OWCP Forms Tutorial: CA-1, CA-2, CA-2a, CA-7 & More
Our DOL doctors and claims staff know how to help you properly submit claims and complete CA-1, CA-2, CA-2a and other OWCP forms. Start with the right form for your injury.
Which OWCP form do you need? File a CA-1 for a traumatic injury from one event or work shift, a CA-2 for an occupational disease that developed over more than one shift, a CA-2a if an accepted injury recurs, and a CA-7 to claim lost wages. Your doctor completes the CA-17 and CA-20.
Common OWCP forms at a glance
| Form | What it is | Use it when | Who files |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA-1 | Notice of Traumatic Injury and Claim for Continuation of Pay/Compensation | Injury from one event or one work shift (a fall, a lift, a dog bite on the route). | You (employee), through your agency or ECOMP |
| CA-2 | Notice of Occupational Disease and Claim for Compensation | Condition caused by work over more than one shift (carpal tunnel, repetitive back or shoulder strain, hearing loss). | You (employee), through your agency or ECOMP |
| CA-2a | Notice of Recurrence | An accepted injury comes back and you lose time or need more care. | You (employee) |
| CA-7 | Claim for Compensation | Lost wages after continuation of pay, leave buy-back, or a schedule award. | You, through your agency (often every two weeks) |
| CA-16 | Authorization for Examination and/or Treatment | Lets a traumatic injury be treated right away while the claim is reviewed. | Your agency |
| CA-17 | Duty Status Report | Your work restrictions after each visit. | Your doctor |
| CA-20 | Attending Physician’s Report | Diagnosis, treatment and the doctor’s opinion on causation. | Your doctor |
| OWCP-957 | Medical Travel Refund Request | Mileage and travel costs to medical appointments. | You (employee) |
| OWCP-915 | Claim for Medical Reimbursement | Out-of-pocket medical costs for an accepted injury. | You (employee) |
CA1 & CA2 Tutorial
CA7 Tutorial
Tips that prevent delays
- Describe exactly what you were doing and how the injury happened, in your own words.
- File a CA-1 within 30 days to keep your right to continuation of pay.
- Ask your agency for a CA-16 after a traumatic injury so treatment can start now.
- Keep copies of everything, and get your claim number from ECOMP.
- See a doctor who will document causation. OWCP decides on medical evidence.
Need documents to us? Use our secure file upload page.
OWCP forms FAQ
What is a CA-1 form?
The CA-1 is the Federal Employee's Notice of Traumatic Injury and Claim for Continuation of Pay/Compensation. Use it for an injury caused by a single event or one work shift, such as a fall or lifting injury. See our CA-1 guide.
What is a CA-2 form?
The CA-2 is the Notice of Occupational Disease and Claim for Compensation. Use it for a condition caused by work over more than one shift, such as carpal tunnel, repetitive back or shoulder strain, or hearing loss. See our CA-2 guide.
What is the difference between a CA-1 and a CA-2?
Time. A CA-1 is for a traumatic injury that happened during one work shift; a CA-2 is for an occupational disease that developed over more than one shift. Only CA-1 claims filed within 30 days qualify for up to 45 days of continuation of pay.
What is a CA-2a form?
The CA-2a is the Notice of Recurrence. Use it when a previously accepted injury flares up again without a new injury, causing you to stop work or need more treatment.
What is a CA-7 form?
The CA-7 is the Claim for Compensation. You file it through your agency to be paid for lost wages after continuation of pay ends, for leave buy-back, or for a schedule award for permanent impairment.
What is a CA-16 form?
The CA-16 is the Authorization for Examination and/or Treatment. Your agency can issue it after a traumatic injury so you can get treated right away while the claim is reviewed. It is generally valid for up to 60 days.
What are the CA-17 and CA-20 forms?
They are filled out by your doctor. The CA-17 is the Duty Status Report listing your work restrictions; the CA-20 is the Attending Physician's Report with diagnosis and causation. Our doctors complete both.
Which form do I use for mileage reimbursement?
Use form OWCP-957, the Medical Travel Refund Request, to be paid for mileage and travel to medical appointments for your accepted injury. You can download the form here.
Request an Appointment
Complete the form to request a consultation with a federal workers' compensation expert. Federal Injury Centers provides complimentary consultations, often the same day we receive your request.
- OWCP-enrolled DOL doctors in Birmingham (Bessemer), Montgomery, Huntsville & Mobile
- No out-of-pocket expenses for covered care: billed to the US Dept. of Labor
- Help with CA-1, CA-2, CA-2a, CA-7 and CA-16 paperwork