Federal Return-to-Work Planner – OWCP Work Restrictions & Transitional Duty

Use this checklist to stay organized before, during, and after your return to work under your OWCP claim. Print it and check items off as you complete them.

Before Returning to Work

Obtain written work restrictions from your treating physician

OWCP requires restrictions to be documented by a qualified physician — generic notes are not sufficient.

Submit written restrictions to your supervisor and HR

Keep a copy for yourself. Send via email so you have a timestamped record.

Request a meeting with your supervisor to discuss accommodation needs

Confirm in writing what duties will be assigned and how restrictions will be honored.

Notify your OWCP claims examiner of your planned return-to-work date

Failure to report a return to work can result in an overpayment of FECA compensation.

Submit CA-7 for continuing wage loss if returning to reduced hours or pay

You may still be entitled to partial wage loss compensation under FECA during limited duty.

Consider a formal reasonable accommodation request under the Rehabilitation Act

Separate from FECA — this applies if your injury results in a disability that requires permanent accommodation.

Arrange transportation if driving is restricted

Discuss with your agency if duty travel is required but driving is restricted.

First Day Back

Bring a copy of your physician's written work restrictions

Have extra copies in case your supervisor or HR needs one on the spot.

Document your exact start time, assigned location, and work duties

Keep a daily log — this is important if a dispute arises about whether restrictions were honored.

Verify that your assigned tasks comply with each restriction

If any assigned duty violates your restrictions, raise it with your supervisor immediately and document it.

Request any necessary ergonomic equipment or workspace modifications

Submit requests in writing so there is a record.

Notify your supervisor immediately if assigned tasks violate your restrictions

Do not perform tasks outside your restrictions to "be helpful" — this can worsen your injury and jeopardize your FECA claim.

Ongoing Monitoring

Track your hours worked each day for accurate CA-7a completion

Your FECA wage loss compensation depends on accurate reporting of hours worked.

Document in writing any problems with accommodations or restriction violations

Date and keep every entry. If it is not in writing, it is difficult to prove.

Submit updated work restrictions to OWCP and your agency if your condition changes

New medical reports must be submitted promptly — outdated restrictions may not be honored.

Attend all follow-up medical appointments as scheduled

Missing appointments can give OWCP grounds to terminate your compensation.

Submit CA-7 forms biweekly for any continuing wage loss compensation

Late submissions can delay or interrupt your FECA payments.

Request and review your current position description

Compare it to duties actually assigned — being placed outside your position can affect your FECA rights.

EasyFedWorkComp

OWCP Return-to-Work Planner

Document Your OWCP Work Restrictions

Common Work Restrictions

FECA Return-to-Work Checklist

Before Returning to Work

First Day Back

Ongoing Monitoring

Tips for a Successful FECA Return to Work