Breaking OWCP with Chris & Gini

Chris & Gini Helms

Educating the federal workforce about their rights and responsibilities in OWCP. "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 &Our Previous chats will be released on Sundays and those will be shorter segment style. 

  1. 2D AGO

    (Chats- 2-13-19) - Q&A Special: CA-17 Refusals, The OSHA Strategy, and Finding the Right Doctor

    Q&A Special: CA-17 Refusals, The OSHA Strategy, and Finding the Right Doctor In this interactive Q&A episode of Breaking OWCP, Chris and Gini return from opening the new Montgomery, AL office to play a game of "Stump Chris" with listener questions. If you have ever been confused about who fills out which side of the CA-17, or if you are struggling to find a doctor in your state, this episode provides direct answers. Chris explains the "Alphabet Rule" for the CA-17 Duty Status Report, clarifying why the Supervisor MUST complete Side A before the doctor completes Side B. We also preview a major upcoming strategy involving OSHA—explaining how to use federal safety regulations to stop supervisors from refusing to sign your forms. Plus, we discuss the validity of denied claims, the role of Nurse Case Managers, and upcoming coverage on PRP and Stem Cell therapy. Key Topics Discussed: The CA-17 "Alphabet Rule": A simple way to remember that the Supervisor (Side A) must fill out the form before the Physician (Side B). Chris explains what doctors do when supervisors refuse.Success Rates & Denials: Why "no denial is final." Chris discusses the reality that even the best cases get denied initially but can be fixed with a proper narrative and appeal.The OSHA "Mic Drop": A preview of a powerful strategy: calling OSHA when management refuses to process injury forms. Chris explains the 72-hour investigation timeline and whistleblower protections.Doctor Spotlight: Recommendations for specific OWCP-trained doctors, including Dr. Patron (Chicago) for complex neuropathy cases, Dr. Toll (Indianapolis), and the new Montgomery, AL office.Advanced Treatments: A teaser for next week’s discussion on Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) and Stem Cell therapy coverage under DOL.Medication & Pharmacy: How to use your case number at major pharmacies like CVS and Walgreens to get prescriptions covered without out-of-pocket costs.Timestamps: CA-17 Logic: Why Side A (Supervisor) comes before Side B (Physician).Denials: Why 100% success rates don't mean zero initial denials.Nurse Case Managers: Are they on your side?The OSHA Strategy: Using OSHA to force compliance from supervisors.Doctor Referral: A look at Dr. Patron’s success in Chicago with peripheral neuropathy.Upcoming Topic: Dr. Fitz Harper and PRP/Stem Cell injections coverage.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 6m

  2. 5D AGO

    (Chats 2-6-19) - Supervisor Responsibilities: CA-1, CA-17, and the "4-Hour Rule" for CA-16s

    In this episode of Breaking OWCP, Chris and Gini tackle the rampant issue of supervisor intimidation and the mishandling of federal workers' comp forms. If you have been told that a Nurse Case Manager can force you to leave a doctor’s office, or if your supervisor is refusing to provide you with a CA-16 or CA-17, this episode is mandatory listening. Chris breaks down the specific legal obligations of your supervisor regarding the critical OWCP forms. We explain why you must receive a CA-16 within four hours of reporting a traumatic injury, how to properly handle the "Side A vs. Side B" requirements of the CA-17 Duty Status Report, and why management has no authority to dictate your medical treatment. Key Topics Discussed: Nurse Case Managers: Your rights when a nurse case manager enters the exam room. Chris clarifies that they cannot force you to change doctors or leave a chiropractic office if you have a valid claim.Supervisor Responsibilities (CA-1 & CA-2): Why supervisors must fill out Page 2, submit the forms within 10 days, and provide you with full copies (front and back) plus the receipt.The CA-17 Duty Status Report: A step-by-step guide to this form. Chris explains that the Supervisor is responsible for "Side A" (left side) and the Doctor is responsible for "Side B" (right side).The "Unicorn" Form (CA-16): What is the CA-16? It pays your medical bills for the first 60 days before your claim is accepted. We discuss the law that states management has four hours to provide this to you after a traumatic injury.Filing Grievances: When and how to file a grievance if management refuses to provide forms or intimidates you.New Locations: Announcements for the new Montgomery, AL office and updates on doctors in Chicago, Virginia, Indianapolis, and Michigan.Timestamps: Nurse Case Managers: Can they kick you out of a doctor's office?Management’s limited role: They cannot dictate medical opinions.CA-1 Form Rules: The 10-day submission rule and your right to copies.CA-17 Duty Status Report: Why supervisors must fill out "Side A."The CA-16: The "4-Hour Rule" and why it pays your bills for 60 days.Q&A: Addressing listener questions on part-time work and denials.Union Stewards: The importance of getting union support and training.Location Update: Grand opening of the Montgomery, AL office.Mentioned Resources: Forms: CA-1, CA-2, CA-16, CA-17, CA-20.Regulations: 20 CFR (Code of Federal Regulations) regarding interference with claims.Offices: Federal Injury Centers (Montgomery, Clearwater, Atlanta, Birmingham, Memphis, Boston area).OWCP, CA-16, CA-17, Federal Workers Compensation, Nurse Case Manager, Supervisor Responsibilities, Traumatic Injury, Federal Injury Centers, CA-1 Form, Union Steward, Postal Service, USPS, AFGE, DOL, Department of Labor, Workers Comp Grievance. 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 7m

