The Federal Employees' Compensation Act (FECA) provides comprehensive protections for injured federal workers during the adjudication and appeals process for claim denials, including denials of wage-loss (off-work) benefits and impairment ratings for scheduled awards. While FECA does not explicitly prohibit an employing agency from initiating administrative actions like separation for extended absence, it establishes strong safeguards to maintain the status quo during ongoing OWCP proceedings. This includes continuation of benefits unless specific suspension criteria are met, restoration rights to duty, and job protections tied to disability status. These mechanisms prevent premature termination of employment or benefits while disputes are resolved.

Key principles:

- Benefits Continuation During Adjudication: Benefits already in payment generally continue pending resolution of denials or appeals, unless the claimant fails to cooperate (e.g., refusing examinations).

- Job Protection: While on approved FECA leave, absences are considered authorized, and agencies must provide leave without pay (LWOP) for at least one year. Restoration rights apply upon recovery, and agencies cannot treat the absence as unauthorized (e.g., AWOL) until OWCP finalizes work capacity. For more information click on transcript.

The podcaster is Dr. Stephen Taylor, OWCP legal consultant for Oberheiden Law Firm. Dr. Taylor’s contact information is:

https://fedcompconsultants@protonmail.com If you need a medical provider or assistance with an OWCP / DOL claim in Tampa, Jacksonville, Pensacola Florida, Mississippi or Daphne Alabama you can make an appointment to see Dr. Taylor, or Dr. Sullivan at the clinic at FWC Medical Centers. To make a consultation with Dr. Taylor call the clinic at 813-215-4356 or go to our website at https://fwcmedicalcenters.net/ or https://mrtherapycenter.com/or https://fedcompconsultants.com/

For responses email Dr. Taylor at fedcompconsultants@protonmail.com

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Federal Workers Compensation Coffee Break Podcast is an educational podcast that covers relevant federal workers compensation topics that affect injured government employees. Today's podcast covers relevant information about Impairment Ratings for a Schedule Award calculations and eligibility.

Schedule awards are for an OWCP accepted condition arising out of an on-the-job injury. The awards are generally for the permanent loss or use of a scheduled member of the body and usually not for the body as a whole.

As of July 2005 the appropriate method of evaluating the extent of any permanent impairment is found in the AMA's Guides to the Evaluation of Permanent Impairment, 6th Edition, the use of which has been approved by the OWCP. Among the elements which may be considered in determining the extent of impairment are loss of motion, pain and weakness.

Summary of topics covered in this episode

- Evidence for Pay Rate: OWCP relies on the employing agency to provide documentation of the pay rate at the time of injury (e.g., SF-50 or payroll records). Ensure this is accurate when submitting your CA-7 form.

- Amended Awards: If you seek an amended award for increased impairment, the pay rate remains tied to the original injury date unless new work-related factors establish a later date of injury or recurrence.

- Lump Sum or Periodic Payments: Schedule Awards are typically paid in a lump sum if the employee is back to full duty or retired, but the total amount is still based on the injury-date pay rate, multiplied by the percentage of impairment and the weeks assigned to the body part.

For the latest guidance, check the FECA Procedure Manual Part 2, Chapter 2-0808, or consult with your OWCP claims examiner. If you're unsure about your specific pay rate calculation, provide OWCP with clear documentation from your employer to avoid delays.

The podcaster is Dr. Stephen Taylor, OWCP legal consultant for Oberheiden Law Firm. Dr. Taylor’s contact information is:

https://fedcompconsultants@protonmail.com If you need a medical provider or assistance with an OWCP / DOL claim in Tampa, Jacksonville, Pensacola Florida, Mississippi or Daphne Alabama you can make an appointment to see Dr. Taylor, or Dr. Sullivan at the clinic at FWC Medical Centers. To make a consultation with Dr. Taylor call the clinic at 813-215-4356 or go to our website at https://fwcmedicalcenters.net/ or https://mrtherapycenter.com/or https://fedcompconsultants.com/

For responses please email Dr. Taylor at fedcompconsultants@protonmail.com

For responses email Dr. Taylor at fedcompconsultants@protonmail.com

FEEDSPOT TOP 10 National Workers Compensation Podcast:

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In this episode of the Federal Workers Compensation Coffee Break Podcast, Dr. Taylor, a seasoned OWCP and federal healthcare consultant, provides an update on the OWCP Appeal Process. Dr. Taylor discusses FECA ACT § 10.600 which covers how can final decisions of OWCP be reviewed?

There are three methods for reviewing a formal decision of the OWCP (§§ 10.125 through 10.127 discuss how decisions are made). These methods are: reconsideration by the district office; a hearing before an OWCP hearing representative; and appeal to the Employees' Compensation Appeals Board (ECAB). For each method there are time limitations and other restrictions which may apply, and not all options are available for all decisions, so the employee should consult the requirements set forth below. Further rules governing appeals to the ECAB are found at part 501 of this title. Dr. Taylor discusses the 3 different types of appeals, rights, responsibilities, rules and provisions of each type of appeal. Dr. Taylor also discusses tips, strategies and tutorials for each type of appeal. Dr. Taylor presents ways to understand how to successfully navigate the appeals process.

