Breaking OWCP with Chris & Gini

Chris & Gini Helms

Educating the federal workforce about their rights and responsibilities in OWCP. This content is for educational purposes only this content and any guests, hosts or entities are not a referral source. You have the right to choose your own doctor.  "Welcome to 'Breaking OWCP with Chris & Gini,' where we bring our same Wednesday chat vibes to the audio world! Join us for insightful conversations, education, and a deeper dive into the topics that matter to you as a federal employee. Tune in for your weekly dose of thought-provoking discussions. Let's break it all down together!" 🎙️🗣️ #BreakingOWCP #Podcast #WednesdayChats #ConversationsJust so you know our most recent chats will be released on Fridays

  1. 4D AGO

    (Chats - 5-22-19) How to Fight Back When Supervisors Block Your Federal Work Injury

    Are you a federal employee struggling to get your work injury reported? This week on Wednesday Night OWCP Chats, Chris and Gini get fired up about one of the biggest roadblocks federal workers face: supervisors illegally impeding injury claims. From hiding forms to forcing you into the wrong doctor’s office, bad management can ruin your claim and cost you thousands. In this episode, we break down the exact CFR codes, your absolute OSHA rights, and the step-by-step actions you need to take to protect your job and get your claim approved. Do not let management push you around—know your rights and fight back! What You’ll Learn in This Episode: [00:06:45] The OSHA Violation: Why a supervisor preventing you from reporting an injury is a direct safety violation (and exactly what number to call to report it).[00:08:45] Your Right to Choose: How CA-810 (Section 6) guarantees your right to pick your own doctor, and why going to the "company doctor" or an Urgent Care often results in an automatic denial.[00:17:40] The Golden Form (CA-16): Why you must demand a CA-16 form within 4 hours of your injury to get your first 60 days of medical bills paid.[00:22:45] The 30-Day Myth: Did your supervisor say you only have 30 days to report an injury? They are lying. You actually have up to 3 years.[00:24:00] Supervisor Penalties: The fines and legal penalties supervisors face when they wrongfully impede a FECA claim.[00:39:50] 5 Ways to Protect Yourself: The ultimate checklist for fighting back against management retaliation (Grievances, EAP, EEO, OSHA, and the Labor Board).Important Resources Mentioned: Report Safety Violations: Call OSHA at 1-800-321-OSHA (6742).Join the Conversation! If this episode helped you, please hit share and send it to five federal coworkers who need to know their rights. Don’t forget to subscribe to Wednesday Night OWCP Chats so you never miss an update on protecting your federal career. Website for Locations. www.federalinjurycenters.com Contact: 877-787-OWCP or message us Facebook To Buy The Book: www.breakingowcp.com To Email information: Info@federalinjurycenters.com Find Us on Facebook, YouTube, LinkedIn, Instagram @ Wednesday Night OWCP Chats with Chris & Gini

    58 min

  2. MAR 16

    (Chats 5-15-19) The Specialist Trap: Why Your Orthopedic Surgeon is Getting You Denied

    Chris and Gini explain the "nearly impossible" challenge of changing doctors once a specialist is chosen and why an OWCP-trained doctor should always be your first call. They also discuss how to handle auto accidents in government vehicles (LLVs) and the strategy of using third-party lawsuits to secure extra compensation. Key Takeaways & Show Notes 1. The Specialist Trap One of the most common mistakes is going to an Orthopedic Surgeon or a Specialist as your first treating doctor. The Problem: Specialists are trained for surgery, not for writing the multi-page medical narratives required by the DOL.The Trap: Once you designate a specialist as your "Physician of Record," the DOL often denies requests to switch to a general practitioner or an OWCP specialist later, labeling it a "move to a lower level of care."The Solution: Choose an OWCP-trained treating doctor first. They will get the claim accepted and then refer you to a surgeon if medically necessary.2. Auto Accidents & Third-Party Claims For letter carriers and rural carriers who are hit by other drivers: Dual Filing: This is both an OWCP claim (CA-1) and a Personal Injury case.The 20/80 Rule: If you sue the at-fault driver and win a settlement, federal law generally allows you to keep 20% of the settlement (after expenses) as a "guaranteed share," while the other 80% is used to reimburse the DOL for medical bills they paid.Legal Tip: You need a lawyer who understands both personal injury and the "FECA" (Federal Employees' Compensation Act) lien process so you don't lose your settlement to the government.3. Adhering to the CA-17 (Duty Status Report) Chris introduces a new mantra: #FileAGrievance. If your doctor provides a CA-17 with restrictions (e.g., "4 hours of work" or "20 lb lifting limit") and management ignores it, it is a violation.The "As Tolerated" Warning: Never let a doctor write "as tolerated" on your restrictions. Management will interpret this as "full duty." Ensure your doctor lists specific, numbered limitations.4. Reopening Closed Claims A common myth is that once a case is closed, it's gone forever. The Reality: Claims can be reopened via a CA-2a (Notice of Recurrence) or by providing new medical evidence that the condition has worsened.Timeline: Reopening a claim typically takes 4 to 6 weeks for processing.Actionable Advice Travel Reimbursement: If your case is accepted, use Form OWCP-957 to backdate and claim mileage for all doctor visits.Avoid Kaiser/Urgent Care: While good for emergencies, these facilities rarely have the administrative staff to handle the long-term paperwork required to keep a federal claim active. Website for Locations. www.federalinjurycenters.com Contact: 877-787-OWCP or message us Facebook To Buy The Book: www.breakingowcp.com To Email information: Info@federalinjurycenters.com Find Us on Facebook, YouTube, LinkedIn, Instagram @ Wednesday Night OWCP Chats with Chris & Gini

