Federal Workers' Compensation Medical Opinions
Independent Physician Reviews for FECA and OWCP Claims
OWCP Medical Opinions
When a federal employee develops a work-related injury or illness, establishing the medical relationship between the condition and federal employment may require more than a diagnosis or treatment records.
Under the Federal Employees' Compensation Act (FECA), the Office of Workers' Compensation Programs (OWCP) evaluates medical evidence to determine whether a diagnosed condition is related to federal employment and whether the evidence supports claimed periods of work-related disability.
At David Medical Services, we provide independent, records-based medical opinions addressing occupational causation, aggravation, continuing disability, and disputed medical findings. Our evaluations are grounded in clinical evidence, occupational medicine principles, and the specific medical questions relevant to the claim.
When an Independent Medical Opinion May Help
An independent medical opinion may be useful when:
- OWCP requests additional medical evidence explaining how a diagnosed condition relates to federal employment.
- A claim has been denied because the medical evidence did not adequately establish causation.
- A preexisting condition may have been aggravated by work activities or occupational exposures.
- A work-related injury has resulted in additional medical conditions.
- Continuing disability or work restrictions are disputed.
- An existing medical opinion contains factual inaccuracies, incomplete reasoning, or conclusions that warrant further clinical evaluation.
Our role is to evaluate the medical evidence and provide an independent, reasoned opinion—not to determine eligibility for federal benefits or guarantee a particular claims outcome.
What Our Medical Opinions Address
Occupational Causation
Aggravation of Preexisting Conditions
Aggravation of Preexisting Conditions
We evaluate whether documented employment activities, incidents, or exposures medically explain the development of a diagnosed injury or illness.
Aggravation of Preexisting Conditions
Aggravation of Preexisting Conditions
Aggravation of Preexisting Conditions
We assess whether federal employment factors worsened an underlying condition, including whether the evidence supports temporary or permanent aggravation.
Continuing Disability & Functional Limitations
Continuing Disability & Functional Limitations
Continuing Disability & Functional Limitations
We review available medical findings, clinical history, and job requirements to assess whether documented limitations are medically attributable to an accepted work-related condition. Opinions addressing specific periods of disability depend on the adequacy of the available evidence.
Review of Disputed Medical Opinions
Continuing Disability & Functional Limitations
Continuing Disability & Functional Limitations
When an OWCP decision or medical report raises questions about diagnosis, causation, aggravation, or disability, we can independently evaluate the clinical reasoning and address relevant medical disagreements.
Why Occupational Medicine Matters
Federal workers' compensation claims frequently involve questions that extend beyond confirming a diagnosis. A medically sound opinion must consider the nature of the employee's work, the timing and extent of occupational exposures, the clinical course of the condition, and other potentially contributing factors.
Our physician brings experience in three complementary areas:
- Internal Medicine: Clinical evaluation of complex medical conditions, chronic diseases, and their functional consequences.
- Occupational & Environmental Medicine: Assessment of occupational injuries, workplace exposures, medical causation, aggravation, and work-related functional limitations.
- Workers' Compensation Medical Review: Extensive experience evaluating state workers' compensation cases, as well as prior contract work for the U.S. Department of Labor reviewing medical causation and disability determinations under OWCP.
This combined background supports a thorough, evidence-based approach to complex federal workers' compensation medical questions.
Our Review Process
1. Initial Inquiry
We consult with you to identifying the claimed condition, the relevant employment factors, the status of the OWCP claim, and the specific medical question requiring evaluation.
2. (Optional) Medical Feasibility Review
When the medical supportability of a claim is uncertain, a preliminary records review can help determine whether a more comprehensive opinion is appropriate.
3. Independent Medical Opinion
Following acceptance of the case and payment, our physician reviews the agreed-upon records, evaluates the relevant clinical evidence, and prepares a written opinion addressing the defined medical questions.
4. Completed Report
The final report explains the medical findings, clinical reasoning, and conclusions, including relevant limitations or uncertainties in the available evidence.
Services & Fees
Level 0: Medical Feasibility Review | $500
Preliminary physician assessment
A preliminary physician assessment of whether the available medical evidence appears sufficient to support a medically defensible opinion. Includes a review of up to 25 pages of evidentiary records and a written summary of the principal findings, evidence limitations, and whether further medical opinion development appears appropriate.
Best suited for individuals uncertain whether their medical records support the claimed relationship.
Level 1: Focused Independent Medical Opinion | $1500
Focused medical opinion
A focused, records-based medical opinion addressing a defined question involving occupational causation, aggravation, or work-related disability. Includes review of up to 75 pages of relevant evidentiary documentation, clinical analysis, and a written physician opinion with supporting rationale.
Best suited for cases involving a clearly defined medical question and relatively limited or consistent evidence.
Level 2: Comprehensive Independent Medical Opinion | $2250
Expanded medical evaluation for complex or disputed claims
An expanded evaluation of complex or disputed claims involving extensive medical histories, multiple contributing factors, or conflicting medical opinions. Includes review of up to 125 pages of evidentiary documentation, a medical and occupational timeline when appropriate, relevant medical literature, and detailed clinical reasoning.
Best suited for complex causation, disputed disability, or cases requiring analysis of adverse OWCP medical opinions.
Additional Records and Complex Cases
Additional records review is available at $250 per 25 pages. Cases involving unusually extensive documentation, multiple distinct medical questions, or specialized analyses may require an individualized fee quotation.
All services are subject to physician acceptance following review of the requested scope.
Our Role
Independent Medical Review
David Medical Services provides independent medical evaluations and written physician opinions. We do not act as attorneys, claims representatives, or OWCP decision-makers.
Our records-based opinions are not OWCP-appointed second-opinion or referee examinations and do not replace examinations, treating-physician reports, or other documentation required by OWCP.
Payment covers the professional medical evaluation and does not guarantee a favorable opinion, claim acceptance, or benefits determination.
Request a Federal Workers' Compensation Medical Opinion
If you are a federal employee or an attorney seeking an independent medical opinion for a FECA/OWCP claim, please contact our office.
To help us evaluate your request, we will ask you to briefly describe the medical condition, relevant federal employment history, current claim status, and the specific medical question you need addressed.
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Important Notice Regarding Recent Submissions
We recently identified and corrected a technical issue affecting contact information on our Military Records Correction intake form.
If you submitted an inquiry on November 1–2, 2026 and have not received a response, please contact our office or resubmit your inquiry. Your original submission may have been received without your contact information.
We apologize for the inconvenience.