Last Updated on April 2, 2010 by FERS Disability Attorney
It is difficult to be patient. The Office of Personnel Management, in reviewing and evaluating each case, takes its time. One can attempt to “read into” each day, as to whether the longer wait is more beneficial than a decision which is to be made in short order. Calling to check on the “status” of the case can have a negative effect upon a decision, although it is not “supposed to” do so.
Often, the response by OPM’s representative is that a decision will be made “this week” or “next week” or “by the end of the month”. Time passes, and there is no decision. These past couple of weeks, OPM has sent out many decisions that were long-in-waiting. When the decision is a favorable one, then of course the burden of the wait is suddenly lifted. When the decision is a denial, then the response is often one of anger, disbelief or discouragement. Once the emotions are set aside, then one must accept the reality of further waiting. Yes, patience is a virtue, and Federal and Postal employees must be the virtuous of all people. But those are empty, vacuous and meaningless words when one must wait to see what the future holds.
Sincerely,
Robert R. McGill, Esquire