OWCP Psychiatric Second Opinion:

Official Criteria, Forms, and FECA Causation (2025 FOIA Release)

We obtained and are publishing official materials that explain how OWCP psychiatric second-opinion (SECOP) exams are directed, evaluated, and reported, straight from a 2025 FOIA response.

You’ll find the referral template, FECA causation definitions, and the OWCP-5a Work Capacity form, all summarized in plain English and available to download.

What you’ll find on this page

The official second-opinion referral checklist and report requirements used in psychiatric/psychological exams.
FECA definitions of causation (direct causation, aggravation, temporary vs. permanent, acceleration, precipitation).
OWCP-5a (Rev. 08-14) the work capacity evaluation form for psych conditions.

How second-opinion exams are directed

Under OWCP, the Claims Examiner (CE) sets the factual framework (SOAF), the exact questions, testing requirements, and forms the physician must complete. The physician must base their opinion solely on the CE’s Statement of Accepted Facts (SOAF) and answer the CE’s causation questions under FECA.

Plain-English takeaway: The exam isn’t free-form—the CE tells the doctor the facts to assume, what to evaluate, and what to include in the report.

FECA causation—what examiners apply

Term	What it means (short)
Direct causation	Work factors lead to the condition in a natural, unbroken sequence.
Aggravation (temporary)	Work made a pre-existing condition worse for a limited time, then returned to baseline.
Aggravation (permanent)	Work materially worsened a condition so it won’t revert to prior severity.
Acceleration	Work hastened the development of an underlying condition beyond its ordinary course.
Precipitation	Work triggered a latent condition that would not have become manifest otherwise.

Note: FECA does not apportion causation—if work contributed, causal relationship can be established.

What a psychiatric SECOP report must include

The referral instructions specify: history tied to the SOAF, mental status exam, relevant testing, DSM diagnoses, answers on causation (including temp vs. permanent aggravation), current status/resolution, work capacity vs. date-of-injury job, restrictions via OWCP-5a, prognosis, and treatment recommendations.

OWCP-5a (Work Capacity for Psychiatric/Psychological Conditions)

OWCP-5a captures hours tolerances, usual job capability, suitable duties/work environments, and other factors to guide re-employment or vocational rehab. It’s the form the SECOP doctor completes to translate findings into functional restrictions.

Download: “owcp-5a”

Preparing for your second-opinion appointment (helpful guide)

Know the SOAF: Your exam hinges on the CE’s Statement of Accepted Facts; bring any prior medical that aligns with it.
List symptoms & timelines: Tie them to work factors in clear, chronological notes.
Functional reality: Be ready to discuss actual work tolerances; these inform OWCP-5a restrictions.
Treatment history: Dates, providers, medications, outcomes.
(Informational only; not legal/medical advice.)

Download the official packet (PDF)

Second opinion eval forms (1)
“Second Opinion Psychiatric Evaluation—Official Packet (FOIA 2025)”

FAQs

How is the SECOP doctor guided?
By the CE, who supplies the SOAF, required tests, forms, and questions to answer under FECA.

What causation standards apply to psych claims?
FECA recognizes direct causation, aggravation (temporary/permanent), acceleration, and precipitation. No apportionment if work contributed.

What is OWCP-5a used for?
To document hours, restrictions, and suitable duties for return-to-work or rehab in psych conditions.

Citations & permissions

Content on this page is derived from a U.S. Department of Labor OWCP FOIA response dated August 5, 2025 (Tracking 2025-F-14233) and its enclosed sample psychiatric second-opinion referral and OWCP-5a (Rev. 08-14) form.

To find out more about how OWCP claims work visit here more OWCP forms visit OWCP Forms.