CA-2 Form: Notice of Occupational Disease, Explained
The CA-2 is for injuries and illnesses that build up over time at work. These claims need the strongest medical evidence. Here’s how to get it right.
The CA-2 is the Notice of Occupational Disease and Claim for Compensation. Federal employees file it for a condition caused or worsened by work over more than one shift, such as carpal tunnel or repetitive back strain. It must be backed by a doctor’s reasoned opinion linking specific job duties to the diagnosis.
Download the CA-2 (PDF, dol.gov) · Watch the CA-2 video tutorial
CA-2 vs. CA-1
| CA-1 | CA-2 | |
|---|---|---|
| Injury type | Traumatic: one event or one shift | Occupational disease: more than one shift |
| Examples | Fall, lifting injury, dog bite, car accident on duty | Carpal tunnel, repetitive back/shoulder strain, hearing loss |
| Continuation of pay | Up to 45 days if filed within 30 days | None; file CA-7 for lost wages |
| CA-16 treatment authorization | Yes, from your agency | Generally not issued |
How to file a strong CA-2
- Notify your supervisor as soon as you realize your condition is related to work.
- Write a detailed statement of the duties that caused it: what you do, how often, for how long, the weights, the motions and when symptoms started.
- Answer OWCP’s development questionnaire fully if you receive one.
- Get a physician’s narrative report with a firm diagnosis and a medical explanation of how those exact duties caused or aggravated it. This is where most CA-2 claims succeed or fail.
- Track deadlines and keep copies of everything you submit.
Why the medical opinion matters most
OWCP will not assume your job caused a gradual condition. Dr. Robert Agee, MD writes a narrative report that connects your work factors to the diagnosis with medical reasoning, the evidence CA-2 claims need. Learn more about OWCP claims assistance or read what is a CA-2 form?
CA-2 form questions
What conditions are filed on a CA-2?
Conditions that develop over more than one work shift: carpal tunnel and other repetitive stress injuries, chronic back, neck, shoulder or knee conditions from repeated lifting or walking, hearing loss, occupational lung disease and work-related stress conditions.
Is there continuation of pay on a CA-2 claim?
No. Continuation of pay is only for traumatic injuries filed on a CA-1. With an accepted CA-2 claim you file a CA-7 to be paid for time lost from work.
What evidence does OWCP need for a CA-2?
A detailed statement of the work factors that caused your condition, your agency’s description of your duties, and a physician’s report with a diagnosis and a reasoned explanation of how those specific duties caused or aggravated it.
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.
How long do I have to file an OWCP claim?
File as soon as possible. A CA-1 must be filed within 30 days of a traumatic injury to qualify for continuation of pay, and any FECA claim must generally be filed within three years of the injury, or of when you realized an illness was work-related.
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