5 U.S.C. § 8117 — Time of accrual of right

(a) A federal employee who is not a Postal Service worker does not get compensation for the first 3 days of a temporary disability. Exceptions: (1) if the disability lasts more than 14 days; (2) if it is later followed by a permanent disability; or (3) as otherwise allowed under sections 8103 and 8104. (b) A Postal Service employee also does not get compensation, or continuation of pay, for the first 3 days of temporary disability, except under the same exception in paragraph (a)(3). During those 3 days, a Postal Service employee may use annual leave, sick leave, or leave without pay. But if the disability lasts more than 14 days, or turns into a permanent disability, the employee can get that used sick or annual leave restored, or get paid for the time spent on leave without pay.