Chris and Gini  broadcast live from the Federal Injury Center in Greenville, South Carolina during Patient Appreciation Week, revealing the shocking truth about federal workers' compensation claims and providing actionable solutions.

Key Topics Covered:

• The Hidden Crisis: Only 14% of federal employees have accepted OWCP claims - 86% are missing out on benefits they're entitled to

• The CA-10 Form Mystery: Why this critical "What a Federal Employee Should Do When Injured at Work" form became invisible after October 2021

• Two Fatal Mistakes: The main reasons claims get denied before they even start:

• Not knowing what to do when injured
• Fear of supervisor retaliation

• The "Rub Some Dirt On It" Problem: How waiting just 8 days costs you your CA-16 form and medical coverage

• 30-Day Deadline Disaster: Why reporting late means losing Continuation of Pay (COP) - up to 6 weeks of paid time off

• Doctor Selection Rights: Your legal right to choose your own physician (not your supervisor's choice)

• The 3-Year Window: You have more time than you think to file certain claims

• Live Q&A Highlights:

• Getting leave buy-back with CA-7 forms
• Reimbursement for out-of-pocket medical expenses
• Dealing with second opinion visits
• Schedule awards and lifetime medical benefits

Actionable Takeaways: • Print and post CA-10 forms in your workplace break rooms • Report injuries immediately - "now" means now • Know your right to choose your doctor • Use the new eCom system to bypass difficult supervisors

Guest Insights: Live audience questions from federal employees sharing real workplace challenges and solutions.

Resources Mentioned: • Federal Injury Centers website for forms • "Breaking OWCP" book available at breakingowcp.com • eCom.dol.gov for online claim filing

This episode could save your career and your financial future. Don't let fear or ignorance cost you the benefits you've earned.

Website for Locations. www.federalinjurycenters.com
Contact: 877-787-OWCP or message us Facebook
To Buy The Book: www.breakingowcp.com
To Email information: [email protected]
Find Us on Facebook, YouTube, LinkedIn, Instagram @
Wednesday Night OWCP Chats with Chris & Gini

Chris and Gini return after a month-long hiatus to share personal challenges and introduce financial expert Gail Ames, who reveals game-changing investment strategies for federal employees and everyday people. Learn how to make your money work while you sleep and protect yourself from market losses.

Featured Guest

Gail Ames - Former AFGE benefits specialist, licensed financial advisor in all 50 states

• Contact: 314-223-4264 | [email protected]

Key Topics Covered

Personal Updates (0:00-5:00)

• Chris & Gini's month-long absence explained
• Caring for terminally ill family pet Gizmo
• Upcoming 7-week travel schedule
• Detroit Mail Handlers convention announcement

Einstein's 8th Wonder: Compound Interest (15:00-25:00)

• The Rule of 72 explained
• Why 12% returns turn $10K into $640K over 36 years
• How credit card debt doubles every 2.8 years at 25% interest
• Real examples of compound interest working for and against you

The 6-Step Financial Foundation (25:00-45:00)

1. Increasing Cash Flow - Multiple income streams and side hustles
2. Debt Management - Using credit cards as tools, not traps
3. Emergency Fund - 3-6 months income in high-yield savings (4% example)
4. Proper Protection - Revolutionary life insurance with living benefits
5. Building Wealth - Market gains without market losses
6. Preserving Wealth - $600 estate planning vs $3,000 attorney fees

Revolutionary Investment Strategy (35:00-40:00)

• Indexed products that capture S&P 500 gains
• Zero loss protection when markets crash
• "Make money when it goes up, lose nothing when it goes down"

Long-Term Care Crisis (40:00-45:00)

• Why traditional LTC insurance is failing (77% rate increases)
• Life insurance alternatives with living benefits
• Creating your own personal pension with annuities

The Cost of Waiting (45:00-50:00)

• 25-year-old investing $300/month for 6 years vs waiting 6 years
• $25K investment vs $61K investment for same results
• Why starting young is everything

OWCP Q&A Session (50:00-60:00)

• Medical provider credentialing requirements
• Lifetime medical benefits and claim reopening
• Travel reimbursement changes
• Dealing with difficult claims examiners
• Co-pay reimbursement timeframes

Key Quotes

Action Items for Listeners

• Calculate your current debt doubling time using Rule of 72
• Review credit card usage - tool vs trap assessment
• Contact Gail for personalized financial needs analysis
• Set up high-yield emergency fund
• Research indexed investment products
• Ensure OWCP medical providers are DOL-credentialed

Resources Mentioned

• Wealthfront app for high-yield savings
• Net Log estate planning software ($600)

Website for Locations. www.federalinjurycenters.com
Contact: 877-787-OWCP or message us Facebook
To Buy The Book: www.breakingowcp.com
To Email information: [email protected]
Find Us on Facebook, YouTube, LinkedIn, Instagram @
Wednesday Night OWCP Chats with Chris & Gini

Breaking OWCP Podcast with  Chris and Gini, featuring special guests Jennifer and Emmy from Federal Injury Centers. This episode provides an inside look at what happens when you call a Federal Injury Center's office for the first time and walks through the complete OWCP claims process.

