Disability Retirement for Federal Workers: Recognizing the Process & the Necessity for Patience

Last Updated on September 12, 2022 by FERS Disability Attorney

In filing for OPM Disability Retirement benefits under FERS or CSRS, it is important to recognize that the entire application endeavor — the initial preparation, formulation and filing; if your disability claim is denied at the First Stage, the ability to file a Request for Reconsideration within thirty (30) days of the denial; the appeal to the Merit Systems Protection Board (MSPB); a further appeal to the Full MSPB Board; then, if necessary, an appeal to the Federal Circuit Court of Appeals — constitutes a “process”, and one which must be prepared for from the very beginning.

Recognizing that the entire endeavor is a process will help to prepare one for the long haul — not only in being patient with the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) at the first two stages of the process (the initial application, and the second and first appeal), but further, with the Administrative judicial process at the Merit Systems Protection Board; then (if necessary) with the Federal Court system.

Without such recognition, the applicant will only experience frustration and anxiety.  As has been stated many times, Patience is a virtue; as such, Federal and Postal employees must be the virtuous of all classes of people, because of the constancy of patience they must endure.

Sincerely,

Robert R. McGill, Esquire