Most federal workers expect their treating physician to document their injury and recovery. That’s why many are surprised when the Office of Workers’ Compensation Programs (OWCP) requests a review from a District Medical Advisor (DMA).
Referral for review by a DMA doesn’t automatically mean there’s a problem with your claim. In many cases, OWCP simply wants an independent medical opinion regarding issues such as permanent impairment, maximum medical improvement (MMI), or the medical evidence supporting a schedule award.
A District Medical Advisor (DMA) is a physician who reviews medical evidence for OWCP. Rather than providing ongoing treatment, the DMA evaluates existing medical records and physician reports to determine whether the evidence supports certain medical conclusions.
A DMA review commonly addresses permanent impairment, MMI, medical causation, and whether the documentation meets the needs of and supports the claim. The DMA’s opinion becomes one piece of the medical evidence OWCP considers when determining entitlement to benefits.
OWCP may request a District Medical Advisor review for several reasons. In many cases, the agency wants clarification regarding an impairment rating or needs additional medical analysis before making a decision. Sometimes the treating physician’s report leaves important questions unanswered. Other times, OWCP simply seeks an independent review before approving additional compensation; this is common in schedule award cases.
When a District Medical Advisor reviews a claim, the quality of the medical evidence matters. The DMA evaluates physician narratives and diagnostic imaging. They review surgical reports, treatment history, functional limitations, and medical findings to determine whether the evidence supports the treating physician’s conclusions. If the records contain inconsistencies or missing information, it becomes much more difficult for the DMA to fully support the claim. That’s why we consistently emphasize the importance of strong OWCP medical documentation throughout every stage of the claims process.
Understandably, most injured workers worry when the District Medical Advisor reaches a different conclusion than their treating physician, but a disagreement does not automatically mean your claim will be denied.
Sometimes the DMA requests clarification or identifies areas where additional medical evidence may strengthen the claim. In other situations, the treating physician may submit supplemental reports or additional documentation.
Medical opinions can differ when evaluating permanent impairment or interpreting the AMA Guides to the Evaluation of Permanent Impairment. Learn more from our accompanying article explaining why an OWCP impairment rating isn’t always the final answer.
A District Medical Advisor review doesn’t necessarily signal a problem/issue with your claim, but it does mean the medical evidence will receive scrutiny.
If you have questions about a DMA review or need guidance navigating the federal workers’ compensation process, working with an experienced team of federal workers’ compensation lawyers can help ensure your medical evidence presents the strongest possible case.
Contact IFW Law Group to learn more about your options.
For most injured federal workers, the schedule award examination (often called a “rating examination”) can feel like one of the most stressful/daunting parts of the OWCP process. After months, or...
Read More
Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) is one of the most challenging conditions an injured federal worker can experience. Often developing after a workplace injury, surgery, or period of immobilization, CRPS...
Read More
Some federal employees spend years working in noisy environments (constant exposure to sound levels above 85+db) without realizing that permanent hearing loss may qualify for compensation through a schedule award. ...
Read More
844-365-2889