Featured Guests

• Jennifer - National Case Manager and Trainer for Federal Injury Centers franchises
• Emmy - National Case Manager and Trainer for Federal Injury Centers franchises

Key Topics Covered

Filing Your Initial Claim

• How to create an eCom account on ecom.dl.gov
• Filing CA-1 (traumatic injury) or CA-2 (occupational disease) claims
• The supervisor's role in the process
• Getting your case file number within 5 days

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Biggest mistake: Not reporting the injury immediately to someone
• Documenting incorrect information (wrong dates, personal details)
• Not electing Continuation of Pay (COP)
• Rushing through paperwork without double-checking

The FIC Intake Process

• Detailed one-hour intake interview
• Comprehensive injury description gathering
• Medical records collection
• DOL document review

After Filing Your Claim

• Understanding development letters vs. denials
• The 60-day response period
• What happens during your medical appointment
• Work status forms and restrictions

Appeals and Reconsiderations

• Why FIC prefers reconsideration over other appeal methods
• Unlimited reconsideration attempts within 12 months
• Success rate of over 95% claim acceptance

Schedule Awards

• Eligibility requirements (must be back to full duty or retired)
• Cannot receive dual OWCP benefits simultaneously
• No time limit - can file as long as you're alive

Special Situations Discussed

• Hearing loss claims
• Air Marshal specific forms
• Rural carrier vs. other postal crafts
• Multiple case scenarios

Upcoming Events

• Las Vegas Open House: July 22nd, 4-6 PM with Dr. Hawkins
• Birmingham Visit: July 30th with Dr. Harper

Key Takeaways

• Report injuries immediately, even if pain seems minor
• Take time to carefully complete all paperwork
• Federal Injury Centers has helped over 10,000 people get claims accepted
• The medical narrative is crucial for claim approval
• Supervisors have limited power in the claims process

This episode serves as a comprehensive guide for federal employees navigating the OWCP claims process from initial injury through potential appeals.

Website for Locations. www.federalinjurycenters.com
Contact: 877-787-OWCP or message us Facebook
To Buy The Book: www.breakingowcp.com
To Email information: [email protected]
Find Us on Facebook, YouTube, LinkedIn, Instagram @
Wednesday Night OWCP Chats with Chris & Gini

Chris and Gini debunk the 10 most common OWCP lies federal employees hear from supervisors and HR, revealing the truth about workers' compensation rights and processes.

The 10 OWCP Lies Debunked

Lie #1: Must Use OWCP Panel Doctor

Truth: You can choose ANY doctor. Search "OWCP injury doctor [your city]" on Google.

Lie #2: Must Report Injury Immediately

Truth: You have 3 YEARS to report workplace injuries.

Lie #3: Can't File for Mental Stress/Harassment

Truth: Mental health conditions ARE covered (PTSD, workplace trauma, etc.).

Lie #4: Denied Claim = Game Over

Truth: 4 appeal options within 12 months. Reconsideration is most effective.

Lie #5: No Treatment Until Claim Approved

Truth: Get CA-16 form for immediate treatment. No payback if denied.

Lie #6: Must Return to Work if Supervisor Says So

Truth: Return to work is a MEDICAL decision only. Supervisors aren't doctors.

Lie #7: No Witness = No Claim

Truth: Most approved claims lack witness statements. Doctor's report matters most.

Lie #8: Injury Report is Enough

Truth: Need medical narrative report explaining work-relatedness.

Lie #9: OWCP Claims Aren't Worth It

Truth: Federal Injury Centers: 95%+ approval rate vs 14% national average.

Lie #10: Agency Disbelief = OWCP Denial

Truth: Claims examiners ignore supervisor negativity. Medical evidence wins.