    59 min

  3. MAR 16

    (Chats 5-1-19) Secrets of the Claims Examiner: Expert Strategies for Approval

    Chris and Gini discuss the internal "reprogramming" of their new expert staff to help listeners understand what CEs look for in a narrative. The episode covers the "Five Pillars of a Narrative Report," the rules for travel reimbursement, and a checklist for protecting your job using the CA-17 instead of FMLA. Key Takeaways & Show Notes 1. The Five Pillars of a Winning Narrative Report Chris explains that because every injury is unique, there is no "template," but every successful report must include: Detailed Job Description: Beyond just a job title; it must list physical demands (e.g., "walking 10 miles," "lifting 70 lbs").Detailed Injury Description: A step-by-step account of the incident (e.g., "stepped into a hole while exiting the LLV").Direct Link (Causation): A clear explanation of how the specific job duties caused the specific medical condition.Medical Rationale: The doctor's professional reasoning connecting the diagnosis to the mechanics of the injury.Specific Diagnosis: A valid medical diagnosis (not just "pain").2. Travel Reimbursement (Form OWCP-957) Round Trip Rule: You are entitled to reimbursement for travel to doctors and physical therapy for up to 100 miles round trip. Pre-Authorization: If you must travel more than 100 miles, you must get pre-approval from your Claims Examiner.Documentation: Use Google Maps to verify mileage and submit the form for every three trips.3. Protecting Your Job: CA-17 vs. FMLA Chris provides a strategy for "preserving" FMLA: If your claim is accepted, your CA-17 (Duty Status Report) protects your job because management must follow medical restrictions.Preserve FMLA: Save your FMLA hours for non-work-related illnesses or family emergencies. Use the CA-17 as your primary job protection for work injuries.The "Shall" Requirement: Management is legally required to fill out Side A of the CA-17 before the doctor fills out Side B.4. Fighting Back Against "Accident Write-Ups" If management attempts to put an "accident write-up" in your file: This is often a tactic to claim willful misconduct.Action: Immediately contact your union and file a grievance. Use your right to a copy of the front and back of your CA-1/CA-2 to see exactly what management wrote in the "supervisor" portions. Website for Locations. www.federalinjurycenters.com Contact: 877-787-OWCP or message us Facebook To Buy The Book: www.breakingowcp.com To Email information: Info@federalinjurycenters.com Find Us on Facebook, YouTube, LinkedIn, Instagram @ Wednesday Night OWCP Chats with Chris & Gini

