Public Input Sought on Workers' Comp Doctor Disability Form
Published Date: 8/19/2026
Notice
Summary
The Department of Labor is asking for public feedback on a form doctors fill out to prove if workers are still disabled and need benefits. This form helps decide if workers keep getting paid while they recover. Comments are open until September 18, 2026, and the goal is to make the process clear and less of a hassle for everyone involved.
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 1 costs, 0 mixed.
Form CA-21 Required for Benefits
If you are claiming continued workers' compensation disability, you or your doctor must provide medical documentation on OWCP Form CA-21 so claims examiners can decide eligibility and compute benefits. The notice says missing information could cause denials, delays, or incorrect payments and the form is tied to OMB Control Number 1240-0NEW.
Work-Capacity Info Helps Return-To-Work
The attending physician's note of work capacity on Form CA-21 will be used by rehabilitation specialists and nurses to help partially disabled employees return to suitable employment. This medical information supports vocational rehabilitation and placement decisions.
Paperwork Burden on Providers
The DOL estimates 33,372 respondents will complete this collection with a total annual burden of 2,620 hours and $20,774 in annual other costs. The collection is submitted for OMB review under Control Number 1240-0NEW and DOL seeks authorization for three (3) years.
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