More Than Filling In Boxes
The form organizes information, but the strength of the medical evidence depends on the diagnosis, objective findings, work relationship, disability or restrictions, and the physician's reasoning.
Translate Medicine Into Function
The purpose is not merely to repeat a diagnosis; it is to communicate what the employee can physically do in a work setting.
Useful With Partial Disability
The current CA-20 tells physicians assessing partial disability that they may also complete OWCP-5c to describe work capacity.
CA-20 GUIDE →Specificity Helps
Functional opinions are more useful when they identify tolerances for activities such as sitting, standing, walking, lifting, pushing, pulling, reaching, or repetitive movement when applicable.
WORK CAPACITY EVALUATION →Medical Condition → Functional Capacity → Work Restrictions
A well-supported work-capacity opinion translates the medical condition and examination findings into practical limitations that an employing agency and OWCP can understand.