What If an Agency Job Offer Conflicts With My Doctor’s Restrictions?
If an agency job offer does not match your treating doctor’s restrictions, the conflict should be taken seriously and documented. The next step depends on which medical opinion OWCP is relying on, what the offer requires, and what review options are available.
Why Do the Restrictions Sometimes Conflict?
An agency may prepare a job offer using restrictions from an OWCP second-opinion examination. If that examiner believes you can do more than your treating doctor recommends, the offer may include duties that appear to exceed your usual restrictions.
OWCP may give weight to the second-opinion report unless the medical record addresses the disagreement. That is why simply pointing to an older restriction note may not resolve the problem.
What Should You Review in the Job Offer?
Compare the listed duties, hours, lifting requirements, and physical demands with the current medical restrictions. Put any mismatch in writing and keep copies of the offer, medical records, and communications.
The response may involve medical clarification, a grievance, or another administrative process. Because refusing a job offer can have serious consequences, the correct approach should be based on the full file rather than a general rule.
What If the Work Causes More Symptoms?
Report new symptoms or an incident promptly and obtain medical documentation. Clear records can help distinguish a genuine medical problem from a dispute about the job description.
The takeaway: a conflicting job offer is not a paperwork detail. Compare the offer with the medical evidence, document the problem, and seek qualified guidance before making a decision that may affect compensation.
Every Schedule Award and compensation case is unique. The Office of Workers’ Compensation Programs (OWCP) does not publish fixed timelines or guaranteed outcomes. Benefits depend on your medical evidence, impairment rating, and OWCP’s review process. The information provided here is for general educational purposes only and should not be taken as legal advice. For guidance on your specific claim, consult with an experienced federal workers’ compensation attorney.