01.03.2013 Views

Printing - FECA-PT2 - National Association of Letter Carriers

Printing - FECA-PT2 - National Association of Letter Carriers

Printing - FECA-PT2 - National Association of Letter Carriers

SHOW MORE
SHOW LESS

Create successful ePaper yourself

Turn your PDF publications into a flip-book with our unique Google optimized e-Paper software.

physician anticipates a prolonged recovery, should be considered against long-range<br />

tangible and intangible benefits, such as facilitating recovery, reducing the length <strong>of</strong><br />

hospitalization or confinement in other care facilities, or reducing the need for an attendant.<br />

(7) Modifications may include what are normally considered to be comfort or<br />

convenience accessories, if needed for the effects <strong>of</strong> the compensable injury. In specific<br />

cases, special heating, air conditioning and air filtration devices may be necessary based on<br />

the nature <strong>of</strong> the accepted condition. For example, such items might be required for an<br />

individual with a respiratory or cardiac ailment, and the physician recommending the<br />

accessories would be responsible to explain such needs. In addition, if a generator is being<br />

requested, the CE should consider if there is equipment that needs to be backed up by a<br />

generator in the event <strong>of</strong> a temporary power outage in order to preserve health or life.<br />

(8) Once a Housing Modification Plan is approved, any changes to the OWCP funded<br />

modifications must be submitted by the contractor. The changes must be approved by<br />

OWCP via written change orders prior to the change being initiated, unless the change is<br />

related to items that the claimant will be responsible for paying.<br />

(9) Once the housing modification is approved, the contractor may find more extensive<br />

repairs are needed in order to pass inspection. For example, after tearing down a wall more<br />

extensive work is needed due to problems hidden by the wall. While the repairs may not be<br />

specifically related to the disability, the contractor cannot proceed without correcting the<br />

new problem. These additional repairs should be approved if necessary to complete the<br />

approved modifications.<br />

(10) Contractors are required to provide pro<strong>of</strong> <strong>of</strong> license and insurance. Prior to<br />

authorizing a plan, the local licensing board or other similar entity should be contacted by<br />

the RC to insure that there are no significant infractions reported against the contractor,<br />

such as poor work or fraudulent activity.<br />

(11) The RC must verify local permit requirements. Permits are to be obtained in<br />

localities where they are required. If no permit is required and completed work is<br />

questionable, OWCP can pay for a 3rd party inspection such as a city or county building<br />

inspector.<br />

(12) Equipment required due to the work injury and furnished by OWCP for the present<br />

house or new house will be maintained, repaired and replaced as needed after normal wear<br />

and tear at OWCP expense.<br />

(13) The claimant is required to provide pro<strong>of</strong> <strong>of</strong> adequate insurance. Claimants must<br />

carry home owner's insurance that reflects the present value <strong>of</strong> their house, unless the<br />

modifications were furnished at a cost under $1,000.<br />

(14) The Government is entitled to reimbursement for the value <strong>of</strong> any housing<br />

modifications when relinquished or no longer needed by the claimant if the value at that<br />

time exceeds $10,000 after applying a sliding scale, which is explained below. When<br />

disposing <strong>of</strong> modified property, the sliding scale must be applied to any enhanced value<br />

<strong>FECA</strong>-<strong>PT2</strong> Printed: 06/08/2010 722

Hooray! Your file is uploaded and ready to be published.

Saved successfully!

Ooh no, something went wrong!