Pendleton makes changes to FECA program

The commanding officer of Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton has issued a new base order, through the Federal Employees Compensation Act (FECA), which affects the installations’ civilian Marines who are injured or suffer a work-related illness.

Within Base Order 12810.2D, changes to the FECA program include a streamlined application-for-the-benefits process, a Return to Work program, and other additions to help control time lost, while compensating employees for medical expenses and lost wages.

“Civilian Marines are vital in accomplishing the base’s mission,” said Col. Nicholas F. Marano, commanding officer, MCB Camp Pendleton, in the CO’s Policy Letter 4-09. “Time lost due to job-related injuries negatively affects our capability and drains much needed resources.”

The Federal Employees Compensation Act’s main objective is to provide an opportunity for civilian Marines and their families to file claims for compensation of work-related injuries or deaths.

The amendments to base’s FECA program were the direct result of an extensive Lean Six Sigma project conducted by a multi-organizational working group from different base directorates. Lean Six Sigma is a business management strategy, originally developed by Motorola in 1981, that is used by businesses worldwide to help improve business processes.

“The collaborative effort led to a thorough analysis and comprehensive plan that generated a streamlined, standardized and documented injury compensation and case management process that will greatly enhance the filing and administration of FECA claims,” said Ted Devlin, assistant chief of staff, Manpower, MCB Camp Pendleton.

A major portion of the revised FECA process is a comprehensive Return to Work program that includes the Department of Defense’s Pipeline Program, the Limited Duty Program, the In-House Vocational Rehabilitation Program and the Home Visitation Program. These programs contribute toward the return of injured employees to productive duty as soon as they are medically able.

For more information about FECA or its new programs, see the Camp Pendleton FECA Manual, Commanding Officer’s Policy Letter 4-09, Base Order 12810.2D, call the Civilian Human Resources Office at (760) 725-3474.

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