Printing - FECA-PT2 - National Association of Letter Carriers

c. Notice to Survivors of Right to Claim Compensation. All efforts to obtain a claim from
survivors must be fully documented
in the file.
(1) Eligible Survivors. The relationship of the survivor to the deceased is determined as
of the date the death occurred (dependents who may be entitled to benefits are discussed
in paragraphs 7-10). Section 8110 defines the classes of persons who qualify as
"dependents" and thereby come within its scope. Those not specified are not included (see
William S. Capeller, M.D., 28 ECAB 262).
(2) Spouses and Children. The spouse should be notified in writing of the right to claim
compensation (Form CA-1064 may be used for this purpose). If no reply to this letter is
received, a second notice will be sent 60 days later. In cases involving minor children,
particularly orphans, the CE must send at least two notices to the guardian or custodian of
the child. The case may be closed if no claim is received or if the replies to these notices
indicate that further follow-up is not needed.
(3) Other Dependents. Generally, only one notice of the right to claim compensation
need be sent to a survivor other than a spouse or child. If no claim is received within 60
days, the case may be closed as provided in paragraph 18 below.
(4) Compensation Due at Death. The CE should send Form CA-1085 to the
administrator of the estate or to the next of kin to determine if compensation was due at
death and, if so, to whom the money should be sent. See paragraph 14c below concerning
payment of funeral and burial expenses from compensation due at death.
d. Relationship Between Disability and Death File. If a death is claimed due to an injury
already of record, the death case should be doubled into the disability case under the number
already assigned to the disability case.
e. Autopsy Reports. Initial reports of death received by telephone or telefax within 48 hours of
death should immediately be brought to the attention of the District Medical Adviser (DMA) so that
the need for an autopsy can be determined before burial, assuming that the cause of death is not
obvious. If an autopsy appears to be necessary, the DMA will telephone or prepare a telefax to the
next of kin requesting permission to perform the procedure, which will be carried out at OWCP
expense (see FECA PM 3-400).
f. Development. Upon receipt of the case, and after completion of the telephone call noted in
paragraph 4a above, the CE will send Form CA-1063 or a narrative equivalent to the employing
agency, and attach Form CA-5 or CA-5b and Form CA-6. If the name and address of the spouse
are known, Form CA-1064 may be sent directly. If a claim is received, the case should be
developed in accordance with the five basic requirements as described in FECA PM 2-801 through
805. Form CA-1072 or a narrative letter may be used to obtain information needed to establish
causal relationship. In addition, the employing agency should be asked about pay rate and health
benefits information, and the claimant must also submit the following evidence:
FECA-PT2 Printed: 06/08/2010 100