Returning to Light Duty After a Federal Work Injury
Many injured federal employees don't go straight from being off work to full duty. In between, there's usually a period of light or limited duty, where you return to work with restrictions set by your physician.
Light duty can be a good step in recovery, but it has rules that affect your compensation. Here's how it works.
It starts with your work restrictions
Your treating physician records what you can and can't do on Form CA-17, the duty status report. That includes limits on lifting, standing, walking, reaching and hours worked.
Your agency uses those restrictions to decide whether it can offer you work. Accurate, specific restrictions protect you from being assigned tasks that could make the injury worse.
What makes a job offer suitable
A limited-duty offer should be in writing and describe the duties, physical requirements, hours, pay and location. Those duties need to stay within your physician's restrictions.
If you think an offer goes beyond your restrictions, talk to your physician right away and put your concerns in writing. OWCP decides whether an offer is suitable.
Refusing suitable work has consequences
Under FECA, if you refuse or abandon work that OWCP finds suitable without a good reason, your wage-loss compensation can be terminated. OWCP generally notifies you and gives you a chance to accept the job or explain your reasons before it acts.
That's why it's important to get a clear medical opinion about any offer you're unsure of, not just decline it.
If light duty pays less
If your light-duty job pays less than your old job, or offers fewer hours, you may be able to claim compensation for the difference on Form CA-7.
Keep your physician updated
Tell your physician how the work is going at each visit. If symptoms flare up, your restrictions may need to change. If you're improving, updated restrictions help you move toward full duty.
How Injury Federal Clinic helps
Our providers complete detailed CA-17 duty status reports at every visit, review limited-duty offers against your restrictions, and adjust your treatment plan as you return to work.
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.