Dr. Taylor’s contact information is: fedcompconsultants@protonmail.com

If you need a medical provider or assistance with an OWCP / DOL claim in Tampa, Jacksonville, Pensacola Florida, south Georgia, Mississippi or Daphne Alabama you can make an appointment to see Dr. Taylor, or Dr. Sullivan at the clinic at FWC Medical Centers. To make a consultation with Dr. Taylor call the clinic at 813-215-4356 or go to our website at https://fedcompconsultants.com/ or https://fwcmedicalcenters.net/

For responses email Dr. Taylor at fedcompconsultants@protonmail.com

For responses email Dr. Taylor at fedcompconsultants@protonmail.com

FEEDSPOT TOP 10 National Workers Compensation Podcast:

https://podcast.feedspot.com/workers_compensation_podcasts/?feedid=5557942&_src=f2_featured_email

In this episode of the Federal Workers Compensation Coffee Break Podcast, Dr. Taylor, a seasoned OWCP and federal healthcare consultant, provides an update on effectively communicating with the Office of Workers' Compensation Programs (OWCP) as an injured federal employee. The podcast focuses on using the Employees' Compensation Operations & Management Portal (ECOMP) for online correspondence, including registering an account, uploading documents with a nine-digit case number, and tracking submissions via a Digital Control Number (DCN). Dr. Taylor advises against using work or military emails due to restrictions and highlights the importance of adhering to file size (5 MB) and format (e.g., PDF, Word) guidelines. Communication via ECOMP is preferred over email, as OWCP does not accept evidence or provide substantive responses through email. For phone inquiries, the OWCP general line is (202) 513-6860, with an interactive phone tree for case status and other information. Written inquiries should be mailed to the OWCP Federal Employees Program in London, KY, particularly for forms OWCP 915 and 957, which require postal submission. For unresolved issues, employees can escalate concerns through ECOMP or seek congressional assistance. Responses to ECOMP uploads are tracked, but delays may require escalation or congressional intervention.

Dr. Taylor’s contact information is: fedcompconsultants@protonmail.com

If you need a medical provider or assistance with an OWCP / DOL claim in Tamps, Pensacola Florida. south Mississippi or Daphne Alabama you can make an appointment to see Dr. Taylor, or Dr. Sullivan at the clinic at FWC Medical Centers. To make a consultation with Dr. Taylor call the clinic at 813-215-4356 or go to our website at https://fedcompconsultants.com/

For responses email Dr. Taylor at fedcompconsultants@protonmail.com

For responses email Dr. Taylor at fedcompconsultants@protonmail.com

FEEDSPOT TOP 10 National Workers Compensation Podcast:

https://podcast.feedspot.com/workers_compensation_podcasts/?feedid=5557942&_src=f2_featured_email

Federal Workers Compensation Coffeebreak is with an OWCP Consultant, Dr. Stephen Taylor, who is a medical provider in Tampa & Pensacola Florida and Daphne Alabama who has been helping government employees with OWCP, DOL and Longshore work-related injuries, disability, FERS Disability, VA disability and other types of Federal program filings for 30 years.

Understanding LWOP denials and common mistakes by Employee agency & OWCP for Federal Employees

Welcome to today’s episode, where we’re diving into the often-misunderstood world of Leave Without Pay (LWOP) and Office of Workers’ Compensation Programs (OWCP) claims for federal employees. These topics can feel like navigating a maze, with confusion stemming from miscommunication, agency policies, and the complexities of managing leave during a workplace injury. Let’s break it down in a way that’s clear and actionable, so you can feel empowered in your career.

LWOP and OWCP: How They Connect: When you’re on an approved OWCP claim, LWOP is typically granted to protect you from being marked Absent Without Leave (AWOL). The Federal Employees’ Compensation Act (FECA) even mandates Continuation of Pay (COP) for up to 45 days, where your agency covers your regular pay during disability related to a workplace injury.

But here’s the part you have to pay attention to: Employee Agencies can still take adverse actions, like AWOL charges, if you don’t properly request and secure LWOP approval, even with an OWCP claim. See Transcript for more information

Dr. Taylor’s contact information is: fedcompconsultants@protonmail.com

If you need a medical provider or assistance with an OWCP / DOL claim in Tamps, Pensacola Florida. south Mississippi or Daphne Alabama you can make an appointment to see Dr. Taylor, or Dr. Sullivan at the clinic at FWC Medical Centers. To make a consultation with Dr. Taylor call the clinic at 813-215-4356 or go to our website at https://fedcompconsultants.com/

For responses email Dr. Taylor at fedcompconsultants@protonmail.com

FEEDSPOT TOP 10 National Workers Compensation Podcast:

