Printing - FECA-PT2 - National Association of Letter Carriers

8. Disfigurement. If an injury causes serious disfigurement of the face, head, or neck of a character
likely to handicap a claimant in securing or maintaining employment, a schedule award is payable under 5
U.S.C. 8107(c) (21) if the claimant is employed or employable. (A claimant who is permanently and
totally disabled because of an
employment-related injury is not entitled to a disfigurement award.) Cases of this type
should remain open until it is clearly established whether or not permanent disfigurement of the face,
head or neck has occurred.
Where the evidence shows that the employment injury has caused a permanent scar, blemish or some
other type of deformity or defect, the CE will notify the claimant of the right to apply for an award.
A claimant who expresses a desire or intent to claim an award for disfigurement will be sent the proper
forms and instructions even if the evidence of record seems to indicate no permanent disfigurement has
occurred.
a. When to Consider a Disfigurement Award. Disfiguring marks on the body tend to heal
slowly, and scars and blemishes that remain after healing tend to fade and become less prominent
with time. Therefore, an award for disfigurement should
not be considered until at least six and preferably 12 months after the last medical treatment. If a
claimant chooses to undergo additional surgery or other treatment, consideration of an award will
be deferred until the additional treatment is completed.
b. Notification to Claimant. When the evidence shows disfigurement after healing, the
claimant should be notified by Form CA-1094 of the right to apply for an award. The claimant
must complete the front of the form, while the attending physician should complete the lower
portion of the reverse. A new application is required in any instance where the claimant files for an
award prematurely.
c. Other Information Required. Form CA-7 should be submitted if one has not been filed
previously. Only the front of the form need be completed if a disfigurement award is the only
benefit claimed. With the CA-1094 the claimant must submit two photographs taken within five
days of the date of the application, each showing different views of the disfigurement fairly and
accurately portrayed. The claimant may be reimbursed for the cost of the photographs.
d. OWCP Medical Evaluation. After the CE has gathered the required evidence, the case will be
referred to the District Medical Advisor (DMA). The DMA will review the photographs submitted
along with the medical evidence of record and place a memorandum in the file describing the
disfigurement and stating whether maximum improvement has occurred. If not, final action on the
application for disfigurement will be deferred.
If the DMA finds maximum improvement has occurred, the concurrence of the Assistant District
Director (ADD) or the District Director (DD) must be obtained. The parties evaluating the
disfigurement will place a memorandum in the file which states their findings and decision with
supporting rationale. The case will then be returned to the CE for payment of the award or denial
of the application.
e. Payment of Award. An award for disfigurement may be paid concurrently with
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