    1h 15m

  4. MAR 10

    (Chats 4-17-19) - The Woodshed: Filing Claims Without Fear

    1. Why Claims Get Denied: The Doctor Problem Chris identifies six categories of medical professionals who frequently (and often unintentionally) cause federal claims to be denied because they lack OWCP-specific training: Family Practice Doctors: Don't understand the complex narrative requirements.Chiropractors (Non-Specialized): Often miss the medical connection needed by DOL.Urgent Care Centers: Frequently use Nurse Practitioners; DOL requires an MD signature for forms to be valid.Specialists (Surgeons): Focused on surgery, not the administrative "medical rationale" required for claim acceptance.ER Doctors: Too busy for the multi-page narrative reports needed.VA Doctors: Excellent clinicians, but not trained in the specific "Fed Comp" system. 2. The CA-10: Your Legal Roadmap The CA-10 is the official instruction manual for what a federal employee should do when injured. The Legend of the Bulletin Board: By law, this form must be posted on the employee bulletin board, yet almost no one sees it.Immediate Action: You must report injuries immediately to secure benefits like COP (Continuation of Pay). 3. The "Shall" Rule: CA-16 and Initial Choice Chris highlights two powerful laws found in the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR): CA-16 (Authorization for Examination): If you have a traumatic injury (CA-1), management shall issue this form within 4 hours. It pays medical bills for 60 days even if the claim is eventually denied.Initial Choice of Physician: You have the legal right to choose your doctor. Management cannot force you to see "their" doctor or a contract facility like Concentra. 4. Five Ways to Fight Back Against Management If management "wrongfully impedes" a claim (which is a federal crime), Chris provides a five-point checklist for protection: File a Grievance: Build a "mountain of grievances" to force agency compliance.Contact EAP: Use Employee Assistance to mediate or document the stress of the situation.File an EEO: If you are being targeted or harassed, call an EEO expert to see if you have a claim.Call OSHA (1-800-321-OSHA): Employees have a right to report injuries. If a supervisor prevents you from filing or orders you into a dangerous situation, it is a safety violation.NLRB (National Labor Relations Board): File a complaint regarding labor board violations. Important Statistics Chris highlights the disparity between workers' perceived injury rates and official acceptance rates: The 1-out-of-19 Stat: In 2018, only 1 out of every 19 federal employees had an accepted claim (roughly 5.2%).Social Security Administration: Acceptance rates were as low as 1 out of 50.Perceived vs. Actual: While employees estimate that 50% to 90% of their coworkers have work-related conditions, the lack of training leads to an "underwhelming" number of attempted and accepted claims. Website for Locations. www.federalinjurycenters.com Contact: 877-787-OWCP or message us Facebook To Buy The Book: www.breakingowcp.com To Email information: Info@federalinjurycenters.com Find Us on Facebook, YouTube, LinkedIn, Instagram @ Wednesday Night OWCP Chats with Chris & Gini

    1h 8m

  5. MAR 6

    (Chats 3-4-26) - 10 Years of Federal Workers' Comp Advocacy: The Anniversary Special

    Episode Overview In this special 10th-anniversary episode, Chris and Gini celebrate a decade of helping federal employees navigate the Office of Workers' Compensation Programs (OWCP). They reflect on the growth of their community and address the most significant hurdle facing injured workers today: the fear of retaliation. This episode provides a tactical breakdown of the CA-10 form and essential advice for securing benefits. Key Discussion Points The 10-Year Milestone: A look back at a decade of serving over 20,000 federal employees and the importance of union partnerships.Decoding the CA-10: Why this "What a Federal Employee Should Do When Injured at Work" form is often missing from breakrooms and how it serves as your legal roadmap.Reporting vs. Waiting: The critical difference between "as soon as possible" and "immediately" when it comes to protecting your rights.The Right to Choose: Clarifying the law regarding your right to initial physician selection and why you aren't required to see agency-contracted doctors.COP & Financial Security: Navigating Continuation of Pay (COP) and why electing it is a standard recommendation for CA-1 traumatic injuries.Featured Resources CA-10 Form & Guidance: Available via the Federal Injury Centers website.Community Support: Join the Wednesday Night OWCP Chats live every week for real-time Q&A.Timestamped Highlights 08:15 – Reflecting on 10 years of building trust within the federal community.17:30 – The "Invisible Form": A section-by-section breakdown of the CA-10.20:45 – Explaining the CA-16 and how it covers medical bills for the first 60 days.32:10 – Expert tips on handling Second Opinion (SECOP) medical exams.56:40 – Previewing next week's deep dive into the CA-1 form.Website for Locations. www.federalinjurycenters.com Contact: 877-787-OWCP or message us Facebook To Buy The Book: www.breakingowcp.com To Email information: Info@federalinjurycenters.com Find Us on Facebook, YouTube, LinkedIn, Instagram @ Wednesday Night OWCP Chats with Chris & Gini

    59 min

  6. FEB 25

    (Chats 4-3-19) How to Force Your Agency to Process Your OWCP Forms and Honor Your Restrictions

