Federal Injury Navigator · Filing Your Claim / You are here › OWCP Form Links
Filing Your Claim
Complete OWCP Form Links Insight for Federal Workers (CA-1, CA-2, CA-7)
Find the most commonly used OWCP forms in one organized place.
Each form includes a simple explanation so you know when to use it and what step of the claim it supports.
Federal injury claims often involve multiple forms, medical reports, and agency paperwork. This page organizes the most important documents used in the OWCP process and links directly to the official U.S. Department of Labor sources. Instead of searching through scattered government pages, you can quickly identify the correct form and move forward with your claim.
Forms linked directly to DOL
Most common — start here
Official DOL.gov sources
Use Official OWCP Forms Only
OWCP forms must come from the official U.S. Department of Labor website to ensure you are using the most current version. On this page, we link directly to the official DOL forms and explain when each one is typically used in a federal workers’ compensation claim.
If you are unsure which form applies to your situation, review the descriptions below or start with the Federal Worker Injury Checklist to understand the process step-by-step.
OWCP Forms Links for Federal Workers:
Start here. These are the OWCP forms most commonly used by injured federal workers and their supervisors during the claims process. Each card explains when the form is typically used and links directly to the official U.S. Department of Labor version.
CA-1
Notice of Traumatic Injury
Use this form when an injury happens during one specific work event or shift.
Examples include slips, falls, lifting injuries, or any sudden incident that caused the injury.
Used by:
Injured federal worker and supervisor
CA-2
Notice of Occupational Disease
Use this form when a condition develops over time due to work duties rather than from one specific accident.
Examples may include repetitive strain injuries, exposure-related illness, or chronic conditions caused by job activities.
Used by:
Injured federal worker and supervisor
CA-2a
Notice of Recurrence
Use this form if a previously accepted OWCP injury returns or worsens after the worker has already returned to duty.
This form reports a recurrence related to an existing claim rather than a new injury.
Used by:
Injured federal worker and supervisor
CA-7
Claim for Compensation
Use this form to request wage-loss compensation when you cannot work due to an accepted work-related injury.
This form is typically used after the initial injury claim has already been filed.
Used by:
Injured federal worker
CA-16
Authorization for Examination or Treatment
This form authorizes medical evaluation or treatment for a work-related injury and confirms that OWCP will cover the initial medical care.
It is usually issued by the supervisor or employing agency shortly after a traumatic injury.
Used by:
Supervisor or employing agency
CA-17
Duty Status Report
This form allows a treating physician to describe medical work restrictions and whether an injured worker can return to duty.
It helps agencies determine appropriate work assignments during recovery.
Used by:
Treating physician and agency
Looking for a different OWCP document?
Scroll below to browse the complete OWCP forms library organized by situation.
Submit OWCP Forms Online (ECOMP System)
Many OWCP forms are no longer submitted as paper documents. Instead, federal workers complete and file them through the official ECOMP system provided by the U.S. Department of Labor.
This includes commonly used forms like CA-1, CA-2, and CA-7. In most cases, your agency will guide you through the process, but understanding where and how to submit your forms can prevent delays.
If you are unsure whether to download a form or submit it online, ECOMP is usually the correct starting point.
Before you start:
Make sure you know which form you need (CA-1, CA-2, etc.) before entering ECOMP. Submitting the wrong form can delay your claim.
You will be redirected to the official U.S. Department of Labor ECOMP system.
Browse Forms by Situation
Not everyone starts with a form number. Some people just know what is happening: a new injury, a condition that built up over time, lost wages, or work restrictions after a doctor visit. Use the categories below to narrow the paperwork faster.
New Injury From One Specific Event
A sudden injury during one work shift usually starts with CA-1. If medical care needs to be authorized right away, CA-16 may also matter.
Most common forms:
CA-1
CA-16
Think slips, falls, lifting injuries, or one clearly identifiable event.
Condition That Developed Over Time
If the condition developed gradually from repeated duties, repetitive motion, or exposure over more than one shift, the claim usually starts with CA-2.
Most common forms:
CA-2
CA-7
Think repetitive strain, exposure-related illness, or symptoms that built slowly.
