How Do You Document Wage Loss for Only Certain Hours or Days?

When you miss only certain hours or days because of an accepted OWCP condition, document the time precisely. Intermittent wage-loss claims commonly use both a CA-7 and a CA-7a, along with medical evidence supporting the missed work.

What Does the CA-7 Do?

The CA-7 is used to claim compensation for a stated period. It tells OWCP that wage loss is being requested, but it may not show every daily variation when the employee worked some hours and missed others.

That is where the supplemental time record becomes important. A broad date range is not enough if the actual loss changes from day to day.

What Does the CA-7a Show?

The CA-7a provides a two-week record of the hours worked and the hours claimed. It can account for full missed days, partial days, and time used for treatment such as physical therapy or a medical appointment.

The entries should match agency time records and the period claimed on the CA-7. Inconsistencies can slow review or create questions about the amount requested.

Why Is Medical Support Still Needed?

A time record shows when work was missed, but it does not necessarily explain why. Medical evidence should connect the absence or reduced hours to the accepted condition, treatment, or work restrictions.

The takeaway: intermittent wage loss is a documentation exercise. Align the CA-7, CA-7a, agency time records, and medical support so OWCP can see the same period and the same reason across the file.

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.