The District of Columbia Notice of Controversial memo of denial of workers' compensation is a document issued by the D.C. Department of Employment Services (DOES). The memo is issued when the employer has denied the worker's compensation claim and the employee has appealed the decision. The memo outlines the reasons why the employer has denied the claim and includes the employee's right to appeal. There are two types of District of Columbia Notice of Controversial memos: an "initial denial" and a "final denial." An initial denial is issued when the employer has denied the claim for the first time. A final denial is issued when the employer has previously denied the claim and the employee has appealed that decision. The memo outlines the employer's reasons for denial, as well as the employee's rights to appeal the decision or obtain a hearing. The memo also includes instructions regarding how to appeal or file a hearing request.