Key Resources

• CA-10 Form: "What Federal Employee Should Do When Injured" - print and post at work
• CA-16 Form: Get from management for immediate treatment authorization

Success Formula

1. Report within 3 years
2. Choose right doctor
3. Get proper medical narrative
4. Join your union
5. Know your rights

Upcoming Events

• July 11: Daytona Beach opening
• July 21: Las Vegas open house
• Sept 6: Phoenix Mail Handlers convention

Contact

• Facebook/YouTube: Wednesday Night OWCP Chats
• Website: federalinjurycenters.com
• 15,000+ claims handled, 95%+ approval rate

Bottom Line: Don't let supervisor misinformation cost you your rightful benefits. Knowledge is power in OWCP.

Website for Locations. www.federalinjurycenters.com
Contact: 877-787-OWCP or message us Facebook
To Buy The Book: www.breakingowcp.com
To Email information: [email protected]
Find Us on Facebook, YouTube, LinkedIn, Instagram @
Wednesday Night OWCP Chats with Chris & Gini

## Episode: Union Presidents Don't Know This Critical Form - And Neither Do You

**Hosts:** Chris Gini & Gini Helms  


### Key Timestamps:
- **[00:06:00]** - The shocking CA-10 revelation at the National Presidents Convention
- **[00:12:00]** - Can management retaliate for filing OWCP claims?
- **[00:18:00]** - Medical restrictions violations and what to do about them
- **[00:27:00]** - The 3-year rule most supervisors lie about
- **[00:33:00]** - DME services and billing code challenges

### Major Topics Covered:

**🚨 The CA-10 Crisis [00:06:00]**
- Why union presidents had never heard of Form CA-10
- What every federal employee should know when injured
- How to protect yourself and coworkers

**💼 Workplace Retaliation [00:12:00]**
- Your legal rights when filing OWCP claims
- OSHA protections for injured workers
- When and how to file grievances

**⚖️ Know Your Rights:**
- **3-year filing deadline** (not 30 days like supervisors claim)
- Medical restrictions must be followed by management
- EEOC options for disability discrimination
- Telehealth now permanently covered

**🏥 Medical & Benefits Questions:**
- FMLA paperwork assistance
- Schedule awards for arms/legs
- Consequential injury claims
- Disability retirement vs. OWCP

### Resources Mentioned:
- Form CA-10: "What a Federal Employee Should Do When Injured at Work"
- Federal Injury Centers locations: FederalInjuryCenters.com
- OSHA Hotline: 1-800-321-OSHA
- OWCP Help Line: 877-787-OWCP

### Upcoming Events:
- Orlando Federal Law Enforcement Officers interview
- Phoenix, Arizona training sessions
- Second Annual OWCP National Convention (August)
- New York training (last week of September)

### Featured Podcast Recommendation:
**"The Hot House with Richie Ray"** - Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and PodBean

---

**💡 Key Takeaway:** Even union leaders don't know critical OWCP forms and procedures. Don't wait until you're injured to learn your rights - get educated now.

(No show next Wednesday due to travel)

---
*Find all episodes on YouTube: "Wednesday Night OWCP Chats with Chris and Gini"*

Website for Locations. www.federalinjurycenters.com
Contact: 877-787-OWCP or message us Facebook
To Buy The Book: www.breakingowcp.com
To Email information: [email protected]
Find Us on Facebook, YouTube, LinkedIn, Instagram @
Wednesday Night OWCP Chats with Chris & Gini

Chris reveals the shocking truth about limited duty assignments that could save your federal career. Discover the 30-day rule supervisors hope you never learn about, why "signing under protest" isn't in the regulations, and how to protect yourself from workplace bullying tactics.

🎯 Key Topics Covered

The "Under Protest" Myth Busted

• Why this phrase appears NOWHERE in federal regulations
• How supervisors use intimidation tactics
• What you should do instead of signing under protest

Your 30-Day Protection Window

• The hidden timeframe you have to review limited duty offers
• How to get an additional 15-day extension (up to 6 weeks total)
• Why rushing to sign hurts your case

The Doctor Review Requirement

• Why only your treating physician can evaluate the offer
• How medical restrictions must match job duties exactly
• The claims examiner's role in protecting you

Supervisor Pressure Tactics Exposed

• Common lies supervisors tell about immediate signing requirements
• How "management doesn't understand the rules"
• Your rights when facing workplace intimidation

💡 Action Items for Listeners

✅ IMMEDIATELY:

• Take any limited duty offer directly to your doctor
• Request 30 days to review (it's your RIGHT)
• Document all supervisor interactions

✅ NEVER:

• Sign under pressure or intimidation
• Accept offers without medical review
• Let supervisors rush your decision

✅ REMEMBER:

