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. 1D AGO

    (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

  2. 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

  3. 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

  4. 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

  5. FEB 9

    (Chats 3-27-19) Retiring Soon? Why You Must File Your OWCP Claim Now + How to Fix a Denial

    Is your OWCP claim denied? Don't panic—and more importantly, don't just click "Appeal." In this episode of Breaking OWCP, Chris and Gini reveal why the standard appeal process often fails and why the Request for Reconsideration is your actual path to approval. Chris shares a specific "speed reading" hack to find the exact reason your claim was denied within the decision letter, allowing you to fix the narrative with your doctor. We also breakdown the complex world of MMI (Maximum Medical Improvement), how it leads to cash payouts via Schedule Awards, and why you must report your injuries before you retire if you want lifetime medical benefits. In This Episode You Will Learn: The "Appeal" Trap: Why you should almost always check the box for "Reconsideration" (to submit new evidence) rather than an Oral Hearing or ECAB appeal.The "Specifically" Hack: How to scan your denial letter for the paragraph starting with the word "Specifically" to find the exact error your doctor needs to fix.Retirement Rules: Why reporting an injury after you retire is a recipe for denial, and how to lock in lifetime medical benefits before you leave.The 72-Hour Myth: Debunking the lie that you only have 3 days to report an injury (The law says you have 3 years).MMI Explained: What Maximum Medical Improvement means, why you need an AMA 6th Edition impairment rating, and how to file for a Schedule Award (Form CA-7, Box D).Supervisor Bullying: When to call OSHA (1-800-321-OSHA) if a supervisor violates your CA-17 medical restrictions.Timestamps: [01:50] Topic 1: What to do when your claim is denied (It’s usually the doctor’s fault).[05:00] The Appeal Form: Why "Reconsideration" is the only box that matters.[09:00] What a doctor’s narrative must say (avoiding "medical probability").[11:15] The Hack: Finding the "Specifically" paragraph in your denial letter.[14:30] OWCP & Retirement: Why you must file while still employed.[20:00] Busting the "72 Hour" reporting myth.[23:30] Modified Job Offers: What to do if they violate your medical restrictions.[27:45] Form CA-17 Side A: The Supervisor's mandatory responsibility.[41:30] Topic 2: MMI (Maximum Medical Improvement) defined.[43:00] The 6th Edition Impairment Rating & Schedule Awards (Box D).Key Laws & Resources Mentioned: Schedule Award: Filed via Form CA-7 (Box D) after reaching MMI.Reconsideration: You have 12 months from a denial to file this with new evidence.Reporting Timeline: You have 3 years to file a claim (statutory), though 30 days is required for COP (Continuation of Pay).OSHA: osha.gov or 1-800-321-OSHA.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 2m

  6. FEB 9

    (Chats 2-27-19) Is Your Supervisor Breaking the Law? 20 CFR Regulations & Impeding a FECA Claim

    Are you one of the 12 out of 13 federal employees whose work injury claim gets denied? In this episode of Breaking OWCP, Chris from Federal Injury Centers tackles the #2 reason claims fail: Management giving employees a hard time. If your supervisor is refusing to help, claiming they "don't have time," or arguing that you aren't really hurt, they might be breaking federal law. Chris breaks down the specific Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) you need to quote to management, how to use OSHA whistleblower protections to your advantage, and the "All In" poker move that forces your agency to process your paperwork. In This Episode You Will Learn: The shocking statistic: Why only 1 in 13 federal injury claims were accepted in 2018.The Law: Specific breakdown of 20 CFR 10.16 and 20 CFR 10.110—why impeding a FECA claim is a crime and why your employer must give you a receipt.The OSHA Option: How to use the whistleblower hotline (1-800-321-OSHA) if you are being threatened or ignored.The "All In" Strategy: How to print, fill, and force the submission of your own CA-1 or CA-2 forms.Medical Evidence: Why your supervisor is legally forbidden from waiting for medical records before submitting your forms.Timestamps: [00:00] Intro: The grim statistics of accepted federal injury claims.[01:45] The Supervisor's Obligation: What the Dept. of Labor training module actually says.[02:45] Know Your Rights: 20 CFR 10.16 – Is your supervisor committing a crime by impeding your claim?[03:48] The Receipt Rule: Why you must leave the office with signed copies.[06:30] The Nuclear Option: Calling OSHA and filing a whistleblower complaint.[08:40] Advice for USPS Employees: When to call the Postal Inspector.[10:30] The "Poker Move": How to file your own forms when management refuses.[15:30] Q&A: Stem cell therapy coverage and settlements.[17:40] Q&A: How to appeal a denied claim (Reconsideration vs. Oral Hearing).[24:10] Explaining Consequential Injuries vs. Recurrences.[29:00] The struggle of finding doctors who understand OWCP narratives.Relevant Laws & Resources Mentioned: 20 CFR 10.16: Wrongfully impeding a FECA claim.20 CFR 10.110: Employer obligations to process forms within 10 days.5 USC 8122: The 3-year statute of limitations for filing.OSHA Whistleblower Complaint: osha.gov or 1-800-321-OSHA. 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

    34 min

  7. FEB 4

    (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

  8. FEB 2

    (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
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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
    91
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Breaking OWCP with Chris & Gini
  • Show Website
    Breaking OWCP with Chris & Gini

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