OWCP Form CA-1: Traumatic Injury Claims for Federal Employees
Form CA-1 is how a federal employee reports a traumatic injury: an injury caused by a specific event or incident during a single work shift, such as a fall, a lift or a vehicle accident on duty.
Who completes it
You complete the employee section and give the form to your supervisor, who completes the agency section and forwards it to OWCP. Many agencies file it electronically through the Employees' Compensation Operations and Management Portal (ECOMP).
When to use Form CA-1
- The injury happened during one work shift.
- You can point to a specific event, time and place.
- You want to request continuation of pay (COP) while you recover.
Deadlines and tips
- File within 30 days of the injury to stay eligible for continuation of pay, which can last up to 45 calendar days.
- The overall deadline to file a claim is generally three years from the injury, but filing late can cost you COP.
- Describe exactly what happened and which body parts were hurt; vague descriptions slow claims down.
- Ask your agency for a Form CA-16 so your first medical visit is authorized.
How Injury Federal Clinic helps
Our claims team reviews your CA-1 before or after it is filed, makes sure the medical evidence matches the injury you described, and provides the physician documentation OWCP needs to accept the claim.
Common questions
What is the difference between a CA-1 and a CA-2?
A CA-1 covers a traumatic injury from a single shift. A CA-2 covers an occupational disease or condition that developed over more than one shift, such as repetitive strain.
Can I choose my own doctor after filing a CA-1?
Yes. Under FECA you may choose your initial treating physician. Changing doctors later generally requires OWCP approval.
This guide is general information, not legal advice. OWCP and your claims examiner make all coverage decisions; check current instructions on the U.S. Department of Labor website.
