OWCP Schedule Awards

To be eligible for a schedule award under the Federal Employees’ Compensation Act (FECA), a federal employee must have a permanent loss of use of a body part or organ listed in the OWCP schedule. The injury must have reached maximum medical improvement (MMI), and the employee must have a medical report from a doctor that provides an impairment rating for the injury.

The impairment rating is a percentage that reflects the degree of loss of function in the injured body part. The OWCP uses the American Medical Association’s Guides to the Evaluation of Permanent Impairment (AMA Guides) to determine impairment ratings.

To file a claim for a schedule award, the employee must complete Form CA-7, Claim for Schedule Award. The form can be found on the OWCP website.

The following are some tips for increasing the chances of winning a schedule award:

• Obtain a medical report from a doctor who is familiar with the OWCP and the AMA Guides.
• Ensure that the medical report is clear and concise, and that it provides a detailed explanation of the injury and the resulting impairment.
• File the CA-7 form promptly after the injury reaches MMI.
• Be persistent and follow up with the OWCP if you do not hear back from them within a reasonable time period.
• If the claim is denied, the employee may appeal the decision by filing Form CA-5, Notice of Disagreement. The CA-5 form can also be found on the OWCP website.

Winning a schedule award can be a complex and challenging process, but by following the tips above, an employee can increase their chances of success.