OWCP Blog
How to Fill Out OWCP Form CA-1 (Step by Step)
Form CA-1 is the first document you file after a traumatic on-the-job injury. Getting it right the first time is critical. A poorly filled CA-1 can delay treatment, stall your claim, and leave you paying out of pocket. This guide walks you through every section so your claim starts clean.
What Is OWCP Form CA-1?
OWCP Form CA-1, officially titled 'Federal Employee's Notice of Traumatic Injury and Claim for Continuation of Pay/Compensation,' is the form you file when you suffer a sudden, specific injury at work. This covers incidents like slipping on a wet floor, lifting a heavy package and straining your back, getting hit by equipment, or any single event that causes harm.
CA-1 is for traumatic injuries only. If your condition developed over time (like carpal tunnel or chronic back pain from years of heavy lifting), you need Form CA-2 instead.
When to File CA-1
File your CA-1 as soon as possible after the injury. You have up to 3 years to file, but delays hurt your case. The sooner you file, the harder it is for anyone to dispute that the injury happened on the job.
- ✓Report the injury to your supervisor immediately
- ✓File the CA-1 within 30 days to qualify for Continuation of Pay (COP)
- ✓COP gives you up to 45 days of full salary while your claim is processed
- ✓Filing after 30 days means you lose COP and must use leave until the claim is accepted
Do not wait for your supervisor to file for you. You have the right to file CA-1 yourself. Your supervisor is required to complete their section within the timeline, but you should initiate the process.
3Step-by-Step: Filling Out CA-1
- 1Section A (Employee): Fill in your name, date of birth, SSN (last 4), home address, phone number, occupation, and duty station. Double-check every field.
- 2Injury Details: Describe exactly what happened, where it happened, and when. Be specific: 'On March 12, 2026, at 10:15 AM, I slipped on wet tile in the break room at 290 Broadway and fell on my left hip.' Vague descriptions like 'hurt my back at work' get flagged.
- 3Nature of Injury: List every body part affected. If you hurt your back and your knee, list both. Leaving a body part off now makes it harder to add later.
- 4Witnesses: Include names and contact info of anyone who saw the incident. Even if nobody witnessed it, note that.
- 5Physician Information: Enter the name and address of the doctor who treated or will treat you. This is where an OWCP credentialed doctor matters. We handle this section for our patients.
- 6Signature and Date: Sign and date the form. An unsigned form gets returned.
Common Mistakes That Delay CA-1 Claims
- ✓Being too vague about what happened. 'I got injured' is not enough. Describe the event, time, location, and mechanism of injury.
- ✓Forgetting to list all injured body parts. If your back and shoulder both hurt, list both. Adding body parts later requires additional paperwork.
- ✓Waiting too long to file. After 30 days, you lose COP eligibility.
- ✓Not keeping a personal copy. Always keep a copy of your signed CA-1 before submitting it to your supervisor.
- ✓Letting your supervisor fill in your section. They have their own section. Yours is yours.
- ✓Not seeing an OWCP credentialed doctor. Seeing a regular doctor who does not understand OWCP documentation can weaken your claim.
What Happens After You File CA-1
After you submit your CA-1, your supervisor completes their section and forwards it to OWCP. If you filed within 30 days, you can start using COP immediately. OWCP will review the claim and either accept it, deny it, or request more information.
- ✓Accepted: OWCP covers all treatment with an authorized provider. No copays, no deductibles.
- ✓Denied: You have the right to appeal. Most denials are due to missing documentation, not because the injury is not valid.
- ✓More info requested: OWCP may send a development letter asking for medical records, witness statements, or clarification. Respond quickly.
Our office handles the medical documentation side. When you see us, we create the treatment records OWCP needs to accept your claim. We file directly with the Department of Labor.
Why an OWCP Credentialed Doctor Matters for CA-1
Any doctor can treat you, but not every doctor knows how to document for OWCP. Federal workers' comp has specific documentation requirements that differ from private insurance. An OWCP credentialed doctor understands what OWCP reviewers look for and writes reports that support your claim from day one.
We have a 99% claim acceptance rate because we know exactly what documentation OWCP requires. We handle the paperwork so you can focus on recovery.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I file CA-1 online?
+
Yes. Federal employees can file CA-1 through ECOMP (Employees' Compensation Operations and Management Portal) at ecomp.dol.gov. You can also submit a paper form to your supervisor. ECOMP is faster and creates a digital record.
What if my supervisor refuses to sign my CA-1?
+
Your supervisor is required to complete their section of the CA-1 within the regulatory timeline. If they refuse or delay, you can submit your portion directly to OWCP through ECOMP. Document any refusal in writing.
Do I need to go to the emergency room before filing CA-1?
+
No. You can file CA-1 and then schedule an appointment with an OWCP credentialed doctor. If the injury is an emergency, go to the ER first, then file the CA-1 and follow up with a credentialed provider.
Related Resources
Ready to See an OWCP Doctor?
Free consultation. No out-of-pocket. We file your claim with you.