    Are you tired of supervisors "losing" your paperwork, denying your medical restrictions, or flat-out refusing to give you the forms you need to file a work injury? In this highly charged episode of Breaking OWCP, Chris and Gini break down three of the most critical forms in the federal workers' comp system: the CA-16, CA-17, and CA-7. But that's not all. After hearing countless heartbreaking stories of federal employees losing their homes and jobs due to management's malicious delays, Chris drops the ultimate hammer. He reveals a devastating 5-step action plan—straight from a top union guru—designed to hold abusive supervisors accountable and force them to do their jobs. In This Episode You Will Learn: The CA-16 (The Golden Ticket): This form pays all your medical bills for the first 60 days. Learn the strict 7-day reporting rule to qualify and the "4-Hour Rule" your supervisor must follow to issue it.The CA-17 (Duty Status Report): Why this form must always originate with management (Side A) before going to your doctor (Side B), and how it acts as a medical shield to protect your job and enforce your physical restrictions.The CA-7 (Claim for Compensation): How to get paid when you are taken off work. Discover the exact supporting documents you must attach (like the CA-20 and doctor's notes) to avoid a denial, and how to use the ECOMP portal if your agency refuses to submit your CA-7 within the mandatory 5-day window.The "Hashtag File a Grievance" 5-Step Plan: Chris's ultimate defense strategy against management bullying:File a grievance with your union steward immediately.Involve the Employee Assistance Program (EAP).File an EEO complaint with your union's help.Call OSHA (1-800-321-OSHA) to report safety violations regarding ignored medical restrictions.Take the issue to the Labor Board to trigger massive financial penalties against the agency.Timestamps: [02:00] The CA-16 Form: Getting your bills paid for 60 days and enforcing the 4-hour rule.[08:45] The CA-17 Form: Why it's the only way a doctor can restrict your duties or take you off work.[22:00] Q&A: Can management force you back to full duty when you have medical restrictions?[33:00] The CA-7 Form: How to claim compensation for leave without pay and schedule awards.[47:30] The Big Reveal: The 5-step action plan to fight back against abusive supervisors.[55:00] Q&A Lightning Round: Occupational diseases, reporting timelines, and dealing with bad instructions from management.Website for Locations. www.federalinjurycenters.com Contact: 877-787-OWCP or message us Facebook To Buy The Book: www.breakingowcp.com To Email information: Info@federalinjurycenters.com Find Us on Facebook, YouTube, LinkedIn, Instagram @ Wednesday Night OWCP Chats with Chris & Gini

    1h 23m

  7. FEB 24

    (Chats 4-24-19) The Hidden CA-10 Form, How to Get Your Bills Paid (CA-16), and the Truth About MMI

    What if there was a form that existed for 32 years, specifically designed to tell federal employees exactly what to do when they get hurt—yet almost no one has ever seen it? In this episode of Breaking OWCP, Chris dives deep into his favorite topic: The CA-10 Form. Chris explains why the CA-10 is supposed to be posted on every employee bulletin board, and breaks down its five simple steps that can be the difference between an accepted claim and a denied one. Later in the episode, Chris circles back to MMI (Maximum Medical Improvement), explaining how to transition from medical treatment to receiving a cash Schedule Award. In This Episode You Will Learn: The Missing CA-10: Why you need to print this form immediately and post it in your breakroom or union hall.The 4-Hour Rule (CA-16): How to force your agency to pay your medical bills for the first 60 days, and why your supervisor only has 4 hours to give you this form.Choosing Your Doctor: The law explicitly states you cannot be forced to use an agency-contracted doctor (like an urgent care or VA doctor). Chris explains why picking the right doctor first prevents the nightmare of changing treating physicians later.The "Notice of Receipt": Why leaving the supervisor's office without a signed copy of your CA-1/CA-2 receipt is a massive mistake.COP (Continuation of Pay): You have 3 years to report an injury, but only 30 days to report if you want to receive COP.MMI & Schedule Awards: A deep dive into Maximum Medical Improvement, the AMA 6th Edition impairment rating, and why spine injuries cannot receive a Schedule Award (unless they affect the extremities).Timestamps: [01:00] The 32-year mystery of the CA-10 Form.[04:45] Step 1: Reporting to your supervisor (The 3-Year vs. 30-Day rules).[06:45] Step 2: The CA-16 Form and the 4-Hour deadline to get your bills paid.[08:10] Step 3: Your right to choose your initial treating physician.[11:00] Step 4: Forcing your supervisor to process your CA-1 or CA-2 forms.[13:30] Step 5: The "Notice of Receipt" and COP elections.[28:15] Topic 2: Defining MMI (Maximum Medical Improvement).[29:00] The AMA 6th Edition rule for Schedule Awards.[36:00] Q&A: Adding conditions via a "Diagnosis Expansion."[37:00] Q&A: What happens if you hit MMI but still can't do your job? (Federal Disability vs. Schedule Awards). Website for Locations. www.federalinjurycenters.com Contact: 877-787-OWCP or message us Facebook To Buy The Book: www.breakingowcp.com To Email information: Info@federalinjurycenters.com Find Us on Facebook, YouTube, LinkedIn, Instagram @ Wednesday Night OWCP Chats with Chris & Gini

