OWCP Claims Status Decoder
Staring at a confusing OWCP status code? Enter your code below for a plain-language explanation of what it means, what action to take, and what deadlines or warnings apply to your FECA claim.
12 results for "DO"
What it means
Your FECA claim is accepted and a period of disability is supported by medical evidence. You elected to use leave (annual or sick) while awaiting the OWCP decision rather than taking Leave Without Pay (LWOP).
What to do next
If you want to buy back the leave you used, submit Form CA-7 with supporting medical documentation to request leave buy-back. OWCP will pay you compensation and you reimburse your agency for the leave.
Important notes
There is a one-year time limit for requesting leave buy-back from the date of the accepted disability period. Act promptly.
What it means
Your claim is in the process of being denied. OWCP has not issued a final decision yet but is preparing to disallow (deny) your claim.
What to do next
You will receive a formal written decision letter explaining the specific reason(s) for denial and your appeal rights. Read it carefully — deadlines begin from the decision date.
Important notes
No payments can be made while your claim is in this status. Begin gathering additional evidence now so you are ready to respond quickly once the denial is issued.
What it means
Your FECA claim was denied because it was not filed within the required time limits under 5 U.S.C. § 8122.
What to do next
Request reconsideration with evidence showing the claim was timely filed, or that there was a reasonable excuse for the delay such as unawareness of the work relationship. Submit supporting documentation with your request.
Important notes
Traumatic injury claims (CA-1) must generally be filed within 3 years of the injury date. Occupational disease claims (CA-2) must be filed within 3 years of the date you first became aware that the condition was work-related.
What it means
Your claim was denied because OWCP determined you were not a federal civilian employee covered under FECA at the time of injury.
What to do next
If you believe this is an error, request reconsideration with documentation proving your federal employment status at the time of the injury — such as your SF-50, pay stubs, or agency identification.
Important notes
FECA covers most federal civilian employees, but certain contractors, volunteers, and temporary workers may not qualify. Verify your employment status in the OWCP system.
What it means
Your claim was denied because the evidence does not establish that the injury or event actually occurred as described in your claim.
What to do next
Submit additional evidence to prove the injury occurred: witness statements, supervisor reports, agency incident reports, security footage, time and attendance records, or co-worker declarations.
Important notes
This denial often results from inconsistencies between your claim description and the evidence on file, or a lack of corroborating evidence. Address each inconsistency specifically in your reconsideration request.
What it means
Your claim was denied because OWCP determined the injury did not occur while you were performing your official federal duties.
What to do next
Submit evidence showing that the injury occurred during the performance of your job: your position description, work orders, supervisor statements, or documentation showing the activity was work-related or directed by your agency.
Important notes
Injuries during commuting, unauthorized breaks, purely personal activities, or activities outside the scope of your position are generally not covered. However, injuries at agency-sponsored events, while on travel, or during activities that benefit the agency may be covered.
What it means
Your claim was denied because the medical evidence does not establish that your diagnosed condition is related to your federal employment, or that disability due to the work injury has ceased.
What to do next
Obtain a comprehensive medical report from your treating physician that clearly and definitively explains how your work duties caused, aggravated, or contributed to your condition. Use the Medical Evidence Checklist to guide your doctor.
Important notes
The medical report must use definitive causal language — "is caused by," not "may be related to" or "could be consistent with." Speculative language is routinely rejected by OWCP. This is the most common denial reason.
What it means
The Employees' Compensation Appeals Board (ECAB) has remanded your case back to OWCP with specific instructions to take further action — such as gathering additional evidence or issuing a new decision.
What to do next
Wait for OWCP to complete the action directed by ECAB. Review the ECAB remand decision carefully — it will specify what OWCP must do and may indicate what evidence would support your claim.
Important notes
OWCP is required to follow the ECAB remand instructions. If OWCP does not act within a reasonable time, contact your claims examiner to inquire about the status.
What it means
Your request for reconsideration of a previous OWCP denial is currently under review. OWCP is evaluating your new evidence and arguments.
What to do next
Wait for OWCP to issue a new decision. If you have not already submitted all supporting evidence, do so promptly — evidence submitted after the reconsideration decision generally cannot be considered until the next stage.
Important notes
OWCP should issue a reconsideration decision within 90 days, though this is not always met. If more than 6 months pass without a decision, contact your claims examiner. You cannot file an ECAB appeal while a reconsideration is pending.
What it means
Consideration for benefits has been suspended. This typically occurs because you failed to appear for an OWCP-directed medical examination, or because the initial claim was withdrawn.
What to do next
If suspended for missing a directed medical exam, contact OWCP immediately to reschedule. Provide a written explanation and any documentation showing why you were unable to attend.
Important notes
Continued failure to attend OWCP-directed medical examinations can result in permanent denial of benefits. Do not ignore this status — act quickly.
What it means
You are on the periodic roll and OWCP has formally determined that you have no wage-earning capacity and no realistic prospect of re-employment for the indefinite future.
What to do next
You will receive regular payments automatically. Complete the annual CA-1032 and maintain current medical documentation on file with OWCP.
Important notes
Even with a no-wage-earning-capacity determination, you must still report any improvement in your condition or any employment — including part-time, volunteer, or self-employment.
What it means
Your FECA case is closed. It was previously accepted and all authorized benefits — wage-loss compensation, schedule awards, medical — have been paid.
What to do next
If you experience a recurrence of your accepted condition or need additional medical treatment, contact OWCP to reopen your case. Provide updated medical evidence documenting the recurrence.
Important notes
Closure does not mean your rights under FECA have ended. A genuine recurrence of an accepted condition can reopen your case.
Understanding OWCP Status Code Structure
OWCP claim status is displayed as a combination of two two-character codes — an adjudication code and a pay status code. For example: AP-PR means "Accepted, Periodic Roll."
- Adjudication codes (A_, D_) — indicate whether the case is accepted or denied
- Pay status codes (MC, PR, DR, PS, etc.) — indicate the type of payment authorized
- Closure codes (C1–C5, CL, RT) — indicate the case is closed
Your full claim status can be found by logging into ECOMP and viewing your case details, or on written correspondence from OWCP.