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Recurrences are claimed by filling a Form CA-2A, “Notice
of Recurrence of Disability.” Recurrence of disability
means an inability to continue working after returning
to work because of a spontaneous change in the medical
condition which was previously accepted as work related,
and not by a change in medical condition caused by new
or additional work place factors. Recurrence can also
mean an inability to work as a result of a limited duty
assignment being withdrawn (except when such withdrawn
occurs for reasons of misconduct, non-performance of job
duties or a reduction-in-force); or when the physical
requirements of such an assignment are altered so that
they exceed the claimant’s established physical
restrictions.
Recurrence of medical condition means that a claimant
has a documented need for further medical treatment for
the accepted conditions or injury, but the claimant is
still able to continue working.
• If the return of symptoms is not spontaneous, but is
caused by an event or series of events at work that
occur on a single workshift, then it would be considered
a “new” traumatic injury by OWCP and a new Form CA-1
would be filed. You would also be entitled to a full 45
days of COP.
• If the return of symptoms is caused by a series of
events that occur over more than one workshift, then it
would be considered a “new” occupational injury and a
new CA-2 would be filed.
• It is possible that OWCP will combine, or “double,”
your new claim with your previously accepted claim. If
they do this they will notify you of this fact and tell
you which file number to use.
• If you have an accepted claim, but no OWCP benefits
are claimed or paid during a six-month period, then your
claim may be administratively closed by OWCP. This does
not mean that your claim has been denied. If after your
claim has been closed due to 6 months or more of
inactivity, then Form CA-2A would be used to re-open
your claim. You would note on the form that you are
filling the CA-2A for medical benefits so that a medical
bill, prescription drug bill, or whatever OWCP benefit
you are seeking, can be paid.
The fact that OWCP may have administratively closed your
claim should not by itself Automatically terminate your
USPS limited duty or rehabilitation job.
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