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Printing - FECA-PT2 - National Association of Letter Carriers

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(2) Impairment due to amputation is based on the level <strong>of</strong> the amputation. The physician’s<br />

report must include functional history, physical examination and clinical studies. Impairment<br />

based on proximal diagnosis or range <strong>of</strong> motion may be combined with the amputation<br />

impairment. However, the physician must explain the reasoning for combining the additional<br />

impairment.<br />

d. OWCP Medical Review. After obtaining all necessary medical evidence, the file should be<br />

routed to the DMA for opinion concerning the nature and percentage <strong>of</strong> impairment.<br />

(1) The percentage should be computed in accordance with the AMA Guides, Sixth<br />

Edition. As a matter <strong>of</strong> course, the DMA should provide rationale for the percentage <strong>of</strong><br />

impairment specified. When more than one evaluation <strong>of</strong> the impairment is present, it will<br />

be especially important for the DMA to provide such medical reasoning.<br />

(2) The CE should review the DMA's findings and, if he or she believes that the<br />

impairment has not been correctly described or that the percentage is not reasonable, a<br />

new or supplemental evaluation should be obtained. The CE should not attempt to assign a<br />

different percentage <strong>of</strong> impairment without benefit <strong>of</strong> further medical advice.<br />

2-0808-7 Payment <strong>of</strong> Schedule Awards<br />

7. Payment <strong>of</strong> Schedule Awards.<br />

a. Computing Awards. The procedures for computing schedule awards are detailed in <strong>FECA</strong> PM<br />

2-0901. The CE should key the payment in the case management system and prepare Form<br />

CA-181 (or equivalent), Award <strong>of</strong> Compensation.<br />

The CE should keep in mind the following considerations in setting up a schedule award:<br />

(1) The MMI date is determined solely on the basis <strong>of</strong> the medical evidence. However, a<br />

subsequent date may be chosen to start the award if the DMI falls within a period <strong>of</strong><br />

compensable disability such that converting disability payments into a schedule award<br />

would be disadvantageous to the claimant. See Franklin L. Armfield, 28 ECAB 445 (1977).<br />

If a date in the past will result in conversion <strong>of</strong> a period paid for temporary total disability<br />

(TTD) into payment for schedule award, it may not be chosen unless the record contains<br />

persuasive pro<strong>of</strong> that maximum medical improvement had in fact been reached on that<br />

date. The claimant must be informed <strong>of</strong> the right to receive benefits from the Office <strong>of</strong><br />

Personnel Management (OPM) during the period. See Marie J. Born, 27 ECAB 623 (1976).<br />

(2) Any previous impairment to the member under consideration is included in<br />

calculating the percentage <strong>of</strong> loss except when:<br />

(a) The prior impairment is due to a previous work-related injury (and a schedule<br />

award has been granted for such prior impairment), in which case the percentage<br />

already paid is subtracted from the total percentage <strong>of</strong> impairment; or<br />

<strong>FECA</strong>-<strong>PT2</strong> Printed: 06/08/2010 301

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