• Claims examiners provide second-layer protection
• Extensions are available if needed
• Your doctor's approval is REQUIRED

📚 Resources Mentioned

• Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) - Limited Duty Provisions
• OWCP Claims Process Guidelines
• Federal Employee Rights Documentation

🎧 Connect With Us

• Subscribe for more federal worker protection tips
• Share this episode with colleagues who need to know their rights
• Leave a review if this information helped you

#Hashtags

#FederalWorkers #OWCP #WorkersRights #LimitedDuty #KnowYourRights #FederalEmployees #WorkplaceRights #GovernmentWorkers

🚨 SHARE THIS EPISODE - Every federal worker needs to know these rights! 🚨

Website for Locations. www.federalinjurycenters.com
Contact: 877-787-OWCP or message us Facebook
To Buy The Book: www.breakingowcp.com
To Email information: [email protected]
Find Us on Facebook, YouTube, LinkedIn, Instagram @
Wednesday Night OWCP Chats with Chris & Gini

TSA Vice President Reveals 23 Years of Sacrifice and Zero Plane Attacks

In this powerful episode of Breaking OWCP  Gini welcomes Thomas, TSA Union Vice President for New York & New Jersey. He shares what it’s really like behind the X-ray machine—from protecting the skies with a flawless 23-year safety record to the brutal realities federal employees face when injured on the job.
You’ll hear stories of leadership, loss, and the ongoing fight for fair treatment under OWCP. If you’re a federal worker, union member, or someone who thinks they know what TSA does—this episode is a must-listen.

Website for Locations. www.federalinjurycenters.com
Contact: 877-787-OWCP or message us Facebook
To Buy The Book: www.breakingowcp.com
To Email information: [email protected]
Find Us on Facebook, YouTube, LinkedIn, Instagram @
Wednesday Night OWCP Chats with Chris & Gini

In this live episode from the APWU Spring Seminar in Fort Myers, Florida, Chris, Gini, Ian Williams (President of Mid Florida APWU), and union leader Victor break down the most pressing OWCP and USPS injury claim issues facing federal employees today.

Whether you're a new USPS worker or a longtime union member, this episode is packed with valuable insights into federal workers’ compensation (OWCP), Continuation of Pay (COP), and union rights.

🔑 Topics Covered:

• ✅ How to file an OWCP injury claim correctly (CA-1, CA-2, CA-16 explained)
• 📅 What is Continuation of Pay (COP) and how to qualify
• 🛑 What to do when your USPS supervisor refuses to cooperate or give you the right forms
• 💼 Why privatization of USPS could destroy your benefits & union protections
• 👷‍♂️ Union job security: What Article 6 says about layoff protection (for under 6 years)
• 🧠 Real USPS injury stories + how to avoid common mistakes
• 🚨 Your rights under OWCP even if you're off-duty or injured outside of work
• 🧾 Should you use personal insurance for a work injury? (Short answer: NO)

💬 Special Segment:

🔥 Real Q&A with federal employees — including a nonstop stream of OWCP and USPS questions from a postal worker in Alabama, answered LIVE.

Who should listen?

• USPS employees with questions about OWCP
• Union stewards and APWU leaders
• Injured federal workers needing claim support
• Anyone facing retaliation, denial, or confusion with USPS injury reporting

🎧 Resources & Links:
📍 Visit Federal Injury Centers to get your OWCP claim handled by experts
📩 Need help filing your CA-1 or CA-7? DM us anytime.
📅 Follow for weekly USPS OWCP updates and training sessions.

Website for Locations. www.federalinjurycenters.com
Contact: 877-787-OWCP or message us Facebook
To Buy The Book: www.breakingowcp.com
To Email information: [email protected]
Find Us on Facebook, YouTube, LinkedIn, Instagram @
Wednesday Night OWCP Chats with Chris & Gini

In this episode of Breaking OWCP Podcast with Chris & Gini, the hosts dive deep into OWCP second opinion doctor visits – a critical step that up to 90% of federal injury claimants face​. They explain the federal laws (FECA and regulations) that require injured employees to attend these exams, outline your rights (like bringing a witness), and give clear, practical advice for preparing. Listeners will learn why OWCP orders second opinions (e.g. unclear diagnosis, stalled recovery, or conflicting doctors)​
how to handle the appointment, and what to do afterward. The tone is supportive and straightforward, designed for federal workers, union reps and advocates to feel informed and empowered.

