We are all familiar with the acronym-like adage which can be extracted from the word “assume”. In preparing a Federal Disability Retirement application under FERS or CSRS, the first question that one must ask of one’s self is: “Do I have a supportive doctor?” If the answer is an unequivocal “No”, then entertaining even the thought of proceeding forward with the process is a virtual act of futility.
Now, to all unqualified statements, there are exceptions to the rule. There are, indeed, medical conditions where the mere treatment records, office notes, etc., reveal irrefutably of a medical condition of such severity that there is no question as to its impact upon one’s ability/inability to perform the essential elements of one’s job. But that is rare. If the answer to the original question is: “He may be…” “I assume he is supportive…” “He seems supportive because…” While these are niceties in one’s figment of one’s imagination, and foster a sense of security and a warmth for a doctor-patient relationship, such answers all have an undercurrent of an assumption. Don’t assume, if you are planning to go forward with a Federal Disability Retirement application. Instead, make an appointment with your doctor and have a frank and open discussion.
Sincerely,
Robert R. McGill, Esquire
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OPM Disability Retirement: What Ifs
“What Ifs” are hypotheticals which can paralyze a process. Often, such imaginary road blocks are pragmatic irrelevancies, and are better left alone. Others, one should affirmatively confront.
Thus: “What if my Supervisor says…” There are things in one’s control, and those which are not. A Federal Disability Retirement application contains an implicit concept which must not be forgotten: It is actually a Federal Medical Disability Retirement application. What the Supervisor says or doesn’t say is not ultimately relevant. Can the Supervisor’s Statement have an influence or impact? Obviously. But it is not one of those things which should be worried about, because it is beyond anyone’s control — for the most part.
“What if my doctor won’t support my case?” This is a hypothetical which one has control over, in filing for Federal Medical Disability Retirement benefits. As such, one should make an appointment with the doctor before starting the process, or even contemplating starting the process, and have a frank discussion with the doctor. Bifurcate those issues which one has control over, from those which one does not. In filing for Federal Disability Retirement benefits under FERS or CSRS, one needs to confront the reality of today, in preparation for tomorrow’s future.
Sincerely,
Robert R. McGill, Esquire
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