ELLIS CLINICOCCUPATIONAL & LEGAL MEDICINEOklahoma City, Oklahoma
OWCP · NOTICE OF RECURRENCE

CA-2a CA-2a

Form CA-2a is used to report a recurrence involving an accepted FECA claim. DOL distinguishes recurrence of a medical condition from recurrence of disability.

OFFICIAL DOL FORMSELLIS CLINIC OWCP
Recurrence vs. New InjuryGuideProcessOther OWCP FormsHandouts
ELLIS CLINIC FORM GUIDE

Understand the Form Before You File

This is an educational guide to the medical and practical issues surrounding the form. The official Department of Labor form, ECOMP, and current OWCP instructions control the actual filing process.

What Is a Recurrence?

DOL describes recurrence of medical condition as a need for additional treatment after release from treatment, and recurrence of disability as inability to work after returning to work because of a spontaneous change in the accepted condition.

New Injury vs. Recurrence

A new or intervening injury is not the same thing as a recurrence. That distinction can change what type of claim should be filed.

Supporting Evidence

DOL instructs the injured worker to arrange submission of the factual and medical evidence described in the CA-2a instructions.

MEDICAL REVIEW →
A CLEANER WAY TO THINK ABOUT IT

Accepted Claim → Change in Condition → Is It a Recurrence?

The key question is whether the new medical or disability problem flows from the accepted condition without a new intervening event or exposure.

01ORIGINAL CLAIMIdentify the accepted condition and claim history.
02CHANGEDescribe the change in symptoms, treatment need, or disability.
03NO NEW EVENT?Determine whether there was an intervening injury or new exposure.
04MEDICAL SUPPORTExplain how the recurrence relates to the accepted condition.
Important: DOL training states CA-2a should be completed for recurrence claims, with the employee completing the front and the employing agency completing the back in the ordinary process. Special circumstances can alter submission procedures, so use current OWCP instructions.
OTHER COMMON FECA FORMS

Know Which Form Fits the Situation

CA-1Traumatic injury during a single workday or shiftCA-2Occupational disease from exposure over more than one workday or shiftCA-2aNotice of recurrenceCA-7Claim for compensation, including wage loss and other benefits