Episode Highlights 

Major Takeaways & Practical Tips:

• Attend Every Exam: Under FECA, you must go to the OWCP medical exam as scheduled​. Missing it without a good reason (illness, emergency) can lead to a suspension of your benefits​. Plan ahead (take leave if needed) so you can make it on time.
• Bring a Support Person: You are entitled to bring a witness or advocate to the exam​. This could be a union steward, spouse or coworker. They will quietly observe and may take written notes about the doctor’s behavior, questions asked, and exam duration​. Their presence can deter misconduct and provides a second set of eyes.
• No Recording & Quiet Demeanor: Do not record the exam (audio or video). Federal regulations explicitly forbid recording during OWCP exams​. If the doctor or your witness does anything disruptive, OWCP could cancel the exam and cut benefits. Everyone must remain calm and professional.
• Immediately Document the Visit: As soon as the exam is over (even in your car on the way home), write down everything you remember: the doctor’s name and specialty, how long the exam took, what questions were asked, and how the doctor treated you​. Having a detailed personal account helps protect your case if the exam report seems off.
• Get the Report & Seek a Referee if Needed: After the exam, request a copy of the second-opinion report through OWCP’s ECOMP system​. Compare it carefully with your treating physician’s reports. If the report clashes with your doctor’s findings, you have the right to ask for a referee exam by a board-certified specialist​. This referee will review both opinions and issue a new determination, which can override an unfavorable second opinion.
• Stick to Work-Related Questions: During the visit, answer only questions related to your accepted work injury and its treatment. You are not required to discuss unrelated personal matters (family, other health issues, private life)​. Politely decline or steer the conversation back to job duties and symptoms.

Upcoming Events: Chris & Gini will continue this conversation in person at these upcoming gatherings:

• Florida APWU Convention (Fort Myers, FL) – They’ll be on-site for meetings and a live podcast session with Florida postal union members​.
• FLEOA Rally (Washington, DC) – The following week they’ll join the Federal Law Enforcement Officers Association event in DC, a national rally on federal workers’ comp issues​.

Website for Locations. www.federalinjurycenters.com
Contact: 877-787-OWCP or message us Facebook
To Buy The Book: www.breakingowcp.com
To Email information: [email protected]
Find Us on Facebook, YouTube, LinkedIn, Instagram @
Wednesday Night OWCP Chats with Chris & Gini

Description:
In this episode Chris and Gini break down three critical topics every injured federal employee must understand:

• FCEs (Functional Capacity Evaluations)
• MMI (Maximum Medical Improvement)
• Schedule Awards

They explain, in simple terms, what each means, how it impacts your OWCP case, and how to navigate the system without getting crushed. You’ll learn:
 ✅ Why FCEs matter for your return to work
 ✅ What MMI really means for your future
 ✅ How Schedule Awards are calculated (and why most workers miss out!)
 ✅ Why getting your claim accepted first is the key to everything
✅ Common mistakes that delay or deny OWCP benefits
✅ How to protect your job, health, and financial future if you're injured on the job

Plus, they answer tons of live audience questions, share real success stories, and explain how Federal Injury Centers maintains a >95% claim acceptance rate.

If you're a federal employee struggling with OWCP — or just trying to understand your rights and options — this episode is packed with powerful advice you won't get anywhere else.

Timestamps:
00:00 – Welcome & Tonight’s Topics: FCEs, MMI, and Schedule Awards
03:00 – What Federal Injury Centers Does (and Why It's Different)
05:30 – FCEs: What They Are and How to Survive Them
12:00 – The Critical Importance of Filing Your Injury Claim Early
22:00 – Understanding MMI and Its Career Implications
30:00 – How Schedule Awards Really Work (and Common Myths)
41:00 – Why Most Injured Workers Never Hear About Schedule Awards
49:00 – Q&A: Real-Life OWCP Scenarios Solved
53:00 – Closing Thoughts and What's Coming Next Week (Second Opinions!)

Resources Mentioned:

• 🌐 FederalInjuryCenters.com — Find a trained OWCP doctor near you
• 📲 Download the Breaking OWCP Podcast on your favorite app

Connect with Us:
➡️ Facebook: Federal Injury Centers
➡️ Instagram: @federalinjurycenters
➡️ Podcast: Breaking OWCP Podcast

Next Week’s Topic:
🔥 How to Handle Second Opinion Doctors (And Protect Your Claim)

Website for Locations. www.federalinjurycenters.com
Contact: 877-787-OWCP or message us Facebook
To Buy The Book: www.breakingowcp.com
To Email information: [email protected]
Find Us on Facebook, YouTube, LinkedIn, Instagram @
Wednesday Night OWCP Chats with Chris & Gini