Simplifying FECA Bulletin No. 24-06: A New Streamlined Process for War Hazards Compensation Act (WHCA) Claims

CLAIM FOR REIMBURSEMENT OF BENEFIT PAYMENTS AND CLAIMS EXPENSE  

                  UNDER THE WAR HAZARDS COMPENSATION ACT

The U.S. Department of Labor has introduced a new process to speed up decisions on claims made under the War Hazards Compensation Act (WHCA). This process allows insurance companies to submit suggested claim decisions, which the Office of Workers’ Compensation Programs (OWCP) can approve if they meet all legal requirements. This change aims to make claim reimbursement  processing faster and more efficient.

With a few exceptions, the DBA incorporates the provisions of the Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act (LHWCA). The War Hazards Compensation Act (WHCA) applies to DBA employees who are injured as a result of hostile actions. 42 U.S.C. §§ 1701 – 1717. While WHCA claims can be considerably substantial, the statute provides a detailed set of procedures and requirements which, if performed properly, allow the employer or carrier to see 100% reimbursement of such claims including allocated and unallocated expenses  from the government. 

The WHCA provides financial coverage for employees injured or killed due to war-related hazards while working under the Defense Base Act. If an injury or death occurs because of a war risk hazard, private insurance carriers or self-insured employers can seek reimbursement for the benefits they have already paid out, such as:

 Disability and death benefits                                                                                                 Funeral and burial costs                                                                                                         Medical expenses                                                                                                                     Other necessary claim processing costs

The OWCP, through its Division of Federal Employees’, Longshore, and Harbor Workers’ Compensation (DFELHWC) division, reviews and decides whether a claim qualifies for reimbursement through the guidelines established in the Defense Base Act.

The rules for requesting reimbursement under the WHCA are highly detailed and lengthy. Applications must be well-documented and include essential evidence that are outlined in the federal rules outlined in the DBS. For more information click on the transcript. 

The podcast Dr. Taylor’s contact information is:
https://[email protected] If you need a medical provider or assistance with an OWCP /  DOL claim in Tampa, Pensacola Florida or Mobile Alabama    you can make an appointment to see Dr. Taylor, or Dr. Sullivan   at the clinic at  FWC Medical Centers. To mak

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