Recovering from a workplace injury should give you time to focus on healing, not leave you worrying about unpaid medical bills or lost income. Yet many federal employees find themselves waiting on the Department of Labor (DOL) to approve the medical care their doctor already recommended. Understanding the claim process can help you avoid unnecessary delays.
Understanding your rights as a federal employee
Federal law protects injured government workers through the Federal Employees’ Compensation Act (FECA). Under FECA, the government must cover all medical treatment related to your work injury. This includes surgeries, physical therapy, prescription medications and necessary medical devices. The law also provides wage replacement benefits during your recovery period.
Benefits federal employees are entitled to
FECA covers more than just medical bills. Injured workers with total disability receive 66 2/3% of their regular pay. Workers with one or more eligible dependents may qualify for up to 75% of their regular pay. In some cases, workers may also recover benefits for permanent impairment through schedule awards. Knowing the full scope of available benefits is critical to protecting your recovery.
Why approvals sometimes get delayed
The DOL Office of Workers’ Compensation Programs (OWCP) handles all FECA claims. Missing paperwork, questions about whether an injury is work-related or disagreements over a doctor’s recommended treatment plan can all slow things down. The system is complex, and a delay or denial does not always mean the decision is final. Workers can successfully challenge many of these decisions. However, any delay in receiving proper care can affect your recovery.
How the legal process can cut through red tape
When OWCP delays a claim for weeks or months, you may begin to feel helpless. FECA allows injured workers to request reconsideration or a hearing through OWCP, where you can submit new medical evidence to support the claim. Workers can also appeal a decision to the Employees’ Compensation Appeals Board (ECAB), which conducts an independent review based on the existing record. These options ensure every claim gets a fair and thorough review.
Protecting your right to recovery
The law entitles injured federal workers to full medical coverage and wage replacement benefits. If you are facing a denied or stalled OWCP claim, taking prompt action can help you move your claim forward. In such cases, legal support may help you understand your rights and determine how best to proceed.