  3. 5D AGO · BONUS

    (CHATS 2-2-19) - OWCP Rights: Can Management Deny Your Choice of Doctor?

    Are you a federal or postal employee being told you cannot see a specific doctor for your injury? In this episode of OWCP Wednesday Night Chats, we tackle the wave of misleading letters from management threatening to deny CA-7s and CA-17s based on your medical provider. We break down the legal reality regarding Chiropractors and Nurse Practitioners, expose the intimidation tactics used to suppress claims, and review the specific federal regulations (CA-810) that protect your "Right of Choice." If you are being told where to go for medical treatment, you need to hear this breakdown of your rights and how to file a grievance to stop the harassment. Key Topics Discussed: The "Chiropractor Letter": Why management is claiming they won't honor time off if you see a Chiropractor or Nurse Practitioner, and why they are wrong.The MD Sign-Off Rule: Clarifying how Medical Doctors (MDs) counter-sign reports for Nurse Practitioners to ensure your claim is valid.Know Your Rights (CA-810): A deep dive into the Injury Compensation for Federal Employees manual, specifically Section 6-3, which prohibits agency personnel from interfering with your choice of physician.Penalties for Management: The severe penalties (including potential jail time) for anyone preventing a federal employee from filing a claim.Union Power: How the union is taking these cases to the Labor Board and filing grievances against malicious management tactics.Success Rates: Why sticking with trained doctors results in a higher acceptance rate (7 out of 7) compared to the postal average (1 out of 7).Mentioned Resources & Codes: CA-810 Manual: Section 6-3 (Right of Choice).CA-17 & CA-7 Forms: Duty Status and Claim for Compensation.Code of Federal Regulations: Penalties for interfering with claim filing.Contract Interpretation Manual: Page 5, Paragraph 1 (OWCP decisions vs. Agency decisions).Timestamps: The issue: Management threatening to deny pay for seeing specific doctors.Understanding the role of MDs in Chiropractic offices.The Law: CA-810 Section 6-3 and your Right of Choice.Penalties for management interference and intimidation.Case Study: An employee accepted by OWCP but harassed by management.Filing grievances with the Labor Board. OWCP, Federal Workers Compensation, US Postal Service, USPS Union, CA-17, CA-7, Right of Choice, Federal Employees, Injury Compensation, CA-810, Workers Comp Grievance, Nurse Practitioner, Chiropractor, DOL, Department of Labor. 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

