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Printing - FECA-PT2 - National Association of Letter Carriers

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limited to the period <strong>of</strong> work-related tuberculosis and the OWCP's responsibility for the condition<br />

would cease once the person recovered.<br />

Any ensuing episode <strong>of</strong> the disease would be considered work-related only if medical evidence<br />

supported such a continued relationship. In this way acceptance for precipitation may resemble<br />

acceptance for temporary aggravation. A claim can also be accepted for precipitation <strong>of</strong> a condition<br />

with no limit on the duration <strong>of</strong> the acceptance.<br />

2-0805-3 Evidence Needed<br />

3. Evidence Needed. The question <strong>of</strong> causal relationship is a medical issue which usually requires<br />

reasoned medical opinion for resolution. This evidence must be obtained from a physician who has<br />

examined or treated the claimant for the condition for which compensation is claimed.<br />

a. Physicians Qualified to Provide Opinions. As defined by 5 U.S.C. 8101, the term "physician"<br />

includes surgeons, osteopathic practitioners, podiatrists, dentists, clinical psychologists,<br />

optometrists and chiropractors within the scope <strong>of</strong> their practice as defined by State law. [See<br />

<strong>FECA</strong> PM 3-100.3(a) and (b).] Clinical psychologists may serve as treating physicians for<br />

work-related emotional conditions. A chiropractor's opinion constitutes medical evidence only if a<br />

diagnosis <strong>of</strong> subluxation <strong>of</strong> the spine is made and supported by X-rays (Loras C. Digmann, 34<br />

ECAB 1049). A claims examiner may request the x-ray or the report <strong>of</strong> x-ray if there is any<br />

indication in the factual or medical evidence that there may not be a subluxation present.<br />

b. Sources <strong>of</strong> Medical Evidence. A medical report from the attending physician is required to<br />

consider the issue <strong>of</strong> causal relationship. This report should include the physician's diagnosis <strong>of</strong> the<br />

condition found and opinion concerning the relationship, if any, between the condition and the<br />

injury or factors <strong>of</strong> employment claimed. The opinion may appear in Form CA-16, Form CA-20 or<br />

20a, Form CA-5 or 5b, or in other medical forms or narrative reports.<br />

c. Obtaining Medical Evidence.<br />

(1) The CE should determine whether a medical report addressing causal relationship is<br />

contained in the file and, if so, whether the opinion is rationalized. (In a few situations, as<br />

described in paragraph 3d below, a rationalized opinion is not required.) If no such report is<br />

present, the CE should request it from the claimant except as noted below.<br />

<strong>FECA</strong>-<strong>PT2</strong> Printed: 06/08/2010 215

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