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Dr. Stephen Taylor is an OWCP - DOL provider and consultant who enjoys teaching all things federal workers compensation related. This is an educational short form format podcast for learning how to successfully file federal workers compensation claims. So grab a cup of coffee and lets begin. You will be glad you did!
Here at this podcast we discuss all sorts of topics related to federal workers compensation, Department of Labor, OWCP, FECA ACT, FERS, longshore-maritime, DOD contractors, VA benefits. I cover these relevant topics in a short coffee break style format because we like to discuss topics that are related to helping you the government employee with filing your claim, understanding your rights and responsibilities, relevant rules and provisions. I also like to cover topics that people are always wanting information on to help you successfully navigate the convoluted waters of federal claim filing. I do this to assist you, you and your doctor or your coworkers with claim filing denials or with appropriate filing of benefit claims, disability or injured worker claims. This episode is a show update and discussion about current events with Dr. Taylor

Dr. Taylor's contact information for more information or assistance is:
fedcompconsultants@protonmail.com

If you need an OWCP approved medical provider, You can make a a consultation with me to discuss your case or if you know someone in Tampa or Pensacola Florida and Atlanta and south Georgia or Alabama, who is recently injured you can call the clinic at 813-215-4356 or go to our website at https://fedcompconsultants.com/ & https://mrtherapycenter.com/ Also if you are in another state and you want me to assist you with claim questions or assistance for your doctor you can email me at fedcompconsultants@protonmail.com or send me a message on the website at fedcompconsultants.com

For responses email Dr. Taylor at fedcompconsultants@protonmail.com

FEEDSPOT TOP 10 National Workers Compensation Podcast:

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If you're an injured worker whose workers' compensation claim has been accepted but now faces a second opinion examination that seems prejudiced or improperly conducted, you may be at risk of losing your benefits. This guide provides practical tips and remedies to protect your rights and ensure fair treatment when a second opinion physician’s findings appear influenced by a claims examiner aiming for a predetermined outcome.

Understanding the Situation

When a second opinion physician determines that your injury is not work-related, the claims examiner may issue a Notice of Intent to Terminate Compensation. This notice typically gives you 30 days before your benefits end. The claims examiner often supports this decision with a Memorandum to the Director, outlining the reasons for denying your claim. This memorandum is a document that you never see but has a lot of prejudicial influence on the second opinion's determinations. There is a lot of these types of memorandums that hurt injured workers looking for fairness and help but instead receive a predetermined prejudiced outcome that is negotiated in these type of memorandum that often hurt the injured worker claimant.

If the second opinion feels biased or the examination was not conducted appropriately, you have options to challenge the findings and protect your benefits. Acting quickly and strategically is critical.

Steps to Take

1. Request Key Documents

To build a strong case, you need access to the documents influencing the decision. Take these actions immediately:

• Obtain the Memorandum to the Director: Request a copy of this document from the claims examiner. It details why your claim is being denied and is essential for your treating physician to understand the basis of the denial.
• Request the Second Opinion Doctor’s Report: Ask the claims examiner to send a copy of the second opinion physician’s report to your treating physician. This ensures your doctor has the full context of the findings to address. for more information click on the transcript:

Dr. Taylor’s contact information is: fedcompconsultants@protonmail.com

If you need a medical provider or assistance with an OWCP / DOL claim in Tamps, Pensacola Florida. south Mississippi or Daphne Alabama you can make an appointment to see Dr. Taylor, or Dr. Sullivan at the clinic at FWC Medical Centers. To make a consultation with Dr. Taylor call the clinic at 813-215-4356 or go to our website at https://fedcompconsultants.com/

For responses email Dr. Taylor at fedcompconsultants@protonmail.com

FEEDSPOT TOP 10 National Workers Compensation Podcast:

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Government Agency -Medical and Occupational Health Program consists of agency personnel that provide administrative functions, wellness initiatives, and other medically related activities designed to address the health and safety of employees in the workplace. The mission of the National Medical and Occupational Health Program is to reinforce the relationship between health, productivity, and the achievement of the Government Agency's business goals. This is accomplished through the development of quality programs and policies designed to promote and maintain employee health and to help ensure a safe, healthful work environment. The program’s services include but are not limited to the following activities:

a. Providing preventive medical programs in health counseling, education, and training.

b. Managing the care of acutely ill or injured employees.

c. Determining medical ability of applicants and employees to perform the

functions of the job.

d. Managing applicant and employee drug and alcohol testing programs.

e. Managing compliance with the regulatory requirements of the

Department of Transportation, Office of Worker’s Compensation Programs, Occupational Safety and Health Administration, and other entities for which program compliance is required.

For more information click on the show transcript:

Dr. Taylor’s contact information is: fedcompconsultants@protonmail.com

If you need a medical provider or assistance with an OWCP / DOL claim in Tampa, Pensacola Florida or Mobile Alabama you can make an appointment to see Dr. Taylor, or Dr. Sullivan at the clinic at FWC Medical Centers. To make a consultation with Dr. Taylor call the clinic at 813-215-4356 or go to our website at https://mrtherapycenter.com/or https://fedcompconsultants.com/

For responses email Dr. Taylor at fedcompconsultants@protonmail.com

FEEDSPOT TOP 10 National Workers Compensation Podcast:

https://podcast.feedspot.com/workers_compensation_podcasts/?feedid=5557942&_src=f2_featured_email