RETURNING TO WORK

FECA requires injured employees to inform their treating physicians that the USPS may be able to provide them with work that accommodates any medical limitations imposed by their injury or illness. If this work related medical limitation is temporary then you would be placed in a limited duty job. If your condition is permanent, then the USPS may place you in a medically suitable rehabilitation/reemployment position (ELM 546)

• Form CA-17, “Duty Status Report” is the designated form to be used by the USPS in order to have your attending physician indicate any work limitations or restrictions that you may have as a result of your work related injury. The USPS may contact your physician in regards to such limitation or restrictions. If there are any changes as a result of this contact, then a new Form CA-17 must be prepared and provided to your physician, to you, and to OWCP (ELM 545.6)

• If the USPS refuses to reemploy a former employee who has suffered a compensable injury, then that employee should be notified in writing by the USPS of their right to appeal to the Merit System Protection Board (MSPB) (ELM 546.4 and 546.65).