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Update NoticeHandbook EL-505, Injury CompensationFebruary 2017Handbook EL-505, Injury Compensation, was last printed in December 1995. To inform you of changessince that time, we periodically update this online edition of the handbook. We use vertical bars (i.e.,revision bars) in the margin to indicate text changed since December 1995.How to Use This Update Notice Use this update notice to find out about changes published in the Postal Bulletin that have occurredsince the last printed version. Find the chapter, subchapter, part, section, or system of records in the first column and read acrossthe other columns to find specific information about that revision. This online version of EL-505, Injury Compensation, published in December 1995, is updatedthrough February 2, 2017, with the following Postal Bulletin articles:Thischapter,subchapter,part, orsection in PostalBulletinissuenumber with an issuedate of 221857-20-2006clarify how to make changes to FormsCA-1, CA-2, CA-7, and CA-2a, whenappropriate.224602-2-2017clarify how to make changes to FormsCA-1, CA-2, CA-7, and CA-2a, whenappropriate.224602-2-2017titled was updated to The Textcomply with Section V of the EqualEmployment Opportunity Commission(EEOC)-approved SettlementAgreement in Glover v. Potter, EEOCNo. 320-A2-8011X. A complete copy ofthe Settlement Agreement is availableon the internet atwww.gloverclass.com. The revisionsreiterate that persons in permanentrehabilitation positions have the samerights to pursue promotional andadvancement opportunities as otherPostal Service employees and that thePostal Service will not denypromotional or advancementopportunities to persons in permanentrehabilitation positions based upontheir disability, if any, in violation of theRehabilitation Act of 1973, asamended.IntroductionHow toUse theHandbookChapter 2, Injury Compensation Office Setup2-3Supplying OfficeEquipmentChapter 4, Claims Management4-3ProcessingDocumentationHandbook EL-505, December 1995Updated With Postal Bulletin Revisions Through February 2, 2017i
Injury CompensationThischapter,subchapter,part, orsection in PostalBulletinissuenumber with an issuedate of titled was updated to 4-4Reviewing CA-1,Federal Employee’sNotice of TraumaticInjury and Claim forContinuation of Pay —ICCOclarify how to make changes to FormsCA-1, CA-2, CA-7, and CA-2a, whenappropriate.224602-2-20174-8Responding to Noticeof a PotentialOccupational Diseaseor Illness — ICCOclarify how to make changes to FormsCA-1, CA-2, CA-7, and CA-2a, whenappropriate.224602-2-20174-9Reviewing CA-2,Notice of OccupationalDisease and Claim forCompensation —ICCOclarify how to make changes to FormsCA-1, CA-2, CA-7, and CA-2a, ation for aTotally DisabledEmployee — ICCOclarify how to make changes to FormsCA-1, CA-2, CA-7, and CA-2a, whenappropriate.224602-2-2017clarify how to make changes to FormsCA-1, CA-2, CA-7, and CA-2a, whenappropriate.224602-2-2017Chapter 5, Recurrence of Disability5-3Responding to Noticeof a Recurrence ofDisability — ICCOChapter 11, Rehabilitation ProgramiiExhibit 11.7cContractualObligations forRehabilitationPositionsreflect the more current SnowArbitration Decision, H94N-4H-C96090200, dated November 4, 1998,that renders the Snow ArbitrationDecision currently cited in Exhibit 11.7c(H0C-3N-c 418) incorrect.224071-22-2015Exhibit 11.9bPre-reemployment ofReassignmentEmployee InterviewChecklistcomply with Section V of the EqualEmployment Opportunity Commission(EEOC)-approved SettlementAgreement in Glover v. Potter, EEOCNo. 320-A2-8011X. (See explanationunder “Introduction” above.)221857-20-2006Handbook EL-505, December 1995Updated With Postal Bulletin Revisions Through February 2, 2017
Thischapter,subchapter,part, orsection in PostalBulletinissuenumber with an issuedate of titled was updated to 11.20Extending an In-HouseRehabilitation JobOffer — ICCOshow current procedure for respondingto an employee’s refusal of an in-houserehabilitation program job offer.291455-8-199711.21Responding to theEmployee’s Refusal ofthe In-HouseRehabilitation JobOffer — ICCOshow current procedure for respondingto an employee’s refusal of an in-houserehabilitation program job offer.291455-8-1997Exhibit 11.21Sample Letter:Termination of LimitedDuty Assignment forRefusal of In-HouseRehabilitation ProgramJob Offershow current procedure for respondingto an employee’s refusal of an in-houserehabilitation program job offer.291455-8-1997Handbook EL-505, December 1995Updated With Postal Bulletin Revisions Through February 2, 2017iii
