How to File a CA-1 Form for OWCP: Step-by-Step Guide

If you’re a federal employee injured in a specific work incident or during one work shift, you may need to file a CA-1 form through OWCP. The CA-1 is used for traumatic injuries and can be submitted through ECOMP. This guide explains how to file a CA-1 form, what information is required, and what to do after submission.

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—report the incident promptly and keep a clear record of when and how it happened.

  • 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

Federal employees can file a CA-1 through the Employees’ Compensation Operations and Management Portal (ECOMP).

  1. Visit ECOMP
  2. Create an account or sign in
  3. Select New Claim
  4. Choose CA-1: Federal Employee’s Notice of Traumatic Injury and Claim for Continuation of Pay/Compensation

Step 3: Complete the Employee Information on the CA-1

When filing the CA-1, you’ll be asked for information about yourself, your job, and exactly how the injury occurred.

Be prepared to provide:

  • Your name, contact information, date of birth, and other identifying information
  • Your job title and employing agency
  • The date, time, and location of the injury
  • A clear description of how the injury happened
  • The body part or condition affected
  • Witness information, if applicable
  • Any supporting documents you want to submit with the claim

The official CA-1 form asks the employee to complete boxes 1–15, including the place, date and time of injury, cause of injury, nature of injury, and employee certification. U.S. Department of Labor

Pro tip: Be specific. For example, “strained lower back while lifting a 45-lb box at the post office dock” is more useful than simply writing “back injury.”

Step 4: Submit Medical Evidence

Your CA-1 claim should include medical documentation showing:

  • Your specific diagnosis
  • How the injury is related to the work incident
  • The treatment recommended for your condition
  • Any work restrictions or limitations
  • Follow-up care or recovery recommendations, when applicable

Clear medical documentation is important because OWCP uses medical evidence when evaluating the work-related injury and treatment needs.

At WIN Medical Group in Upper Darby, we provide medical evaluations, treatment, and OWCP documentation for injured federal employees throughout Philadelphia, Delaware County and surrounding areas.

Step 5: Supervisor and Agency Review

After you submit your CA-1 in ECOMP, your supervisor will be notified to review the claim. The claim then goes to your agency’s ECOMP reviewer before it is forwarded to OWCP. ECOMP will send status updates as the form moves through the process.

Your agency will also address Continuation of Pay (COP) when applicable.

Step 6: Monitor Your Claim and Continue Treatment

After filing:

  • Use your ECOMP Control Number (ECN) to track the claim while it is being processed.
  • Once OWCP creates a case, you’ll receive an OWCP case number.
  • Monitor your claim status through ECOMP.
  • Continue authorized treatment and submit requested medical or work-status documentation.

At WIN Medical Group, we can help with follow-up OWCP documentation, including forms such as the CA-17 Duty Status Report and CA-20 Attending Physician’s Report when appropriate. DOL lists both as current OWCP forms.

CA-1 Filing Checklist for Federal Employees

Here’s a quick recap:

  1. Report the traumatic injury to your supervisor or agency.
  2. File the CA-1 through ECOMP.
  3. Describe exactly how, when, and where the injury occurred.
  4. Submit clear medical evidence connecting the injury to the work incident.
  5. Monitor the claim and respond to OWCP requests.
  6. Continue authorized treatment and keep work-status documentation current.

Need Help Filing a CA-1? Contact WIN Medical Group

If you’re a federal employee injured at work, WIN Medical Group in Upper Darby can help with medical evaluation, treatment, and OWCP documentation.

Our team can help with:

  • Medical evaluation for federal work injuries
  • OWCP documentation related to your CA-1 claim
  • Ongoing treatment and work-status documentation
  • Follow-up forms such as CA-17 and CA-20 when appropriate

Address: 115 E Township Line Rd, Suite B, Upper Darby, PA 19082
Phone: 610-789-1800

Learn more about federal DOL-OWCP care:
Federal DOL-OWCP Doctors at WIN Medical Group

Find WIN Medical Group on Google Maps: 115 E Township Line Rd, Suite B, Upper Darby, PA 19082.

Call WIN Medical Group at 610-789-1800 or schedule a free consultation online for help with your CA-1 injury claim and treatment.