    8 min

  4. 11/22/2025

    Federal Workers Compensation Made Simple: OWCP Expert Advice You Need to Know

    Join Chris and Gini for their final Wednesday Night OWCP Chat of 2025! For nearly 10 years, this dynamic duo has been helping federal employees navigate the complex Office of Workers' Compensation Programs (OWCP) system—completely free. What You'll Learn in This Episode: ✅ How to File OWCP Claims Correctly - CA-1, CA-2, CA-7, CA-16, and CA-17 forms explained ✅ Schedule Award Secrets - How to get maximum compensation for your injury ✅ Dealing with Claim Denials - Reconsideration strategies that actually work ✅ Congressional Inquiry Success Stories - Real federal employee wins ✅ Continuation of Pay (COP) - Don't lose benefits by making these mistakes ✅ Medical Benefits for Life - Understanding your lifetime OWCP coverage ✅ Choosing Your Own Doctor - Why this decision is critical to your claim ✅ Fighting Back Against Management - Your rights as an injured federal worker Key Topics Covered: USPS workers compensation claimsFederal law enforcement officer injuries (FLEOA partnership)Postal inspector OWCP casesBureau of Prisons (BOP) injury claimsTSA and federal employee rightsReopening old OWCP casesGetting a new claims examinerLimited duty job offers and CA-17 restrictionsHavana Syndrome claims (anomalous health incidents)Back injury compensation and schedule awardsFeatured Success Stories: Jeremy's congressional inquiry victoryReal-time Q&A with federal employees nationwideExpert advice on avoiding common OWCP mistakesWhy This Matters: Only 7-14% of federal employees nationwide have accepted OWCP claims. Chris and Gini are on a mission to change that by providing free education to postal workers, federal law enforcement, and all federal employees who deserve proper workers compensation benefits. Connect with Chris & Gini: YouTube: Wednesday Night OWCP Chats with Chris and GiniFacebook: Wednesday Night OWCP Chats (19K+ followers)Email: gini@federalinjurycenters.comUpcoming in 2026: 3-hour National OWCP Training (live on Wednesday nights)10-year anniversary celebration (February 16, 2026)State and union convention trainings nationwide#OWCP #FederalWorkersComp #PostalWorkers #USPS #FederalEmployees #WorkersCompensation #InjuryClaims #CA1 #CA2 #ScheduleAward #FLEOA #DisabilityBenefits #FederalInjury #ChrisAndGini SEO Keywords Targeted: OWCP claimsFederal workers compensationHow to file CA-1How to file CA-2USPS injury claimsSchedule award federal employeesOWCP denial appealFederal employee injury lawyerContinuation of pay OWCPOWCP claims examinerFederal workers comp benefitsPostal worker injuryOWCP medical benefitsFederal law enforcement injury claimsEpisode Length: 55 minutes Release Date: November 21, 2025 Episode Type: Live Q&A / Educational This is free educational content. Chris and Gini have never charged federal employees for OWCP advice and never will. 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

    57 min

  5. 10/31/2025

    Behind the Woodshed: 20 OWCP Rules Supervisors Break (And How to Fight Back)

    In this eye-opening episode, federal workers' compensation experts Chris and Gini expose the top 20 OWCP violations that supervisors commit daily—and how federal employees can protect their rights. What You'll Learn: Why supervisors fail to provide CA-16 forms within the required 4 hoursYour legal right to choose your own doctor (and how supervisors illegally interfere)How to get Continuation of Pay (COP) that you're entitled toThe laws protecting you from retaliation when filing injury claimsWhy threatening employees over OWCP claims is a federal crimeHow to report supervisor violations to Inspector General and DOJKey Topics Covered: ✅ CA-1 and CA-2 form requirements and deadlines ✅ 10-day supervisor submission rule (20 CFR regulations) ✅ Your right to 4 hours administrative leave for medical appointments (20 CFR 10.310) ✅ Limited duty assignment rights and 30-day review period ✅ HIPAA violations and medical documentation mishandling ✅ Whistleblower Protection Act coverage for OWCP claims Important Legal References Mentioned: 18 USC 1920 - Threatening employees filing claims20 CFR 10.117 - Obstruction of federal claims5 USC 8151 - Retaliation protections5 USC 2302(B)(9) - Whistleblower Protection Act20 CFR 10.506 - Unauthorized doctor contact20 CFR 10.310 - Medical appointment leave rightsSpecial Announcements: 📅 National OWCP Convention - November 16th, 3-6 PM Eastern (Free 3-hour training on Facebook) 📍 Upcoming training with Federal Law Enforcement Officers Association (FLEOA) 📍 Jacksonville APW Fall Booster - November 5th live chat Who Should Listen: USPS postal workers and mail handlersFederal law enforcement (DEA, FBI, ICE, Border Patrol, Postal Inspectors)VA employeesBureau of Prisons (BOP) staffTSA officersAll federal employees with work injuriesUnion stewards and representativesResources Mentioned: Federal Injury Centers: federalinjurycenters.comOWCP doctor search: Google "OWCP doctor near me"Report violations: Contact your agency's Inspector General or DOJHosts: Chris & Gini - Federal workers' compensation specialists with Federal Injury Centers, training unions and federal agencies nationwide since 2016. Tags: #OWCP #FederalWorkersComp #USPS #PostalWorkers #FederalEmployees #WorkersCompensation #CA1 #CA2 #CA16 #COP #FLEOA #APWU #NALC #FederalInjury #WorkplaceInjury Subscribe for weekly OWCP tips every Wednesday at 8 PM Eastern! SEO Keywords: OWCP rights, federal workers compensation, CA-16 form, continuation of pay, postal worker injury, federal employee rights, supervisor violations, work injury claims, USPS injury, federal injury centers, OWCP training, workers comp retaliation 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