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Transmittal LetterInjury CompensationHandbook EL-505December 1995Transmittal Letter1.Explanation. Handbook EL-505 is a reference for injury compensation control officeand control point personnel at postal facilities to manage the USPS InjuryCompensation Program.2.DistributionInitial. Handbook EL-505 is distribute to area injury compensation offices. Furtherdistribution to the postal facilities will be accomplished by the area Human Resourcesinjury compensation analyst.Additional Copies. Additional copies will be maintained by the area Human Resourcesinjury compensation analyst.3.CommentsSubmit questions and suggestions about the content of this document in writing to:OFFICE OF SAFETY AND RISK MANAGEMENTUS POSTAL SERVICE475 L’ENFANT PLAZA SW RM 9801WASHINGTON DC 20260-4232Submit questions regarding the organization or editing of this document to:CORPORATE PUBLISHING AND INFORMATION MANAGEMENTINFORMATION SYSTEMSUS POSTAL SERVICE475 L’ENFANT PLAZA SW RM 2800WASHINGTON DC 20260-15404.Cancellations. The previous issue of Handbook EL-505 is obsolete.5.Effective Date. This handbook is effective December 1995.Gail SonnenbergVice PresidentHuman Resources
ContentsIntroduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11The USPS Injury Compensation Program . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .72Injury Compensation Office Setup. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .273Immediate Involvement With Traumatic Injuries andOccupational Illnesses. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .354Claims Management . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .655Recurrence of Disability . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1056Medical Management . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1157Limited Duty Program Management . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1398Controversion and Challenge. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1559Fraud and Abuse . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17910 Third Party Liability . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18911 Rehabilitation Program . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22712 Records Management. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30113 Timekeeping and Accounting. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 327Appendix A — Abbreviations and Acronyms . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 365Appendix B — Addresses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 369Appendix C — Definitions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 373Appendix D — Forms. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 379Handbook EL-505, December 1995Updated With Postal Bulletin Revisions Through February 2, 2017vii
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ExhibitsExhibit 3.5aAdvising the Employee of Rights, Responsibilities, and the Initial Choice of Physician . . . . . . . . . . .53Exhibit 3.5bSample Letter: Employee Rights, Responsibilities, and Choice of Physician. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .55Exhibit 3.5cSample Letter: Employee Rights, Responsibilities, and Choice of Physician. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .57Attachment for Exhibit 3.5cPublication 71, Notice for Employees Requesting Leave for Conditions Covered bythe Family and Medical Leave Act . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .59Exhibit 3.13Injury Action Checklist. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .61Exhibit 4.6Conditions for Compensation of Claims . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .94Exhibit 4.16Conditions for Continuation of Pay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .97Exhibit 4.19aEmployee Rights and Responsibilities in Extended Cases . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .99Exhibit 4.19bSample Letter: Leave Buy Back Policy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .100Exhibit 4.20aSample Letter: Request for Transfer of FEHB Enrollment to OWCP . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .101Exhibit 4.20bSample Letter: Transfer of Federal Employees Health Benefit Enrollment to Officeof Workers’ Compensation Programs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .102Exhibit 5.1New Injuries and Illnesses vs. Recurrences . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .111Exhibit 6.1Sample Letter: Limited Duty Availability . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .128Exhibit 6.2aMedical Management Tools . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .129Exhibit 6.2bSample Letter: Referral Consideration for the Nurse Intervention Program . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .131Exhibit 6.4Sample Letter: Employee Fitness-for-Duty Examination Scheduling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .132Exhibit 6.5aSample Letter: Board-Certified Specialist Fitness-for-Duty ExaminationConsultation Scheduling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .134Handbook EL-505, December 1995Updated With Postal Bulletin Revisions Through February 2, 2017ix
