Printing - FECA-PT2 - National Association of Letter Carriers

(3) Personal habits such as smoking or drinking, as relevant to the claim. While a
smoking history would be particularly pertinent in an asbestosis claim, tobacco or alcohol
use can affect many medical conditions.
(4) Concurrent medical condition(s), as potentially relevant to the claim. Pregnancy
would be a relevant factor in a claim for carpal tunnel syndrome.
(5) Off-duty activities, employment and hobbies.
(6) Family circumstances and potential off-duty stress factors, as relevant to the claim,
such as claims for psychological/emotional stress.
(7) A description of the claimant's work (mental, physical and environmental). However,
a copy of the position description should not be used verbatim, since at best it will provide
only general information or may be inaccurate or incomplete.
2-0809-7 Exclusions from SOAFs
7. Exclusions from SOAFs. Not all information contained in a case file bears on the issues to be
resolved in connection with the SOAF. Some information is irrelevant, while other material is
inappropriate, prejudicial, or better discussed elsewhere. The following items should not be included in
the SOAF:
a. Evidence. Raw evidence, such as a police report or time card, should be not be attached or
described verbatim in the SOAF. The CE is responsible for making decisions on raw evidence and
incorporating the findings into the SOAF.
b. Justifications or Reasons for Conclusions Reached. The CE's findings should be supported
by the evidence of record. Any explanation of the findings should be made in a memorandum to
the file, not in the SOAF.
c. Medical Opinions. Such opinions should not, however, be confused with the medical history
of the claim, which may properly be included. Chronologies of care and nature of treatment
received are facts surrounding the medical aspects of a claim, but are not themselves medical
opinions.
d. Payment of OWCP Compensation and OPM Annuities. An exception to this rule can be made
in a psychological/emotional stress claim where the claimant has alleged to physicians that he or
she is not receiving any income. Here the CE should state when benefits began and whether they
continue or were terminated.
e. Issues for Determination. The SOAF is not used to outline the factual issues to be resolved.
Factual issues belong in memoranda to the file. Medical issues to be resolved are properly
addressed in a memorandum to the file or a letter to the physician.
f. Definitions of Terms. When a CE needs to define such terms as aggravation, precipitation
or acceleration, he or she should do so in a letter to the physician along with the questions to be
answered.
FECA-PT2 Printed: 06/08/2010 313