Exceptions to the Types of Injuries Covered Under Federal Workers’ Compensation for Postal Employees

As a United States Postal Service employee, you face unique workplace challenges every day. From handling heavy packages to navigating traffic and adverse weather conditions, the potential for injury is quite high. Understanding what injuries are covered, which are not, and the compensation you may be entitled to is crucial for any postal worker.

What is FECA?

The Federal Employees’ Compensation Act (FECA) provides benefits to civilian employees of the US government, including postal workers. Enacted in 1916, FECA was a groundbreaking piece of legislation that set a precedent for disability insurance. Administered by the Office of Workers’ Compensation Programs (OWCP), it assisted over 197,000 workers and their dependents in 2020, distributing nearly $2.3 billion in benefits for work-related injuries, illnesses, and deaths.

Who is Eligible for Federal Workers’ Compensation?

Federal workers’ compensation covers civilian employees of the US government, from postal workers to federal agency clerks, who suffer injuries or illnesses directly related to their job duties. Eligibility hinges on the promptness of reporting and filing for compensation. You generally should file your claim within 30 days of the date of injury or realization of a work-related illness. Waiting or failing to file can be damaging or fatal to your claim. Adequate documentation is also required, including medical records, proof of the incident, and any other documentation the OWCP requests.

Covered Injuries

One of the first questions to answer is whether your injury qualifies for coverage or is an excluded condition. Covered injuries are those sustained in the course and scope of employment, meaning they occur while an employee is actively engaged in work-related activities. These injuries must be directly related to the employee’s job duties or work environment and may include the following:

  • Physical injuries such as cuts, bruises, broken bones, and sprains that occur due to slips, falls, or other accidents on the job
  • Conditions resulting from physical overexertion, such as back injuries, hernias, and other musculoskeletal disorders
  • Repetitive strain injuries like carpal tunnel syndrome or tendonitis that develop over time
  • Hearing and vision loss that can be attributed to job-related activities
  • Occupational diseases that result from exposure to harmful substances or environments
  • Mental health conditions, including work-related stress, anxiety, and depression, resulting from job duties or work environment pressures

Non-Covered Injuries

Non-covered injuries are those that FECA does not recognize for compensation, either because they don’t meet the criteria for work-relatedness or fall into specific exclusion categories. These could include:

  • Injuries that occur while the employee is under the influence of drugs or alcohol
  • Accidents that occur while commuting to and from work
  • Injuries resulting from an employee’s violation of established workplace safety rules
  • Injuries sustained while the employee is committing a crime
  • Self-inflicted wounds
  • Injuries sustained during activities not authorized or related to work
  • Pre-existing conditions (although conditions worsened by job duties may be considered for coverage)
  • Illnesses not directly caused by the employee’s work environment or job duties

Compensation for Covered Injuries

Postal workers with covered injuries may be eligible for compensation in several categories.

Medical Benefits

Medical benefits cover the cost of emergency treatment, follow-up visits, and diagnostic tests. You may also receive coverage for specialized treatments and procedures if deemed necessary for the injury or illness. You may choose your initial healthcare provider, but changing doctors thereafter must be approved by the OWCP.

Wage Replacement Benefits

These benefits replace a portion of lost income, starting with continuation of pay (COP) for up to 45 days immediately following a traumatic injury. For disabilities beyond the 45-day COP period, postal employees may file for wage loss compensation for leave without pay (LWOP), which usually amounts to between 66 and 75 percent of the worker’s average weekly wage during a long-term absence from work. You may also be eligible to have your sick leave or annual leave credited back to you used it on account of your work related disability. This process is called leave buy back (LBB).

Death Benefits

FECA provides financial support to dependents of workers who die due to work-related injuries or illnesses. They also receive reimbursement for burial expenses up to a specified limit.

Vocational Rehabilitation

This includes services and training to help injured workers return to work, which may include job placement services, retraining, and counseling. Modifications to the workplace or work duties may be made to accommodate the worker’s physical limitations. This is not available in all cases.

Partner with Aumiller Lomax for Your Federal Workers’ Compensation Needs

Determining whether your injury is covered and what benefits you may be entitled to can be overwhelming. Aumiller Lomax can help you get every dollar you deserve.

As one of the nation’s few lawyers specializing in federal workers’ compensation, we can represent your case in the best possible light. Our dedicated team represents federal workers across the country and overseas, guiding you and your employer through the complex federal compensation system.

If you still have questions about your eligibility or need assistance with your claim, please contact us at 856-751-0440 for a free consultation.