Printing - FECA-PT2 - National Association of Letter Carriers

Establishing whether an injury, traumatic or occupational, was sustained in the performance
of duty as alleged, i.e. "fact of injury," and establishing whether there is a causal
relationship between the injury and any disability and/or specific condition for which
compensation is claimed, i.e. "causal relationship," are distinct elements of a compensation
claim. While the issue of "causal relationship" cannot be established until "fact of injury" is
established, acceptance of fact of injury is not contingent upon an employee proving a
causal relationship between the injury and any disability and/or specific condition for which
compensation is claimed. An employee may establish that an injury occurred in the
performance of duty as alleged but fail to establish that his or her disability and/or specific
condition for which compensation is claimed are causally related to the injury.
2-0803-3 Sources of Evidence
3. Sources of Evidence. To determine whether the injury occurred, the CE should consider the
following evidence:
a. A statement from the claimant, or someone acting on the claimant's behalf, indicating the
nature of the injury and showing when, where, and how it occurred. Such a statement is
mandatory.
b. A statement from the supervisor confirming that the alleged injury occurred. A positive
statement from the supervisor (or compensation specialist) is required, except where the injury
occurred under circumstances such that employing agency personnel could not or probably would
not have personal knowledge of its occurrence.
c. Statements from one or more witnesses confirming or refuting the claimant's allegations
concerning the occurrence of the injury. The absence of statements from witnesses does not
defeat a compensation claim if the claimant's statements and course of action are consistent with
the surrounding facts and circumstances and otherwise appear to be true. However, witness
statements should be requested if the occurrence of the incident is in doubt.
d. A medical report from the treating physician which provides a diagnosis linked to the injury.
The report does not need to address causal relationship between the incident claimed and the
medical condition diagnosed. The report also does not need to address any disability which may
have resulted from the injury. But a medical condition, however minor or seemingly incongruous,
must be stated. Findings of pain or discomfort alone do not satisfy the medical aspect of the fact
of injury determination.
FECA-PT2 Printed: 06/08/2010 164