How Do I File for Mileage Reimbursement Under Federal Workers’ Compensation?

Mileage reimbursement is something most injured federal employees are entitled to — but it’s also one of the areas where people accidentally create bigger problems than they expected. Let’s walk through how it works and what to watch out for.

How do you actually file?

The Department of Labor reimburses mileage for medical appointments related to your federal workers’ compensation claim. This includes appointments scheduled by OWCP, and often those that are clearly part of your treatment plan.

To get reimbursed, you complete the mileage form and submit it to your claims examiner. Straightforward on paper.

What are the limits?

Mileage generally needs to be under 100 miles round trip (about 50 each way). Anything beyond that will require a specific explanation — and OWCP will verify distances. Most reimbursement requests are checked through MapQuest or a similar service, so accuracy matters. Your mileage must be scrupulously honest.

So where do people get into trouble?

Here’s the danger:

Every time you submit a mileage question or dispute — even something small like “Why wasn’t my $40 reimbursed?” — the claims examiner is allowed to reopen and re-analyze your entire file.

And this is where the “law of unintended consequences” kicks in.

You ask about $40. OWCP reviews your file. They notice an old rate error, or an outdated code, or a missed adjustment.

Suddenly your simple question has turned into a $4,000 overpayment you’re now told you owe back.

Is that fair?

Maybe not. You earned the reimbursement. But under the rules, any time you open the door, the examiner can look at anything they want in your file. That’s why caution is so important here.

So what should you do?

Before challenging mileage reimbursement, consider the bigger picture. If there’s any chance your file has issues — old wage rates, outdated medicals, payment discrepancies — a reimbursement review could expose them.

If you’re unsure, talk with an experienced federal workers’ compensation attorney. We can help you understand whether a mileage inquiry is safe, whether the file looks clean, and how to handle the process without triggering unintended consequences.

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.