How to Fill Out a CA-1 Form for OWCP: Step-by-Step Guide for Federal Workers

If you’re a federal employee who was injured on the job, filing a CA-1 form with the Office of Workers’ Compensation Programs (OWCP) is your first step toward receiving medical treatment and lost wage compensation. At WIN Medical Group in Upper Darby, PA, we specialize in helping Philadelphia-area federal workers navigate this process confidently and correctly.

Whether you live in Philadelphia, Havertown, Darby, Lansdowne, Yeadon, or Drexel Hill, this guide will walk you through exactly how to fill out the CA-1 form—so you can protect your rights and begin your recovery with the support you deserve.

What Is the CA-1 Form and Who Should Use It?

The CA-1 form is used to report a traumatic injury—a wound or other condition caused by a single incident or exposure during one work shift. This includes injuries like:

  • Slips and falls
  • Lifting injuries
  • Needle sticks or exposure to hazardous materials
  • Motor vehicle accidents while on duty
  • Sudden back or neck injuries from lifting or twisting

Important: If your condition developed over time (like carpal tunnel or hearing loss), you’ll need to file a CA-2 form instead.

Step 1: Report the Injury Immediately

Your first step is to notify your supervisor as soon as the injury happens. Do not delay—reporting the incident right away can prevent claim denials later.

  • Give your supervisor details about the injury, time, and place.
  • Ask for guidance on where to receive your initial medical care.
  • Let them know you will be submitting a CA-1 form through ECOMP.

Step 2: Register for ECOMP (If You Haven’t Already)

Federal employees must submit their CA-1 form online through the Employees’ Compensation Operations and Management Portal (ECOMP).

  1. Visit ecomp.dol.gov
  2. Create an account using your government email
  3. Click “New Claim” and select “CA-1: Federal Employee’s Notice of Traumatic Injury and Claim for Continuation of Pay/Compensation”

Step 3: Fill Out Employee Sections (Boxes 1–15)

This is your section. Be thorough and accurate. Here’s a breakdown:

  1. Box 1–6: Basic personal and job info
  2. Box 7: Describe the injury in detail—include body part and how it happened
  3. Box 10: Time and date of the incident
  4. Box 11: Whether this is the first injury at this job
  5. Box 12: Any witnesses (list names)
  6. Box 13: Type of medical treatment received
  7. Box 15: Your signature and date

Pro tip: Be detailed but clear. For example, say “strained lower back while lifting 45-lb box at post office dock” rather than just “back injury.”

Step 4: Submit Medical Evidence

This is where WIN Medical Group comes in. You must provide medical documentation that proves:

  • You have a specific diagnosed injury
  • The injury was caused by your job
  • The treatment you’re receiving is medically necessary

We create OWCP-compliant medical narratives and provide injury documentation that supports your CA-1 claim. We also help federal workers in Philadelphia, West Philly, Upper Darby, and nearby towns through the full OWCP process.

Step 5: Supervisor and Agency Review

Once you complete your section, your supervisor will be required to:

  • Fill out their part of the CA-1 in ECOMP
  • Submit the claim to OWCP
  • Decide whether to approve Continuation of Pay (COP) if applicable

You will be notified through ECOMP when this step is completed. Make sure to check your email and portal frequently.

Step 6: Monitor Your Claim and Get Continued Care

After submission:

  • You’ll receive a case number from OWCP
  • Use it to track updates in the ECOMP portal
  • Continue treatment and submit any progress reports or duty status forms

At WIN Medical Group, we help our patients submit follow-up forms like CA-17 (Duty Status Report) and CA-20 (Attending Physician’s Report) to avoid claim disruptions.

Summary: Filing a CA-1 Is the First Step to Protecting Your Rights

Here’s a quick recap:

  1. Report your injury immediately to your supervisor
  2. Register and submit the CA-1 through ECOMP
  3. Provide accurate details in your statement
  4. Get OWCP-compliant medical care with a clear diagnosis
  5. Monitor your case and continue follow-up treatments

Need Help Filing a CA-1? WIN Medical Group Is Here for You

If you’re a federal employee in Philadelphia, Upper Darby, or Havertown who’s been injured at work, don’t go through the OWCP process alone. At WIN Medical Group, we specialize in helping federal workers:

  • File CA-1 forms correctly
  • Get same-day, OWCP-approved treatment
  • Submit medical narratives that get claims accepted

📍 Visit us at:
WIN Medical Group
115 E Township Line Rd.
Upper Darby, PA 19082

📞 Call 610-789-1800 now or book online to get help with your CA-1 today! Let our expert team guide you through the process—so you can focus on healing, not paperwork.