Printing - FECA-PT2 - National Association of Letter Carriers

injury caused no disability for work."
(b) A finding that claimant failed to meet the burden of proof is properly made
from the evidence, or lack of it, and not simply because the claimant did not respond
to a request for information from the OWCP.
(3) State the findings in an orderly sequence. Doing so will help ensure that the reason
for disallowance follows logically from the facts. Chronological order is often most effective.
For example, in discussing medical evidence leading to termination of benefits, the CE
should address the evidence presented by the attending physician, the second opinion
medical examiner, and the referee medical specialist, in that order as far as possible. It
may then be necessary to discuss clarifying opinions or subsequent reports, but the basic
findings and opinions of the three physicians will be clearly set forth, affording a firm basis
for further discussion.
(4) State the findings clearly. The CE should phrase the findings so that the reader can
interpret them in only one way.
For example, the finding that "the claimant did not sustain a personal injury while in the
performance of duty" could mean either that he did not sustain a personal injury or that he
was not in the performance of duty at the time of injury. Thus, the meaning would not be
clear to the reader.
(5) Confine the discussion to relevant issues. These are the issues which need
resolution (i.e., which have not already been resolved in a prior decision).
For example, if the issue is continuing injury-related disability, it is not necessary to make a
finding about the claimant's ability to earn wages. The CE needs to make findings about the
claimant's medical status only. Or, if the issue is continuing disability during a specific
period of time, it is not necessary to address medical evidence which pertains to other time
periods.
b. Writing Effectively. The basic "audience" for each decision consists of the claimant and a
supervisor or injury compensation specialist. It may also include the claimant's representative, a
Congressional staff member, and/or appellate reviewers. To convey the meaning of the decision to
all of these parties clearly, the CE should:
(1) Use simple words and short sentences. Avoid technical terms and OWCP "jargon",
and explain any abbreviations used in the text. This approach will assist readers at every
level of education and knowledge about workers' compensation claims.
(2) Use the active rather than the passive voice.
For example, state that "The OWCP received the medical report," rather than "The medical
report was received by OWCP."
(3) Use the second person. For example, state that "Your psychiatrist diagnosed
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