Understanding the New 2025 OWCP Permanent Impairment Ratings and Schedule Awards System (Episode 55)

Federal Workers Compensation Coffee Break

On January 10, 2025, the Division of Federal Employees' Compensation (DFEC) announced significant updates to the Federal Employees' Compensation Act (FECA) Procedure Manual, specifically Chapter 2-0808, addressing schedule awards and permanent disability claims. These updates, outlined in FECA Transmittal 25-03, introduce changes aimed at enhancing fairness and efficiency in the claims process.
The Office of Workers' Compensation Programs (OWCP) recently introduced updates to its impairment rating system, aiming to create a more equitable and comprehensive approach for injured federal workers. These changes seek to balance medical assessments and rating methodologies, ensuring that workers with complex or unique cases receive fair evaluations. This balance directly benefits injured workers by accommodating conditions that may not fit traditional assessment models, allowing for more individualized determinations that better reflect their true level of impairment.
These changes mark a significant step toward a fairer system that recognizes the full impact of workplace injuries, ultimately benefiting workers who rely on impairment ratings for their compensation and long-term financial stability.

1. Introduction of Forma new CA-9 ( click on link for the form) I will provide the link on the podcast landing page.

- The Office of Workers' Compensation Programs (OWCP) has introduced Form CA-9, which must now be used to file for schedule awards. Form CA-7 will no longer be accepted for this purpose and will remain dedicated solely to filing for disability compensation.

- This streamlined approach ensures clarity and precision in the schedule award claims process.

2. Flexibility in AMA Guides

- OWCP now permits the use of either the Fifth Edition or the Sixth Edition of the American Medical Association's (AMA) Guides to the Evaluation of Permanent Impairment for impairment ratings.
For more information click on transcript and links:
The podcast Dr. Taylor’s contact information is:
https://[email protected] If you need a medical provider or assistance with an OWCP / DOL claim in Tampa, Pensacola Florida or Mobile Alabama you can make an appointment to see Dr. Taylor, or Dr. Sullivan at the clinic at FWC Medical Centers. To make a consultation with Dr. Taylor call the clinic at 813-215-4356 or go to our website at https://mrtherapycenter.com/or https://fedcompconsultants.com/

For responses email Dr. Taylor at [email protected]

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