Printing - FECA-PT2 - National Association of Letter Carriers

(1) Reasons for Extensions. The CE may authorize extensions for the reasons noted
below, all of which apply to the work-related condition. If a non-work-related condition is
responsible for a delay in recovery or return to work, the CE should consider an interruption
of services (see paragraph 6e below).
(a) Up to 60 more days may be authorized for follow-up with the claimant after
return to work. After this period ends, the FN may continue to work toward full-time
full duty by pursuing increases in work tolerance limitations and obtaining
descriptions of them on Form OWCP-5 at periodic intervals if the medical evidence
shows that such an outcome is likely.
The CE must assess the medical evidence carefully to determine the continuing
benefit of the FN's services. For instance, if the medical evidence states that the
claimant will be able to work eight hours per day within a month, the situation is
straightforward, and the CE may authorize another 30 days of FN services.
However, if the claimant has reached a plateau and is unlikely to improve, the CE
should terminate nurse services.
(b) Up to 30 more days may be allowed for other good cause, such as follow-up
with a new attending physician.
(c) A variable period, depending on how severe the condition is, may be allowed
for work-related surgery [see PM Chapter 3-0201.8a(3)].
(2) Authorization for Extensions. The CE must authorize each extension on Form
CA-110 or another form such as the one shown in Exhibit 4. The CE should also advise the
SN of the extension (see Exhibit 5 (Link to Image) for a sample tracking sheet to be kept in
the case file).
The CE should note the goals of continued intervention, the steps the CE has directed the
FN to take, and the time frame for performing the work. The goals should be consistent
with the medical evidence of record, and they must be specific, i.e., framed as a stated
number of hours within a given time frame.
d. Kinds of Nurse Intervention.
(1) Telephone Call. A telephone intervention may be the most effective first step where
the medical evidence does not clearly establish disability. It may also be the intervention of
choice where the claimant lives in a remote area. The SN may assign the case to a CAP RN,
who will contact the claimant, the attending physician, and/or the employing agency to try
to determine the severity of the injury, the appropriateness of treatment, and the
possibilities for return to regular or light duty.
(2) Personal Visit. Such visits are most appropriate with severe injuries, or if a phone
intervention has not proven successful. Issues may include explanation of medical
treatment to claimants and their families, and monitoring such treatment. In addition to
addressing the kinds of issues noted in the preceding paragraph, the FN may more easily
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