    1 hr

  6. 10/11/2025

    OWCP Claims Guide: How to Win Federal Workers' Compensation Benefits

    Chris and Gini host their final Wednesday night OWCP chat before a two-week break, covering essential workers' compensation topics in a Q&A format. They discuss claim approvals, denials, common supervisor violations, and upcoming training opportunities. Key Announcements National OWCP Convention: Sunday, November 16th, 3-6 PM Eastern (Facebook only)Upcoming Travel: Utah meetings and BYU vs. Utes game, followed by FOA National Convention in WisconsinWoodshed Night: October 29th - covering rules, laws, and regulations supervisors violateNew Leadership: Congratulations to Jonathan Smith, new APW National PresidentFIC Tallahassee: Opening December 1st (Dr. Stephick)Critical Statistics Discussed Only 6.78% of non-postal federal employees had accepted claims in 2023 (down from historical 14%)Federal Injury Centers maintains over 95% success rateMost denials are due to inadequate medical documentation, not claim examiner biasMajor Topics Covered 1. Understanding Claim Denials Denials happen due to inadequate medical narratives from doctorsYou DON'T need an attorney for denied claimsFile reconsideration with improved narrative addressing denial reasonsAttorneys are only necessary for: car wrecks on the job, federal disability, schedule awards with second opinion denials2. Essential Forms & Processes CA-10: What federal employees should do when injured (often hidden from workers)CA-16: Pays all medical bills for 60 days, must be issued within 4 hours of reported injuryCA-17: Limited duty form - supervisors cannot withhold until claim is approvedCA-7/CA-7A: Payment forms for intermittent time offCA-2A: Notice of recurrence (verify with doctor first that it's same injury)**3. The "Black Sharpie Method" When supervisors refuse to complete CA-17 side AWrite "Supervisor [name] refused to issue" in black SharpieSubmit to claims examiner to create accountabilityPrevents supervisor from ignoring medical restrictions**4. Common Supervisor Violations Refusing to issue CA-16 within 4 hoursWithholding CA-17 until claim approvalRetaliating against injured workers (federal crime: fines, imprisonment, or both)Sending workers home claiming "no work available" on restrictionsNot honoring limited duty assignments**5. Payment & Benefits Choose COP (Continuation of Pay) over sick/annual leavePay based on current salary if working full-time, or pre-injury pay with blanket increasesMileage reimbursement limited to 100 miles round trip (get authorization for more)Lifetime medical coverage for accepted claimsSchedule awards available for permanent impairment6. Key Rules & Rights Report injuries NOW (within 7 days maximum, but immediately is best)You have the right to choose your own doctorSupervisors cannot tell you where to go for treatmentRural carriers: job held for 2 years; other crafts: 1 yearRetaliation for reporting injuries is ILLEGAL**7. Getting Help File grievances through your union for supervisor violationsContact claims examiner directly about issuesCall OSHA: 1-800-321-OSHA for retaliationContact Inspector General or Postal InspectorsReplace nurse caseWebsite 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 9m

  7. 10/03/2025

    Federal Workers' Comp Claims: Why Only 6.78% Get Approved & How to Win Your OWCP Case

