If you’re a federal employee injured on the job, the last thing you want after a painful incident is a denied OWCP claim. Unfortunately, claim denials under the Office of Workers’ Compensation Programs (OWCP) happen more often than you’d think — and usually for avoidable reasons.

At WIN Medical Group, we specialize in helping federal workers navigate the OWCP system, file claims correctly, and get the treatment and benefits they deserve. In this guide, we’ll break down the top reasons OWCP claims are denied, show you how to avoid them, and share real-life examples of how we’ve helped patients successfully overturn or prevent denials.

Top 5 Reasons OWCP Claims Get Denied

1. Lack of Sufficient Medical Evidence

The #1 reason claims are denied? Incomplete or vague medical documentation. If your doctor doesn’t clearly connect your injury to your job duties — or doesn’t understand OWCP language — your claim may be dismissed.

How to avoid it: Choose a physician who specializes in OWCP documentation. WIN Medical Group provides detailed narrative reports that clearly establish cause and effect.

Example: A USPS worker’s claim was denied due to a generic “shoulder pain” diagnosis. After seeing WIN, our doctors provided a detailed OWCP-compliant narrative, and her claim was approved within weeks.

2. Using the Wrong OWCP Form (CA-1 vs. CA-2)

Filing the wrong form can delay or derail your claim entirely.

How to avoid it: Use CA-1 for traumatic injuries (one-time events), and CA-2 for injuries or illnesses that developed over time.

3. Delays in Filing Your Claim

OWCP has strict deadlines — and late claims often get rejected.

How to avoid it: File your CA-1 within 30 days of the injury. File CA-2 within 3 years of noticing the injury. Don’t wait to file!

4. No Witness Statements or Supervisor Notification

OWCP may question your claim if there’s no witness or your supervisor wasn’t notified.

How to avoid it: Report the injury immediately and obtain written witness statements (emails count!).

Example: A TSA agent’s claim was denied due to no witnesses and a delay in reporting. WIN helped gather supporting statements and successfully appealed the denial.

5. Treating With a Non-OWCP-Certified Provider

You can choose your own physician — but they must understand OWCP requirements.

How to avoid it: Choose a clinic like WIN Medical Group, where doctors are trained in OWCP injury treatment and paperwork. General clinics without this expertise may weaken your claim.

How WIN Medical Group Helps You Avoid Denials

• Accurate injury documentation and OWCP-approved narratives
• Assistance with choosing and filing the correct OWCP forms
• Fast appointments and claims support
• Coordination with your federal agency or adjuster

Contact WIN Medical Group Today

Don’t risk a denied claim. Contact us today to schedule your OWCP consultation and get the care and documentation you need to move forward with confidence.

WIN Medical Group
115 E Township Line Road
Upper Darby, PA 19082
📞 Call: 610-789-1800
🌐 www.winmedicalgroup.com