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Printing - FECA-PT2 - National Association of Letter Carriers

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enefits (if eligible).<br />

(2) A separated employee who was not receiving compensation at the time <strong>of</strong> separation<br />

because <strong>of</strong> placement in a modified job with no loss <strong>of</strong> pay will not be entitled to further<br />

compensation at the end <strong>of</strong> the period covered by separation or severance pay solely<br />

because the modified job is no longer available. A claimant who has returned to duty,<br />

whether regular or light, has the burden <strong>of</strong> pro<strong>of</strong> to show that injury-related disability had<br />

worsened to the point that he or she is now disabled for the limited duty position (see Terry<br />

L. Hedman, 38 ECAB 222).<br />

(3) Benefits will not necessarily be reinstated in cases where the employee shows that<br />

the condition has worsened, since he or she might have been able to continue performing<br />

the modified job even if the condition worsened. Therefore, where a formal LWEC decision<br />

has not been issued, the employing agency should be asked to submit a description <strong>of</strong> the<br />

employee's job duties, including the physical requirements, at the time <strong>of</strong> separation. With<br />

this evidence, it will be possible to determine if the employee has any further entitlement to<br />

compensation.<br />

(4) An employee who establishes that his or her accepted condition worsened to the<br />

point that he or she is unable to perform a modified job will be required to make an election<br />

<strong>of</strong> benefits, if eligible for retirement, since he or she has been formally separated. An<br />

employee who elects OWCP benefits should receive compensation for TTD and be<br />

considered for referral for vocational rehabilitation services to explore reemployment in<br />

another job.<br />

(5) Employees working part time, or working full time but at lower rates <strong>of</strong> pay, will be<br />

entitled to continue receiving compensation at the end <strong>of</strong> the period covered by separation<br />

or severance pay at the LWEC rate, if injury-related disability continues and they elect<br />

OWCP benefits in favor <strong>of</strong> retirement benefits. Should a recurrence be claimed, it will be<br />

the employee's burden to show that injury-related disability has worsened (see<br />

subparagraph (2) above). If a formal LWEC decision has been issued, the claimant must<br />

establish one <strong>of</strong> the acceptable criteria for modifying a formal LWEC decision. (See PM<br />

2-0814.11.)<br />

(6) An employee who was performing regular duty at the time <strong>of</strong> separation would be<br />

entitled to receive compensation only if a true recurrence <strong>of</strong> disability were established (see<br />

subparagraph (2) above).<br />

(7) An employee who accepts separation or severance pay and then changes his or her<br />

mind may not receive compensation for the duration <strong>of</strong> entitlement to separation pay or<br />

severance pay. .<br />

2-1000 Exhibit 1: Restrictions on Payment <strong>of</strong> Benefits Under the <strong>FECA</strong><br />

RESTRICTIONS ON PAYMENT OF BENEFITS UNDER THE <strong>FECA</strong> CONCURRENTLY WITH BENEFITS UNDER<br />

OTHER FEDERAL PROGRAMS<br />

<strong>FECA</strong>-<strong>PT2</strong> Printed: 06/08/2010 548

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