CA-2a · OWCP Form
Notice of Recurrence
The form for a return of disability from a previously accepted injury — without a new triggering event.
Who Files
The injured federal employee with an accepted prior claim.
When to File
When symptoms from a previously accepted OWCP injury return and disable you again. This includes worsening that requires renewed treatment or time off work.
Deadline
File promptly. There's no fixed limit, but delays make it harder to prove the recurrence is connected to the original injury rather than a new event.
What the Form Does
Reopens the original case for medical care or wage loss without filing a brand-new claim. Important: if the recurrence followed any new event at work, you may need a CA-1 or CA-2 instead.
The Doctor's Role
Your physician must connect the current symptoms to the original accepted injury — not a new traumatic event. The medical narrative is everything on a CA-2a.
Common Mistakes That Delay Your Claim
- ✕Filing a CA-1 for a recurrence — wrong form, slows everything
- ✕Not having medical records showing the original injury was never fully resolved
- ✕Returning to full duty before maximum medical improvement (MMI), then filing CA-2a when the same area flares — supportable, but harder
Where to Get the Official CA-2a Form
The official CA-2a form is published by the U.S. Department of Labor at dol.gov/agencies/owcp/FECA/forms. Your employing agency should also have copies on hand. We help you complete the form correctly during your visit.