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Printing - FECA-PT2 - National Association of Letter Carriers

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(c) When the physician's report indicates the employee is capable <strong>of</strong> performing<br />

light duty, the employee is required to accept any reasonable <strong>of</strong>fer <strong>of</strong> suitable light<br />

or limited duty. If the employee refuses to accept the work <strong>of</strong>fered, COP should be<br />

terminated. OWCP will then resolve the dispute on the basis <strong>of</strong> evidence submitted<br />

(see paragraph 16.b below.<br />

d. Absence <strong>of</strong> Medical Evidence.<br />

(1) The employing agency may terminate COP or refuse to retroactively convert<br />

previously used leave to COP for the reason that medical evidence which on its face<br />

supports disability due to a work-related injury is not received within 10 calendar days after<br />

the claim is submitted (unless the employer's own investigation shows disability to exist).<br />

Where the medical evidence is later provided for the period in question, the CE should send<br />

a copy <strong>of</strong> it to the agency with instructions to reinstate COP retroactive to the date <strong>of</strong><br />

termination, or to convert and restore previously used leave, 20 C.F.R. 10.222(a)(1).<br />

(2) The decision to terminate COP rests primarily with the <strong>of</strong>ficial superior, who may<br />

have particular knowledge <strong>of</strong> the circumstances <strong>of</strong> the injury and choose not to terminate<br />

COP even if medical evidence has not been submitted. Therefore, the CE should not direct<br />

the agency to terminate COP ten calendar days after the employee claimed COP. The CE is<br />

still responsible, however, for advising the employee to submit supporting medical evidence<br />

and to deny the claim on burden <strong>of</strong> pro<strong>of</strong> if the evidence is not submitted in a timely<br />

manner.<br />

e. Effect <strong>of</strong> Intoxication. In order to uphold the termination <strong>of</strong> COP on the basis <strong>of</strong> intoxication<br />

by alcohol or illegal drugs, it must be established that the use <strong>of</strong> the substance was the proximate<br />

cause <strong>of</strong> the injury. Where use <strong>of</strong> an illegal drug is alleged, it must also be shown that the<br />

substance was controlled and that it was obtained or used illegally. If these conditions are not<br />

met, the CE should advise the agency to pay COP on a retroactive basis.<br />

<strong>FECA</strong>-<strong>PT2</strong> Printed: 06/08/2010 289

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