Some Physicians/Rehabilitation Nurses are electing to violate their medical oath by ignoring medical evidence causing injured workers to be denied necessary medical treatment.  Which can lead to catastrophic effects to the injured worker. 

Delayed and denied treatment by OWCP creates additional injuries, more cost to the government and decreases the number of productive citizens by causing permanent disabilities. I injured my right ankle in October 2004, while attending The Federal Law Enforcement Training Center(FLETC), which was diagnosed and treated as a sprain until September 2005. OWCP authorized surgery, after the skin on my lower right leg ripped open due to excessive swelling. The surgery disclosed a severed ligament and nerve, which the physician attempted to reattach.  In approximately 2007, my right foot, and ankle, began to swell more and I began having pain; therefore the physician began giving me cortisone injections, which only provided short term relief.  Eventually I was referred to a neurologist; however OWCP disapproved the request.  The physician continued to request treatment with no success.  In 2008, I submitted a request for medical treatment due to an injury reoccurrence.  OWCP granted me one consultation visit with an Orthopedic; however once he recommended I see a neurologist amongst other treatment the reoccurrence request was denied.  In 2009, I was taken to the emergency room due to severe swelling of my right foot, ankle, leg and knee.  I was diagnosed with Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy(RSD/CRSP) due to the untreated nerve damage in my right ankle.  I was told to see a neurologist which I did immediately, who also diagnosed me with RSD due to my on the job ankle injury.  The Neurologist did not accept workers' compensation so he referred me to a Pain Management Specialist who specialized in RSD.  OWCP accepted my RSD condition; however they would delay and deny the physician requested treatment and medications.  I was in great pain and I pleaded for help, with no success; therefore I filed several complaints.  I even filed a complaint with President Obama and he submitted a letter to the Dallas, Texas office District Director, who decided to rescind my RSD condition acceptance.  Several physicians without any business relations have diagnosed me with RSD; however the physicians contracted by OWCP continued to state that I have lymphedema/Chronic Pain, not RSD.  Despite the fact a nurse (Mrs. Kathy T.) contracted by OWCP accompanied me to a doctor's visit and evaluated my injuries herself and completed a report for OWCP, yet my medical request were still denied.  In 2013, a physician contracted by OWCP also diagnosed me with RSD, yet OWCP refused to accept the condition or provide me medical treatment; therefore I was required to under go another IME in 2014 by Dr. Zvi Kalisky. He stated  I did not have RSD and could return to work 8 hours a day.  I have suffered a great deal and so has my husband and kids my love ones have been changed forever.  My independence has been stripped away my true quality of life has been destroyed and my life expectancy has been diminished due to the side effects of all the medications and narcotics I am required to take to endure the pain.  The betrayal I feel by the government I dedicated 24 years of my life too is just as painful as the burning and electrical jolts I endure in my limbs and scalp.  The sad part is RSD is reversible when treated early!  Let’s make sure no one else has to suffer as I have.  I have attached a few photos of this very embarrassing condition; please understand the sensitivity of their content.