Accepted Injury Got Worse Again
If you already had an accepted OWCP claim and the condition returned or worsened after you went back to work, you may need CA-2a.
Most common forms:
CA-2a
CA-7
This is usually a recurrence, not a brand-new claim.
Missing Work or Losing Pay
If you are out of work and need wage-loss compensation connected to an accepted claim, the form people usually look for is CA-7.
Most common forms:
CA-7
This is the pay-loss side of the paperwork, not the initial injury notice.
Doctor Gave Work Restrictions
If your doctor placed limits on lifting, standing, reaching, or other duties, the form that often becomes important is CA-17.
Most common forms:
CA-17
This helps document work capacity and temporary restrictions.
Not Sure Where to Start
If you are not sure whether you need CA-1, CA-2, or another form, start with the injury checklist and the roadmap before filing blindly.
Best starting points:
Federal Worker Injury Checklist
5-Minute Roadmap
CA-1 vs CA-2 Insight
Choosing the wrong form early can create delays later.
These categories are here to simplify the search. For the official and most current versions, always use the U.S. Department of Labor form links on this page. DOL also provides instructions on downloading its PDF forms and notes that many CA forms are filed electronically through ECOMP by agencies.
Official OWCP Forms Directory
This directory includes additional OWCP forms used in federal workers’ compensation claims. All links go directly to the official U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) website to ensure you are accessing the most current version.
If you are unsure which form applies to your situation, start with the sections above before browsing the full list.
Claim Forms (Injury & Case Filing)
These forms are typically used to report a new injury, occupational condition, or recurrence of a previous claim.
CA-1 — Notice of Traumatic Injury
Used for injuries caused by a single event or work shift.CA-2 — Notice of Occupational Disease
Used when a condition develops over time due to work duties.CA-2a — Notice of Recurrence
Used when an accepted injury returns or worsens.CA-5 — Claim for Compensation by Widow, Widower, and/or Children
Used in fatal injury cases involving eligible survivors.CA-5b — Claim for Compensation by Parents, Brothers, Sisters, Grandparents, or Grandchildren
Used when dependents other than spouse or children file a claim.
Compensation & Wage Loss Forms
These forms are used when an injured worker is unable to work and needs compensation related to an accepted OWCP claim.
CA-7 — Claim for Compensation
Used to request wage-loss compensation.CA-7a — Time Analysis Form
Used by agencies to document pay and leave information.CA-7b — Leave Buy Back (LBB) Worksheet
Used when an employee wants to restore leave used during injury.
Medical & Treatment Forms
These forms are used to document medical condition, treatment, and work capacity during the claim.
CA-16 — Authorization for Examination and/or Treatment
Authorizes initial medical care for a work-related injury. Requested through your agency.CA-17 — Duty Status Report
Completed by a physician to describe work restrictions.CA-20 — Attending Physician’s Report
Provides medical opinion supporting the injury claim.
Agency & Employer Forms
These forms are typically completed by the employing agency as part of the OWCP claim process.
CA-3 — Report of Termination of Disability and/or Payment
Used when disability status changes. Completed by your agency.CA-6 — Official Superior’s Report of Employee’s Death
Used in fatal claim reporting.
Helpful OWCP Reference Documents
These are informational documents provided by the Department of Labor to help federal workers understand the claims process.
CA-10 — What a Federal Employee Should Do When Injured at Work
Basic guidance for handling a workplace injury.OWCP Procedure Manuals and Guidance
Detailed official documentation explaining how claims are processed.
Always use the official Department of Labor versions of these forms. OWCP may reject outdated or incomplete documents, which can delay your claim.
Need help figuring out which form applies?
Start with the Federal Worker Injury Checklist or the 5-Minute Roadmap to understand the correct steps before submitting paperwork.
CA-1 is for traumatic injuries, while CA-2 is for conditions that develop over time.
Using the wrong OWCP form can delay your claim and create unnecessary confusion.
Official OWCP forms should always be downloaded from the Department of Labor or filed through ECOMP when available.
Frequently Asked Questions About OWCP Forms
Below are common questions federal workers have when dealing with OWCP forms. These answers are simplified to help you understand what each form does and when to use it.