    Episode Overview Chris and Gini reveal shocking new statistics about federal workers' compensation claims and provide essential guidance for getting your OWCP claim approved. Learn why acceptance rates have dropped dramatically and what you can do about it. Key Topics Covered: 🚨 Breaking News: OWCP Acceptance Rates Plummet Only 6.78% of federal employees had accepted injury claims in 2023 (down from 14%)Why this dramatic decrease is happening despite increased education efforts📋 The CA-10 Form: Your Essential Starting Point What every federal employee should know when injured at workHow to report injuries properly and avoid common mistakesWhy this one-page form should be posted everywhere in federal workplaces⚖️ Using Laws to Your Benefit Understanding your rights under federal workers' compensation lawHow supervisors often violate regulations and what you can doThe 3-year reporting window most employees don't know about🩺 Choosing the Right Doctor: The #1 Reason Claims Get Denied Why most doctors fail at OWCP casesHow to search for qualified OWCP doctors in your areaWhat to bring to your doctor appointment for success💡 Three Main Reasons Claims Fail: Employees don't know how to initiate claimsFear of supervisor retaliationChoosing doctors who don't understand OWCP requirements Important Deadlines & Forms: CA-1: Single incident injuries (car accidents, falls, etc.)CA-2: Injuries that develop over time (carpal tunnel, arthritis, etc.)CA-16: Pays medical bills for first 60 days (must report within 7 days)Continuation of Pay (COP): Up to 45 days paid time off for CA-1 injuries Upcoming Events: 🎯 Second Annual OWCP National Convention Date: November 16th (Sunday)Time: 3:00-6:00 PM EasternPlatform: Facebook Live only (not recorded)Content: 3-hour comprehensive training similar to state/national conventions Resources Mentioned: Federal injury statistics: Search "federal work injury and illness statistics OSHA"Forms and information: FederalInjuryCenters.comDoctor search: "OWCP injury doctor [your city, state]"eComp filing: ecomp.dol.gov Key Takeaways: Never give up on denied claims - appeals can succeed years laterReport injuries immediately, don't wait and hope they improveKnow your rights and don't let supervisors intimidate youChoose doctors who specialize in federal workers' compensationPost CA-10 forms everywhere to help fellow employees Next Episode: Q&A Session - "Stump the Chump" - Submit your toughest OWCP questions! The Breaking OWCP Podcast helps federal employees navigate workers' compensation claims successfully. Join Chris and Gini every Wednesday at 8 PM Eastern for expert advice and real solutions. #OWCP #FederalWorkersComp #FederalEmployees #WorkersCompensation #InjuryClaims #FederalBenefits 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 11m

  8. 10/03/2025

    Essential Forms Guide - OWCP 957, 915, and CA-7 Explained

    Join Chris and Gini  for another informative OWCP chat as they break down three critical forms every federal employee should know about. Fresh from successful training sessions in Detroit and Phoenix with Mail Handlers unions, they share essential insights about travel reimbursement, medical expenses, and getting paid for time off. Key Topics Covered: OWCP Form 957 - Travel Reimbursement Get reimbursed for mileage up to 100 miles round trip for medical appointmentsCovers airfare, hotels, taxi, Uber/Lyft with advance authorizationMust submit within 12 months of incurred expenseRequired documentation: Google Maps printout and appointment verificationOWCP Form 915 - Medical Expense Reimbursement Reimburse out-of-pocket medical costs when claim isn't accepted yetCovers copays, deductibles, medical equipment like back bracesSubmit immediately even if claim is pending - they'll hold and pay when approvedInclude receipts and medical necessity letters from doctorsCA-7 Form - Claim for Compensation (Getting Paid for Time Off) Submit every two weeks, even before claim approvalMust attach four key documents: CA-17, CA-20, appointment printouts, disability narrativeForm must be filled out perfectly by both employee and supervisorFile through e-com systemBonus Topics: CA-16 form: Pays all medical bills for first 60 days (must report injury within 7 days)CA-10 form: What federal employees should do when injured at workSchedule awards and impairment ratingsPreexisting conditions and diagnosis expansionsImportant Reminders: All forms available at federalinjurycenters.com12-month deadline for all reimbursement requestsSubmit forms immediately - don't wait for claim approvalFind OWCP-trained doctors by searching "OWCP injury doctor [your city, state]"Upcoming Schedule: No chats for the next two Wednesdays (Utah training and family trip)Returning October 1st for regular Wednesday night sessionsResources Mentioned: Federal Injury Centers website: federalinjurycenters.comBreaking OWCP website: breakingowcp.comYouTube channel for archived episodesForms section for easy downloadsRemember: OWCP is not spelled F-A-I-R, but knowing these forms and procedures can protect your rights and financial future as a federal employee. 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

    1 hr
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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. "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 &Our Previous chats will be released on Sundays and those will be shorter segment style. 

Information

  • Creator
    Chris & Gini Helms
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2026
  • Episodes
    85
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Breaking OWCP with Chris & Gini
  • Show Website
    Breaking OWCP with Chris & Gini