Printing - FECA-PT2 - National Association of Letter Carriers

. Employing Agency. The FECA requires the employing agency to report to OWCP any injury
resulting in death or probable disability and to submit any further information requested by OWCP.
Because evidence appearing in the employer's files is not generally available to claimants, the
employing agency must assemble and submit such evidence.
In addition to supplying evidence in its own behalf, the agency is expected to aid the claimant in
assembling and submitting evidence. In cases where OWCP receives the claim long after the
employee has left the agency's rolls, however, the agency is not expected to assist in preparing
reports pertaining to the claim, nor is it expected to obtain statements from persons who no longer
work for the agency. Such witnesses must be contacted by the claimant or by OWCP.
Additional evidence from other sources may be needed where the agency's confirmation of the
claimant's allegations is not sufficient to establish the claim, or where the official superior disagrees
with the claimant's allegations, has no knowledge of the facts concerning the allegations, or is
unable to furnish sufficient details.
c. OWCP. In administering the FECA, the OWCP must obtain any evidence which is necessary
for the adjudication of the case which is not received when the notice or claim is submitted. The
Office is responsible for the following:
(1) Advising the Claimant and Official Superior. The Claims Examiner (CE) must provide
information about the procedures involved in establishing a claim, including detailed
instructions for developing the required evidence, to all interested parties (the claimant, the
employing agency, and the representative, if any).
(2) Requesting Evidence. Upon initial examination of the case, the CE should request all
evidence necessary to adjudicate the case.
(3) Identifying Potential Third Party Cases. The CE should be alert for situations where a
party other than another Federal employee or agency may be responsible for the injury (see
FECA PM 2-1100). It is best to advise the claimant promptly of any potential third party
action so that attempts at recovery may begin before the applicable State statute of
limitations expires.
(4) Making Prompt Decisions. It is OWCP's obligation to render a decision on each case
as promptly as possible. It is particularly essential that action be expedited in those
disability cases where the injured employee is losing pay. All compensation payments must
be made as promptly as possible in accordance with the timely payment procedures.
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