Can Federal Workers Receive Compensation for Mental Health Issues Resulting from Workplace Stress?

Most federal employees are aware that the government compensates workers who are physically injured on the job. But did you know you can file a claim with the Office of Workers’ Compensation Programs (OWCP) for mental health conditions?

Today’s high-pressure work environments have brought mental and emotional illness to the forefront. If you believe your mental health issues were caused or worsened by specific incidents or conditions at work, you may be eligible to file a claim through the Office of Workers’ Compensation Programs (OWCP). Find out how to claim these benefits and the challenges and steps involved.

Understanding Mental Health in the Workplace

The stigma around mental health is fueled by misconceptions and stereotypes. Mental health conditions are just as real and serious as physical injuries, but in the federal workers’ compensation system, they are often harder to prove. Despite the prevalence of anxiety, depression, and PTSD, these mental and emotional disorders face unfair scrutiny compared to physical ailments. This stigma often hampers open discussions and understanding in the workplace and complicates the process of seeking help and compensation for work-related mental health issues. This is partly because OWCP requires clear evidence linking the condition to specific job-related factors, not just general workplace stress.

Federal Workers and Mental Health Support

The Employee Assistance Program (EAP) supports federal workers facing mental health challenges. This program provides a confidential platform for employees to seek help for both personal and work-related issues. Through EAP, workers can access assessments, counseling, and referrals to specialized services. This support offers a structured pathway to recovery and ensures employees don’t have to navigate their struggles alone. While programs like EAP provide helpful support, participation in EAP alone does not establish eligibility for OWCP benefits. To be compensable, a claim must meet specific legal and medical criteria.

The Criteria for OWCP Stress Claims

When filing for workplace stress benefits through OWCP, the key is to establish a direct connection between your diagnosed mental health condition and specific work-related incidents or assignments. This often requires both factual documentation and a detailed medical report from a qualified physician. You must also differentiate this source from stressors unrelated to work. While reasonable, this requirement poses a unique challenge because, unlike physical injuries, mental health issues lack visible markers and can stem from multiple sources.

Proving that your stress is work-related comes down to documentation. Keep a detailed record of work situations that contribute to your stress, including emails, work schedules, and interactions you’ve had that exacerbated your condition. The goal is to show that specific events or assignments in your job caused or contributed to your diagnosed condition—not just that your job is stressful in general. Claims based on common job stress, interpersonal conflict, or dissatisfaction with management decisions—without evidence of error or abuse—are typically not covered.

Securing legal assistance is often necessary for your mental health claim to have a chance. An experienced attorney can help you articulate the connection between workplace stressors and your mental health, strengthening your claim and increasing the chance of receiving stress-related compensation. An attorney can also help identify which aspects of your case involve compensable “factors of employment” and which do not—this distinction often makes or breaks the claim.

Mental Health Conditions Covered Under Workers’ Compensation

The following mental health conditions may be compensable under FECA, but only if a qualified physician diagnoses the condition and provides medical evidence connecting it to specific, job-related factors recognized by OWCP:

• Chronic stress isn’t good for you. While short-term stress is a healthy response to tense situations, high stress at work can be detrimental. According to a survey by the American Institute of Stress, 35 percent of workers say their jobs are harmful to their physical or emotional health.
• Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) is characterized by excessive worry or anxiety most days for at least six months. Symptoms include irritability, fatigue, difficulty concentrating, muscle tension, and sleep disturbances. Anxiety can greatly impair your ability to function normally from day to day.
• Panic attacks are another mental health condition often triggered by acute stress and anxiety. They manifest rapidly, reaching a peak within minutes, and cause severe physical and emotional symptoms. These include heart palpitations, trembling, shortness of breath, sweating, and overwhelming feelings of doom or loss of control. Such episodes can be intensely frightening, sometimes necessitating medical attention.
• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) can develop after exposure to a traumatic event, leading to symptoms like flashbacks, severe anxiety, and uncontrollable thoughts about the event. In the context of workers’ compensation, PTSD may be recognized when the trauma is directly related to workplace incidents, such as violence or life-threatening situations.

Mental Health Claims Depend on the Details

Mental health claims under OWCP can be difficult, but not impossible. Every case is unique, and outcomes often depend on detailed documentation, medical opinions, and legal strategy. If you’re considering a claim, speaking with an experienced attorney can help you assess your options and gather the right evidence.

We Stand by Federal Workers Nationwide

Aumiller Lomax proudly serves federal employees across the country and stationed overseas, making us a valuable resource when filing federal workers’ compensation claims. Whether you have been physically or emotionally injured at work, we can help you navigate the complex filing requirements and represent your case in the best light. For personalized guidance and support, please contact us at 856-751-0440 to request a free consultation with a federal workers’ compensation lawyer.