Printing - FECA-PT2 - National Association of Letter Carriers

or medical condition. The omission of a critical fact diminishes the validity of a medical
opinion or decision as much as an incorrect statement. Avoiding selective inclusion of facts
in the SOAF prevents a perception of bias and maintains neutrality and objectivity in the
management of the case.
(3) Facts should be presented in a chronological order so the reviewer can visualize the
sequence of events.
(4) Whenever possible, workplace factors should be quantified so the physician can
correlate the exposure with medical or scientific data on causality. Examples of quantifiable
factual elements include:
(a) Period and length of exposure
(b) Decibel levels of exposure
(c) Concentration of asbestos fibers and other noxious substances
in the air
(d) Weight and size of objects lifted
(e) Number of times a repetitive task is performed
(f) Frequency and type of workplace confrontations or encounters
A medical opinion based on an accurate SOAF has enhanced probative value, whereas an
opinion based on incorrect or incomplete facts is of diminished value.
See T.G., Docket No. 07-2231 (issued June 2, 2008). ECAB held that the physician’s
report was not entitled to the special weight of the medical opinion evidence because
it was based on an inaccurate statement of accepted facts.
See also A.C., Docket No. 07-2423 (issued May 15, 2008). ECAB held that the
statement of accepted facts did not accurately reflect the conditions the OWCP
accepted as employment related and, therefore, the physician’s report was of
diminished probative value and insufficient to resolve the conflict in medical opinion.
Vague or generic terms such as light, heavy, undue, severe, irregular and abnormal are to
be avoided, since they are subject to great differences of interpretation.
(5) Facts should be clearly stated. Simple words and direct statements reduce the
potential for ambiguity or misinterpretation. Use of legal terms and Government jargon
should be avoided, since they are unfamiliar to external case reviewers. The SOAF should
present a vivid picture of the circumstances of a claim so the reader will clearly understand
them.
(6) Facts should be stated in a positive voice whenever possible. The CE should identify
facts in terms of what can be verified, rather than what has not been, or cannot be,
determined. For example, a SOAF should include specific language indicating “The
employee lifted ten widgets,” rather than “The employee lifted less than twenty widgets.”
b. Length of SOAF. The length will vary depending on the issues to be resolved and the facts
of the case. The test is whether the SOAF covers all material facts in sufficient detail to provide
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