Exploring the CA-20: Attending Physician’s Report for OWCP Federal Workers

If you’re a federal employee dealing with a job-related injury or illness, the CA-20 form—also known as the Attending Physician’s Report—is one of the most important documents in your workers’ compensation file. It’s completed by your treating physician and submitted to the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) to support your OWCP claim.

At WIN Medical Group in Upper Darby, PA, we specialize in OWCP injury care and medical documentation for federal employees across Philadelphia, Havertown, Drexel Hill, Yeadon, and surrounding communities.

In this blog, we’ll explain what the CA-20 is, why it’s important, and how your physician can complete it properly to support your compensation eligibility.

What Is the CA-20 Form?

The CA-20 Attending Physician’s Report is a key piece of medical evidence used in federal workers’ compensation claims. It provides the OWCP with:

  • A diagnosis of your injury or illness
  • Details of your treatment plan
  • Your current medical status
  • Assessment of work-related disability

This form helps the DOL determine whether your condition is related to your federal job and whether you’re eligible for continued compensation benefits.

Who Completes the CA-20?

The form must be filled out by your OWCP-approved attending physician. This is typically a:

  • Medical doctor (MD)
  • Doctor of osteopathy (DO)
  • Chiropractor (for spinal injuries only, with proper evidence)

Note: OWCP does not accept reports from physical therapists or nurse practitioners acting independently.

When Is the CA-20 Required?

OWCP may request a CA-20 at various stages of your claim:

  • Shortly after you file a CA-1 or CA-2 form
  • When requesting wage-loss compensation (CA-7)
  • To determine your work capacity or support a duty status report (CA-17)
  • As part of your continuing medical evidence

Step-by-Step Guide: Completing the CA-20 Form

You can download the official CA-20 form from the DOL’s website here:
Download CA-20 PDF

Section 1: Patient Information

Includes the injured worker’s basic information:

  • Full name
  • OWCP case number
  • Date of birth
  • Date of injury

Section 2: Medical Diagnosis

The physician lists:

  • Primary diagnosis and ICD-10 codes
  • Any secondary conditions related to the injury

Section 3: History and Injury Cause

This part links the injury to the patient’s federal job by answering:

  • How and when did the injury occur?
  • Is the injury work-related?

Tip: The physician must clearly state whether they believe the injury was caused or aggravated by the job duties.

Section 4: Treatment Plan

  • Type of treatment provided (chiropractic, physical therapy, injections, surgery, etc.)
  • Date of initial examination
  • Frequency of follow-up care

Section 5: Work Capacity

One of the most important parts of the CA-20, this section documents:

  • Whether the patient can work at all
  • If restricted, what activities are limited (lifting, standing, bending, etc.)
  • Estimated dates of total or partial disability

Section 6: Physician Certification

The physician must:

  • Sign and date the form
  • Include their full name, address, specialty, and phone number

Why Is the CA-20 So Important?

The CA-20 provides the medical justification OWCP needs to:

  • Approve or continue your workers’ compensation benefits
  • Confirm your time off work is medically necessary
  • Evaluate your ability to return to work

Without a correctly completed CA-20, your claim may be delayed or denied.

How WIN Medical Group Helps with CA-20 Forms

Our federal injury physicians at WIN Medical Group understand the CA-20 requirements and complete them in full compliance with OWCP standards.

We provide:

  • Timely and accurate documentation
  • Clear medical opinions connecting your injury to your federal job
  • Regular follow-up evaluations to support ongoing care

We proudly serve injured federal workers from:

  • USPS (Postal Service)
  • VA (Veterans Affairs)
  • TSA and Homeland Security
  • Department of Justice and more

Summary: The CA-20 Form Is Essential for Your Claim

The CA-20 Attending Physician’s Report plays a vital role in the success of your OWCP claim. It provides the medical evidence needed to prove your injury, support time off, and determine your treatment needs.

Whether you’ve just been injured or you’re in ongoing care, the CA-20 keeps your case compliant and fully documented.

Need Help with a CA-20 Form? Contact WIN Medical Group Today

Located in Upper Darby near 69th Street Terminal, we assist federal employees across Philadelphia, Havertown, Drexel Hill, and surrounding areas with accurate CA-20 documentation and OWCP care.

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

📞 Call now or book your OWCP evaluation online and make sure your medical evidence is strong, complete, and on time.