(a) Benefits are available only while the effects of a work-related
condition continue. Compensation for wage loss due to disability is
available only for any periods during which an employee's work-related
medical condition prevents him or her from earning the wages earned
before the work-related injury. Payment of medical benefits is available
for all treatment necessary due to a work-related medical condition.
(b) Each disabled employee is obligated to perform such work as he
or
she can, and OWCP's goal is to return each disabled employee to suitable
work as soon as he or she is medically able. In determining what
constitutes ``suitable work'' for a particular disabled employee, OWCP
considers the employee's current physical limitations, whether the work
is available within the employee's demonstrated commuting area, the
employee's qualifications to perform such work, and other relevant
factors. (See Sec. 10.508 with respect to the payment of relocation
expenses.)
