R.C.,
You are not specific in what you mean by LWEC program. Since there is no such program pre se, I will take it to mean the vocational rehabilitation program.
The fact that you are 65 and nobody wants to hire you are not factors for the OWCP. The only concern the OWCP has is whether your medical restrictions would allow you to be employed. They do not have to find you a job nor care if you get a job. If it is determined that you are capable of employment, the OWCP will do a LWEC. Refusing to participate may lead to loss of compensation.
Voc Rehab Info
Vocational Rehab Info
* 20 CFR Part 10, Sections 10.518 - 10.520
http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_01/20cfr10_01.html* FECA Procedure Manual, Claims Part 2, Chapter 2-0813
http://www.dol.gov/cgi-bin/leave-dol.asp?exiturl=http://nt5.scbbs.com/cgi-bin/om_isapi.dll^Q^infobase=feca-pt2.nfo|softpage=PL_frame&exitTitle=Claims,_FECA_Part_2* FECA Procedure Manual, Vocational Rehabilitation Part 3
http://www.dol.gov/cgi-bin/leave-dol.asp?exiturl=http://nt5.scbbs.com/cgi-bin/om_isapi.dll^Q^infobase=rehab.nfo|softpage=PL_frame&exitTitle=Vocational_Rehabilitation,_OWCP_Part_3If USPS see also:
* USPS ELM, Section 546.612
http://www.usps.com/cpim/ftp/manuals/elm/elmc5/elm540.pdf* USPS EL505, Injury Compensation, Chapter 11, Section 11.18
http://www.nalc.org/depart/cau/pdf/manuals/el505fdr/505url.pdf**********************
Definition of suitable and reasonably available in determining voc rehab jobs.
Suitable
A person with the injured workers knowledge, skills, abilities and work restrictions qualifying for thejob. The job qualifications are identified from the Dictionary of Job Titles (DOT).
Reasonably available
A job is reasonably available if an applicant matching the injured workers qualifications and restrictions,would be able to obtain that employment over a period of time.
Source: OWCP Rehabilitation Supervisor
Dictionary Of Occupational Titles Index
An alphabetical index to the Dictionary of Occupational Titles (DOT) revised fourth edition, as supplied electronically by the US Dept. of Labor, provided, as a public service.
http://www.wave.net/upg/immigration/dot_index.htmlLWEC Info
For information on how LWEC is computed using the "Shadrick Formula", See:
* FECA Procedure Manual, Claims Part 2,Chapter 2-0901-15
* See also: Chapter 2-0814, for further info concerning WEC.
http://www.dol.gov/cgi-bin/leave-dol.asp?exiturl=http://nt5.scbbs.com/cgibin/om_isapi.dll^Q^infobase=feca-pt2.nfo|softpage=PL_frame&exitTitle=Claims,_FECA_Part_2