Last Updated on November 15, 2008 by FERS Disability Attorney
Before you even think about filing for disability retirement benefits under FERS or CSRS, there is often a psychological component which must be overcome: after a lengthy and loyal service provided to the Federal Government, it is often difficult to “come to terms” with the idea that you can “no longer do” the job you have been so competent at, for the past X-number of years. But remember that filing for, fighting for, and being approved for disability retirement benefits is not an admission or concession that you are disabled; rather, it is only an acknowledgement that you are no longer a good fit for that particular job. It doesn’t mean you can’t go out and be productive in some other capacity. Or, another way to look at it, of course, is as follows: If you can push yourself and ignore what your mind or body is telling you, and you somehow miraculously reach retirement age, you may have crossed the finish line; but are you in any shape to enjoy that retirement? Retirement should not be an end in itself; it should be a goal with a context of being able to enjoy the continuation of your life. Too many people look at the conceptual framework of “retirement”, without stopping to consider what it means. When a medical condition comes about which impacts your ability to do your job, it is time to pause and reflect: What are my goals? Is it time for me to do something else in life? Don’t just suffer your medical condition; listen to it.
Sincerely,
Robert R. McGill, Esquire