Injury CompensationExhibit 6.5bSample Letter: Employee Fitness-for-Duty Examination Consultation Scheduling . . . . . . . . . . . . . .136Exhibit 7.1Limited Duty Assignment Guidelines . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .145Exhibit 7.4Sample Letter: Limited Duty Assignments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .149Exhibit 7.5aSample Letter: Limited Duty Job Offer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .150Exhibit 7.5bModified Distribution Clerk Job Description . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .152Exhibit 8.3aSample Letter: Challenge of Entire Claim . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .169Exhibit 8.3bSample Letter: Challenge of Entire Claim . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .170Exhibit 8.3cSample Letter: Challenge of Entire Claim . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .172Exhibit 8.3dSample Letter: Controversion of Entire Continuation of Pay Period — Terminationof Pay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .173Exhibit 8.3eSample Letter: Controversion of Partial Continuation of Pay Period — Continuationof Pay Not Terminated . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .174Exhibit 8.5Sample Letter: Employee’s Notice of Controverted or Challenged Claim . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .175Exhibit 8.6Sample Letter: Employee’s Notice of Claim Denial. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .176Exhibit 9.3aFraud and Abuse Referral Checklist . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .184Exhibit 9.3bSample Letter: Referral Memorandum . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .186Exhibit 10.3aSample Letter: Notice to the Injured Employee of Potential Third Party Claim andOffice of Workers’ Compensation Programs Procedures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .203Exhibit 10.3bSample Letter: Second Request for Form 2562, Notice of Potential Third Party Claim . . . . . . . . . . .205Exhibit 10.3cSample Letter: Notice to the Third Party of the Injury. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .206Exhibit 10.5Sample Letter: Notice to Office of Workers’ Compensation Programs ofThird Party Involvement. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .207Exhibit 10.9aSample Letter: Notice to the Employee of the U.S. Postal Service Decision Notto Accept Assignment and Information on Employee Options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .208xHandbook EL-505, December 1995Updated With Postal Bulletin Revisions Through February 2, 2017
ExhibitsExhibit 10.9bSample Letter: Notice to the Employee of the Postal Service Decision toAccept Assignment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .209Exhibit 10.10aSample Letter: Notice to the Third Party of Assignment of the Postal Employee’sClaim and Request for Settlement Discussion . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .210Exhibit 10.10bSample Letter: Request to the Third Party for Settlement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .211Exhibit 10.10cClaim Negotiation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .212Exhibit 10.11aSample Letter: Notice to the Employee of the Government’s Lien. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .216Exhibit 10.11bSample Letter: Notice to the Third Party and/or Insurer of the Government’s Lien . . . . . . . . . . . . . .217Exhibit 10.11cSample Letter: Notice to the Employee of the Government’s Lien and Requestfor Further Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .218Exhibit 10.12aSample Letter: Notice to the Attorney of the Government’s Lien . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .219Exhibit 10.12bSample Letter: Request for Status and Transmission of Further Information. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .221Exhibit 10.14Sample Letter: Request for Information From the Employee and Notice tothe Employee of the Government’s Lien . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .222Exhibit 10.15Sample Letter: Memo to the U.S. Postal Service Disbursement Office Advisingof Disbursement to Be Made . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .223Exhibit 11.1Office of Workers’ Compensation Program’s Role in Referring Employees tothe Rehabilitation Program . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .261Exhibit 11.4aSample Letter: Task Force Review Letter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .265Exhibit 11.4bSample Letter: Employee Scheduling for Pre-reemployment or ReassignmentMedical Examination . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .266Exhibit 11.6aSample Letter: Request for Concurrence on a Management Refusal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .268Exhibit 11.6bLoss of Wage-Earning Capacity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .269Exhibit 11.7aSample Letter: Request for Identification of Rehabilitation Position. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .272Exhibit 11.7bRehabilitation Assignment Priority . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .273Exhibit 11.7cContractual Obligations for Rehabilitation Positions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .274Handbook EL-505, December 1995Updated With Postal Bulletin Revisions Through February 2, 2017xi
