English guide to every form you'll encounter.

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Form CA-1 — Notice of Traumatic Injury

When to file: Filed when an injury happens from a single event or work shift (a fall, lifting injury, vehicle accident).
Deadline: Within 30 days of the injury — but file as soon as possible.
Who completes it: The injured federal employee files it; the supervisor receives and forwards it.

Form CA-2 — Notice of Occupational Disease

When to file: Filed when a condition developed over time from repeated exposure or work activity (carpal tunnel, hearing loss, repetitive strain).
Deadline: Within 3 years of awareness that the condition is work-related.
Who completes it: The injured employee — medical evidence linking the condition to work duties is critical.

Form CA-2a — Notice of Recurrence

When to file: Filed when a previously accepted OWCP injury flares up or worsens without a new injury.
Deadline: File promptly once the recurrence is documented.
Who completes it: The injured employee, supported by the treating physician's records.

Form CA-7 — Claim for Compensation

When to file: Filed to claim wage-loss compensation after the 45-day continuation of pay (COP) period or for any disability period.
Deadline: Submit for each pay period you are out of work; first CA-7 typically goes in after COP ends.
Who completes it: The injured employee. The treating physician supplies medical evidence supporting disability.

Full CA-7 step-by-step guide →

Form CA-17 — Duty Status Report

When to file: Used to communicate work restrictions between the treating doctor and the federal employer.
Deadline: Updated each visit when work status changes.
Who completes it: The treating physician completes Side B; the employer completes Side A.

Full CA-17 step-by-step guide →

Form CA-20 — Attending Physician's Report

When to file: The narrative medical report that supports a CA-7 claim for compensation.
Deadline: Submitted with each CA-7 to document continuing disability.
Who completes it: The treating physician — must include diagnosis, causation, and work restrictions.

Don't lose your benefits over a form error.

Our DOL credentialed doctors and OWCP claims specialists complete the medical portions of these forms every day. Call us for free claims assistance — we'll make sure your paperwork is filed correctly the first time.

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