Printing - FECA-PT2 - National Association of Letter Carriers

(1) RS Actions. If the claimant agrees to vocational rehabilitation services, the RS will,
within five days of receiving the referral:
(a) Refer the claimant to an RC to address PPE, ensuring that the RC understands
the need to reach a decision concerning employability within one year after wage
loss begins;
(b) Contact the previous employer to discuss prospects for re-employment; and
(c) Advise the CE that the case has been opened via copy of Form OWCP-35.
Where the claimant does not accept vocational rehabilitation services, the RS should so
advise the CE, who will need to apply sanctions as described in PM Chapter 2-0813.
(2) RC Actions. The RC maintains regular contact with the claimant and the previous
employer to elicit job offers compatible with the work limitations identified by the CE. As
necessary, the RC also arranges for vocational testing and vocational evaluation.
In district offices which use conferencing in the rehabilitation process, the RC will be asked
to contact the district office after the first visit with the claimant so that all pertinent parties
can discuss the rehabilitation effort.
(3) Time Frames. The RS will approve PPE for up to 90 days, with a 30-day extension
where necessary if the previous employer is making active good faith efforts to place the
claimant.
(a) If the employer has shown no interest by the 30th day of PPE efforts,
vocational testing and planning will begin while the RC continues contact with the
employer.
(b) If no job offer is developed by the 85th day, the RC will make a final personal
contact with the previous employer to assess its interest in extending a job offer. If
none is forthcoming, the RC will so notify the RS by telephone.
(4) Interruptions. PPE may be interrupted or extended beyond 120 days only when
surgery, the need for medical treatment, or a change in work limitations warrants. Either
the CE or the RS may identify such situations. If the RS advises the CE that a delay or
extension of PPE seems appropriate, the CE should promptly notify the RS whether he or
she agrees with this assessment. The CE must also notify the RS when PPE efforts should
resume.
FECA-PT2 Printed: 06/08/2010 69