Injury CompensationExhibit 11.8aSample Modified Job Description . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .275Exhibit 11.8bRequest for Medical Review of Proposed Job Description . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .276Exhibit 11.8cSample Letter: Rehabilitation Program Job Offer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .277Exhibit 11.9aSample Letter: Employee Scheduling for Pre-reemployment or Reassignment Interview . . . . . . . . .279Exhibit 11.9bPre-reemployment or Reassignment Employee Interview Checklist . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .280Exhibit 11.9cRestoration Rights and Benefits . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .281Exhibit 11.9dRetirement Considerations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .283Exhibit 11.9eQuestions and Answers on Retirement Credit for Time Spent in Receipt of Officeof Workers’ Compensation Programs Benefits. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .285Exhibit 11.11aSample Letter: Employee Report to Duty . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .288Exhibit 11.11bSample Form 50 Actions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .289Exhibit 11.11cOPM Notification of Reemployment of a Disability Annuitant. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .293Exhibit 11.16aSample Letter: Post-reemployment or Reassignment Employee Interview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .295Exhibit 11.16bSample Post-reemployment or Reassignment Supervisor Interview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .296Exhibit 11.21Sample Letter: Termination of Limited Duty Assignment for Refusal of In-HouseRehabilitation Program Job Offer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .297Exhibit 12.1aDisclosure Conditions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .318Exhibit 12.1bInjury Compensation Privacy Act Log for Accounting of Disclosure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .319Exhibit 12.4Injury Compensation Computer Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .320Exhibit 12.8Noncompliant Response to a Subpoena . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .322Exhibit 13.1COP/LWOP-IOD Timekeeping Work Sheet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .353Exhibit 13.6Regular Rural Routes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .354Exhibit 13.11Timekeeping Codes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .355xiiHandbook EL-505, December 1995Updated With Postal Bulletin Revisions Through February 2, 2017
ExhibitsExhibit 13.12Leave Types . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .356Exhibit 13.14aSample Letter: Personnel Notification — Leave Without Pay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .357Exhibit 13.14bSample Letter: Personnel Notification — Return to Duty . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .358Exhibit 13.16Third Party Court Appearance. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .359Exhibit 13.19aSample Letter: Leave Buy Back Policy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .361Exhibit 13.19bSample Letter: Form Letter CA-1207 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .362Exhibit 13.19cApplication for Reinstatement of Leave (EN-1207) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .363Handbook EL-505, December 1995Updated With Postal Bulletin Revisions Through February 2, 2017xiii
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IntroductionPurpose of the HandbookHandbook EL-505, Injury Compensation, is a comprehensive guideto help injury compensation control office (ICCO) and designatedcontrol point personnel perform their jobs.In this handbook, we have attempted to compile and update allapplicable U.S. Postal Service (USPS) regulations, policies, andguidelines into one user-friendly manual. The handbook serves asboth a training tool and a reference guide. It covers many injurycompensation (IC) issues, including:– The history of the USPS Injury Compensation Program.–Certain provisions of the Federal Employees’ Compensation Act(FECA).–Staffing and supplying an ICCO.–Responses to employee injuries.–Claims management.–Records management.–Limited duty and rehabilitation.–Legal issues surrounding injury compensation.Using this handbook alone is not sufficient for the effectivemanagement of a USPS Injury Compensation Program. Acomplete list of supplementary IC resource materials is, therefore,included in Chapter 1.Finally, it is important to note that while responsible parties andmeans of implementation may vary from one installation toanother, the USPS responsibilities and obligations set forth in theboxed portions of this guide and labeled “Obligation” aremandatory.How to Use the HandbookThe TextThis handbook comprises 13 chapters, each beginning with a briefoverview of the topics covered. Chapter 1 is considered areference chapter and should be used to answer fundamentalquestions concerning workers’ compensation. When a chapter iswritten for personnel in a specified Postal Service position, therelevant position is indicated.The words “disabled” and “disability” are found in many statutes,rules, and regulations. They are used by the Department of Labor,the Department of Veterans Affairs, the Equal EmploymentHandbook EL-505, December 1995Updated With Postal Bulletin Revisions Through February 2, 20171
