Who is responsible for making the final determination on the validity of a claim?

The final determination on the validity of a claim is the responsibility of the Office of Workers' Compensation Programs (OWCP). This agency is specifically dedicated to overseeing and ensuring compliance with the Federal Employees' Compensation Act (FECA), which governs compensation claims for federal employees who are injured while on the job.

When a claim is filed, it goes through various reviews and assessments. The OWCP is equipped with the necessary authority, resources, and expertise to evaluate all aspects of the claim, including medical evidence and work-relatedness of the injury. Their role is critical because they are responsible for making informed decisions that ultimately determine whether the claim meets the required criteria for compensation.

In contrast, a supervisor typically may initially report injuries or facilitate the claim process, but they do not have the authority to approve or deny claims. The injured individual can provide personal accounts and documentation but is not positioned to make the final determination on the claim's validity. Similarly, while a Compensation for Injury Specialist may assist in the claims process and provide insight or recommendations, they do not hold final decision-making authority; that responsibility rests solely with the OWCP.