Printing - FECA-PT2 - National Association of Letter Carriers

determined by the type of vehicle, its age and condition, and the type of equipment needed.
(4) If it is established that the claimant cannot drive his or her present car due to the
inability to place a wheelchair in it without assistance, or if it is not practical to modify the
present vehicle, OWCP will pay for a suitable car or van (if necessary), taking credit for the
trade-in value of the vehicle with the greatest current fair market value owned by the
claimant; however, OWCP will not be named on the title for the vehicle.
(a) If the claimant purchases a used car, OWCP will pay the depreciated price of
a base-line, otherwise comparable, used car or van of comparable age and condition,
with equipment required for the accepted disability. The claimant is responsible for
paying the difference between the new or used vehicle allowed by OWCP and the car
or van actually purchased and additionally equipped as the claimant desires.
(b) If the claimant purchases a new car or van, OWCP will pay the discounted
price of a base-line vehicle of suitable size. The base line vehicle is the most cost
effective model upon which the necessary modifications can safely be made. OWCP
will also pay the discounted price for additional options required for the effects of the
injury and any necessary after-market add-ons, such as hand controls. Wherever
possible, optional equipment should be factory-installed.
(5) If a car or van must be purchased by OWCP, it will be the most cost- effective
modifiable model with the optional equipment required for the effects of the injury. Hand
controls or other special devices will be added to it. If the claimant desires a model that is
more costly because of nonessential factors, or desires accessories not required for the
injury, he or she must pay the difference in price. OWCP will pay only the discounted price
for the suitably sized base-line vehicle with the necessary options and modifications. The
claimant will pay any difference resulting from the selection of a more expensive model
and/or additional accessories not necessitated by the injury.
(6) Modifications and the additional costs of a new vehicle (when warranted) over the
value of the present vehicle will be paid for by OWCP. When a new or used vehicle is
purchased, the amount paid by OWCP will be reduced by the trade-in value of the vehicle
owned by the claimant with the greatest current fair market value.
(7) Vehicle modifications should be no more expensive than necessary to accomplish the
required purpose. Special hand and foot controls and any items which need not be built in
should be removable where feasible for transfer to other vehicles.
(8) Vehicle modifications may include what are normally considered comfort or
convenience options, if documented by the medical specialist to be necessary for the effects
of the compensable disability. In specific cases, it would be appropriate to make payment
for such equipment as air conditioning, power brakes, power steering, automatic
transmission, power door locks, power windows, rear defogger, or six-way power seat.
(9) Equipment furnished for a vehicle by OWCP should be maintained and repaired at
OWCP expense and may be replaced after normal wear and tear. Equipment required for
FECA-PT2 Printed: 06/08/2010 717