What is the CA-1 form used for?
The CA-1 form is used to report a traumatic injury that happens during a single work shift or specific event.
This includes incidents like slips, falls, lifting injuries, or any sudden accident at work. Filing a CA-1 starts the OWCP claim process for that injury.
What is the difference between CA-1 and CA-2 forms?
The difference comes down to how the injury happened.
CA-1 is for a single event or accident
CA-2 is for a condition that develops over time
If the injury happened suddenly, use CA-1. If it built up gradually from work duties, use CA-2.
Which OWCP form should I use first?
Most federal workers start with either CA-1 or CA-2.
Use CA-1 for a sudden injury
Use CA-2 for a condition that developed over time
Choosing the wrong form can delay your claim, so it’s important to match the form to how the injury occurred.
What is the CA-7 form used for?
The CA-7 form is used to request wage-loss compensation when you cannot work due to an accepted work-related injury.
This form is usually filed after your initial claim has already been submitted and approved.
What is a recurrence in OWCP (CA-2a)?
A recurrence means your previously accepted injury has returned or worsened after you went back to work.
In this case, you typically use the CA-2a form, not a new CA-1 or CA-2.
What is the CA-16 form used for?
The CA-16 form is used to authorize medical treatment for a work-related injury.
It is usually issued by your supervisor or agency and allows you to receive initial medical care covered under OWCP.
What is the CA-17 duty status report?
The CA-17 form is completed by your doctor to describe your work restrictions and physical limitations.
It helps your employer determine whether you can return to work and what duties you are able to perform.
How do I download official OWCP forms?
The safest way to access OWCP forms is through the official U.S. Department of Labor website.
On this page, we link directly to the official forms so you can be sure you are using the most current version.
Can I fill out OWCP forms online?
Some OWCP forms are completed through your agency using the ECOMP system, while others may be downloaded and filled out manually.
In most cases, your supervisor or agency will guide you through how the form should be submitted.
What happens if I use the wrong OWCP form?
Using the wrong form can delay your claim, cause confusion, or lead to missing documentation.
If you are unsure, it is better to confirm the correct form before submitting anything rather than correcting it later.
Do I need medical documentation with OWCP forms?
Yes. Most OWCP claims require medical evidence to support your injury.
Forms like CA-20 and CA-17 are used to document your condition, treatment, and ability to work.
Where can I get help with my OWCP claim?
If you are unsure which forms to use or what steps to take, start with the Federal Worker Injury Checklist or the 5-Minute Roadmap on this site.
These insights walk you through the process step-by-step before you submit paperwork.
Still feeling unsure? Start with the checklist before filing anything — it can save you time and prevent common mistakes.
What to Do Next After Finding Your OWCP Form
Finding the right OWCP form is only one part of the process. Use the insights below to understand what to do next, avoid common mistakes, and keep your claim moving.
Federal Worker Injury Checklist
5-Minute Roadmap
Medical Documentation Insight
Claim Delayed or Stuck
This page links to official OWCP forms, but your claim often depends on more than the form itself. The right medical evidence, timing, and documentation can make a major difference. If you’re also managing ongoing care, see our treatment options for federal workers — and if a claim was denied or needs a second look, learn about requesting reconsideration.
Where This Page Comes From
Every form link on this page goes directly to its official source:
- U.S. Department of Labor, OWCP — Official FECA Forms Directory (source for CA-1, CA-2, CA-2a, CA-5, CA-5b, CA-6, CA-7, CA-7a, CA-7b, CA-10, CA-17, CA-20 PDFs)
- FECA Procedure Manual — U.S. Department of Labor, OWCP
- New Case Overview — U.S. Department of Labor, OWCP (CA-16 authorization guidance; CA-16 is requested through your employing agency rather than downloaded directly)
- ECOMP — Employees’ Compensation Operations & Management Portal
Last verified against official sources: August 2026 — every link on this page was individually checked and confirmed live as of this date.
Educational disclaimer: Federal Injury Navigator provides general educational information and is not affiliated with the U.S. Department of Labor, OWCP, or any federal agency. The content on this page is not legal advice. Always confirm you are using the most current version of any form directly from the official sources above before submitting it.