Printing - FECA-PT2 - National Association of Letter Carriers

(4) Exposure to and Identification of Substances. The employing agency is the usually
the best source for this data. However, if the specific agent to which the claimant was
exposed was clearly encountered in the work place, it is not always necessary to identify the
agent. For example, if the case involves a respiratory condition clearly related to exposure
to fumes at work, or dermatitis from contact with a cleaning solvent used at work, the
agent need not be specified.
(5) Content of Substances. The manufacturer will likely be the best source of
information concerning the contents of a substance. If such exposure is claimed, the CE
should consider whether potential third-party liability exists. If so, the case must be
processed according to FECA PM 2-1100.
(6) Personal History. The claimant is clearly the best source for information concerning
off-the-job exposure to potentially injurious conditions or substances. However, medical
reports containing history elicited by physicians who have examined the claimant sometimes
includes useful factual information. For example, personal or family history may appear in a
claim for a psychiatric or heart condition. The CE should ask the claimant to verify any facts
obtained from a medical report.
c. Request Information. The CE should use the telephone to obtain information or clarification
wherever possible. Otherwise, a letter or conference may be used as follows:
(1) Form Letters. Exhibits 2-19 show sample letters which may serve as initial requests
for information to the claimant and the agency. These letters correspond to the OD
checklists. For conditions not represented by the sample letters, the CE may use the
questions shown in Exhibit 20.
(a) The letters require the CE to state what evidence is already in the case record
and why it is not sufficient to make a decision.
(b) The CE must then choose specific paragraphs which request only the
information necessary to adjudicate the case at hand.
(c) Where the claimant's statement is essential to understanding the basis of the
claim (e.g., in emotional stress cases), the CE should wait until the claimant's
statement has been received before sending the letter to the agency.
(2) Narrative Letters. For follow-up requests and situations where form letters will not
fully address the needs of the case, the CE should use narrative letters.
(a) The contents of the sample letters may be modified or used as guidelines for
writing narrative letters in complex cases.
(b) If further clarification or additional information is needed after the response to
the original letter (whether form or narrative) is received, the CE must prepare a
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