    55 min

  8. FEB 9

    (Chats 3-20-19) CA-1 vs. CA-2: Which Form to File & Why Using Health Insurance Kills Your OWCP Claim

    Live from Las Vegas, Chris and Gini dive into the technical—but critical—foundations of filing a federal injury claim. If you have ever been confused about whether your injury counts as a "traumatic injury" or an "occupational disease," filing the wrong paperwork can sink your case before it starts. In this episode, we break down the specific differences between Form CA-1 and Form CA-2. More importantly, Chris issues a stern warning about why you should never use your personal health insurance for a work injury if you can avoid it, and why "appealing" a decision is often the wrong legal move compared to a "Request for Reconsideration." In This Episode You Will Learn: The Forms Defined: How to know if your injury requires a CA-1 (Single Shift/Traumatic) or a CA-2 (Two or more shifts/Occupational).The Health Insurance Trap: Why using your own insurance forfeits your right to mileage reimbursement, time-back buyback, and Schedule Awards.The "1 in 13" Stat: In 2018, only 1 out of 13 federal claims were accepted—usually because private doctors write insufficient narratives.Don't "Appeal": Why clicking the "Appeal" button is a mistake, and why you should file a Request for Reconsideration with new evidence instead.The "Penalty" Statute: The specific law (5420.33) you need to cite if a supervisor refuses to process your claim.Timestamps: [00:00] Live from Las Vegas: Birthday celebrations and intros.[02:00] Topic 1: CA-1 (Traumatic) vs. CA-2 (Occupational) – Which one do you need?[03:30] Why you must sit with your supervisor while they fill out Page 2.[05:15] Topic 2: OWCP vs. Health Insurance – Why private insurance kills your benefits.[08:20] Stop saying "Appeal": The power of the Request for Reconsideration.[12:30] Q&A: What to do when DOL won't accept medical docs directly from you.[14:40] Q&A: Getting paid on a CA-7 and the 5-day submission law.[24:15] Defining MMI (Maximum Medical Improvement) and Schedule Awards.[33:00] The Supervisor Penalty: Citing 5420.33 (Penalty for failure to process claim) for a listener in Texas.Key Laws & Codes Mentioned: 5420.33: Penalty for failure to process a claim (Up to $500 fine or imprisonment).20 CFR 10.110: Supervisor obligation to fill out forms.Website for Locations. www.federalinjurycenters.com Contact: 877-787-OWCP or message us Facebook To Buy The Book: www.breakingowcp.com To Email information: Info@federalinjurycenters.com Find Us on Facebook, YouTube, LinkedIn, Instagram @ Wednesday Night OWCP Chats with Chris & Gini

    40 min
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Ratings & Reviews

4.4
out of 5
9 Ratings

About

Educating the federal workforce about their rights and responsibilities in OWCP. This content is for educational purposes only this content and any guests, hosts or entities are not a referral source. You have the right to choose your own doctor.  "Welcome to 'Breaking OWCP with Chris & Gini,' where we bring our same Wednesday chat vibes to the audio world! Join us for insightful conversations, education, and a deeper dive into the topics that matter to you as a federal employee. Tune in for your weekly dose of thought-provoking discussions. Let's break it all down together!" 🎙️🗣️ #BreakingOWCP #Podcast #WednesdayChats #ConversationsJust so you know our most recent chats will be released on Fridays

Information

  • Creator
    Chris & Gini Helms
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2026
  • Episodes
    95
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Breaking OWCP with Chris & Gini
  • Show Website
    Breaking OWCP with Chris & Gini

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