Your OWCP Claim Was Denied. Here's What to Do Next
Getting a denial letter from the Office of Workers' Compensation Programs is discouraging, but many denied claims are later accepted. Most denials come down to missing or unclear evidence, and that can often be fixed.
Here is how the appeal options work and what usually makes the difference.
First, read why the claim was denied
OWCP's decision letter explains the reason. Common reasons include not enough proof that the injury happened as described, no medical diagnosis connected to the incident, or no medical explanation of how your work caused or worsened the condition.
The reason tells you what evidence is missing, so read it carefully before choosing how to appeal.
Your three appeal options
The decision letter includes your appeal rights. In general, you choose one route at a time:
- Hearing or review of the written record: requested from OWCP's Branch of Hearings and Review, generally within 30 days of the decision. A hearing lets you present your case and testimony.
- Reconsideration: a request to the district office to look at the decision again, generally within one year, along with new and relevant evidence or legal argument.
- Appeal to the Employees' Compensation Appeals Board (ECAB): an independent board that reviews the record OWCP already has, generally within 180 days. You usually can't add new evidence at this stage.
New medical evidence is usually the key
If the denial was about medical causation, a detailed report from your treating physician that explains how your specific work duties or incident caused your diagnosis is often the most important piece of the appeal.
General statements like "the condition is work-related" are rarely enough. OWCP looks for a reasoned medical opinion based on an accurate history of the injury.
How Injury Federal Clinic helps
Our physicians write the detailed medical narratives OWCP looks for, and our in-office claims team helps patients organize evidence and meet deadlines. If you've been denied, call us and bring your decision letter to your first visit.
Talk to our team
Injury Federal Clinic is a Medical Provider for the U.S. Department of Labor in Jacksonville, open weekdays and Saturday mornings.
This article is general information, not legal advice. OWCP and your claims examiner make all coverage decisions, and deadlines can depend on your case; check your decision letters and the U.S. Department of Labor website.
