OWCP Form CA-7: Claiming Wage Loss and Schedule Awards
Form CA-7 is how you claim compensation after your injury claim is filed: wage loss when you cannot work or work reduced hours, leave buy back for leave you used, or a schedule award for permanent impairment.
Who completes it
You complete the claimant section and your agency completes its part, including pay information, before it goes to OWCP.
When to use Form CA-7
- Continuation of pay has ended and you are still unable to work your full schedule.
- You used sick or annual leave for your injury and want to buy it back.
- You have reached maximum medical improvement and want a schedule award.
Deadlines and tips
- Wage-loss claims need current medical evidence supporting the period you were unable to work.
- Schedule awards require an impairment rating based on the AMA Guides from a qualified physician.
- Keep copies of every CA-7 and the dates you submitted them.
How Injury Federal Clinic helps
We provide the duty-status reports, work restrictions and impairment ratings that support wage-loss and schedule-award claims, and our claims team helps you keep each CA-7 on schedule.
Common questions
Does Injury Federal Clinic perform impairment ratings?
Yes. Our providers perform impairment ratings and disability evaluations for federal employees.
How often do I file a CA-7 for ongoing wage loss?
Ongoing wage-loss claims are typically filed in periods; your claims examiner will tell you what is needed for your case.
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.
