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Printing - FECA-PT2 - National Association of Letter Carriers

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showing that the disease was contracted while the volunteer was serving abroad is<br />

sufficient. This requirement is satisfied by a statement from the attending or<br />

examining physician, or by an Office medical adviser, stating that the disease was<br />

contracted during the period <strong>of</strong> service abroad. For certain diseases, this evaluation<br />

must include consideration <strong>of</strong> the incubation period.<br />

(c) This broad coverage for diseases raises unusual problems with respect to certain<br />

conditions. Claims examiners should be guided by the following rules:<br />

(i) Dental Disease. Caries, abscesses, etc., may be considered contracted<br />

abroad if comparison with the pre-induction dental examination so indicates.<br />

(ii) Mental Illness. A psychiatric condition related to Peace Corps service<br />

will be considered compensable until the attending physician indicates that the<br />

condition or episode has resolved and that no further disability exists. If a<br />

recurrence is claimed, careful inquiries should be made to determine whether the<br />

recurrence was due to the Peace Corps experience or to pre-existing<br />

psychopathology. See MEDGUIDE in Folioviews for a discussion <strong>of</strong> mental<br />

disorders.<br />

(iii) Intestinal Parasites. If the terminal examination indicates the presence<br />

<strong>of</strong> intestinal parasites, further examination and treatment may be authorized. A<br />

positive skin test alone is not considered evidence <strong>of</strong> a disease.<br />

(iv) Tuberculosis. If the terminal examination indicates the presence <strong>of</strong><br />

tuberculosis, further examination and treatment may be authorized. A positive<br />

skin test alone is not considered evidence <strong>of</strong> a disease.<br />

(iv) Pregnancy. In accordance with the Pregnancy Discrimination Act, <strong>FECA</strong><br />

coverage is extended to Peace Corps volunteers for pregnancies which occur during<br />

Peace Corps service overseas and continue past the date <strong>of</strong> termination. This<br />

coverage is retroactive to April 1, 1979, the date that the Pregnancy Discrimination<br />

Act became applicable to fringe benefit programs.<br />

Such pregnancies are to be considered in the same light as any covered injury, but<br />

<strong>FECA</strong> coverage is limited to Peace Corps volunteers. Therefore, the benefits <strong>of</strong> the<br />

Act may not be extended to the children born <strong>of</strong> such pregnancies.<br />

Coverage <strong>of</strong> the Peace Corps volunteer extends to all pregnancy-related conditions,<br />

including miscarriages, prenatal and postnatal care <strong>of</strong> the mother. Any prenatal care<br />

is to be considered part <strong>of</strong> the treatment for the disability (pregnancy) <strong>of</strong> the<br />

volunteer, and not preventive treatment or treatment for the unborn child.<br />

Under no circumstances, even when the health <strong>of</strong> the mother is involved, may OWCP<br />

pay for an abortion for a Peace Corps volunteer. This policy is necessary because<br />

the Peace Corps may not use any <strong>of</strong> its budget for abortion purposes. (Thus, the<br />

Compensation Fund could not be reimbursed for such expenditure.)<br />

<strong>FECA</strong>-<strong>PT2</strong> Printed: 06/08/2010 700

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