Opportunity Commission, Office of Personnel Management, andthe Social Security Administration, among others. Their meaning,however, differs based on the source statue, rule, or regulation thatdefines what the word means. For example, an individual“disabled” as defined by the Office of Workers’ CompensationPrograms statute may not meet the definition of “disabled” underthe Rehabilitation Act of 1973. The meaning of these words iscontrolled by the context in which they are used.Each chapter is separated into sections that refer to varioussituations you may encounter through the normal routine of yourjob. Each situation is followed by one or more responses you maymake, then by specific tasks. The following is an example of whatyou will see:Claims Management in Case of DeathWhen the ICCO receives notice of a death from a traumatic injury orpotentially from an occupational disease or illness.14.4 Contacting the Employee’s Family — supervisor or ICCO Contact the employee’s family, and do the following:–Offer assistance in completing the appropriate claimform.–Ensure that the employee’s family is advised of theirrights under FECA.–Explain to the employee’s family the distinction betweenOPM and OWCP benefits. If the investigation reveals a basis to challenge the claim,prepare a challenge package in accordance with Chapter 8,Controversion and Challenge, and submit this to OWCPalong with CA-5 or CA-5b. Ensure that family contact is conducted in accordancewith the local installation‘s established protocol.Sections showing obligations that result from the law or from USPSpolicy are framed with solid lines and labeled “Obligation” asfollows:Obligation: Assigning Limited DutyWhen an employee is not totally disabled or has partially overcomethe injury or disability, the USPS must make every effort to assignthe employee to limited duty consistent with the employee’s worklimitation tolerance.Handbook EL-505, December 1995Updated With Postal Bulletin Revisions Through February 2, 20172
IntroductionSections that provide information that will help you fulfill the tasks outlined are framedwith dotted lines, for example: Assigning an Employee to Limited DutyWhen an employee has partially overcome the injury or disability, the USPSmust make every effort toward assigning the employee to limited dutyconsistent with the employee’s work limitation tolerance. The AppendixesThroughout the handbook, you will find references to appendixes.You will find these appendixes at the end of the handbook. Theyare labeled as follows:– Appendix A, Abbreviations and Acronyms.–Appendix B, Addresses.–Appendix C, Definitions.–Appendix D, Forms. Handbook EL-505, December 1995Updated With Postal Bulletin Revisions Through February 2, 20173
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1The USPS Injury CompensationProgram1 The USPS Injury Compensation Program . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7Background Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7History . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7Purpose of the Federal Employees’ Compensation Act . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8Family and Medical Leave Act . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8Privacy Act . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8Eligibility . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8General Provisions of the Federal Employees’ Compensation Act . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8Employee Entitlements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8Continuation of Regular Pay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8Compensation for Wage Loss . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8Medical Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9Vocational Rehabilitation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9Schedule Awards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9Compensation for Loss of Wage-Earning Capacity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10Death Benefits. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10Attendant Allowance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11Cost-of-Living Adjustments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11Dual Benefits . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11Third Party Liability . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Handbook EL-505 is a reference for injury compensation control office and control point personnel at postal facilities to manage the USPS Injury Compensation Program. 2. Distribution Initial. Handbook EL-505 is distribute to area injury compensation offices. Further distribution to the pos
