The Physicians and the Substance of a Federal Disability Retirement Case

Ultimately, the essence of any claim, endeavor, vocation or activity possesses a characteristic “essence” of a matter — that which defines itself, reveals its core value, and manifests the substantive content of what X “is” as opposed to the accidental and peripheral appearances which can throw one off from the central enigma of that which we seek to unravel.

That is the defining history of Western Philosophy; it is what Plato began in inquiring about the differences between Forms and appearances; what Aristotle did in rolling his sleeves up and getting down to the serious work of scientifically approaching the world through observation and keen perspective; and in more modern times, it is encapsulated by the work of Heidegger, who viewed every being as an encounter to unmask in the experiential sequel learned from his master, Edmund Husserl and the school of phenomenology.

The History of Philosophy has since been one of loss of stature, as all of the subsciences have taken on their prominent roles and fractured apart from the umbrella of philosophy.  Psychology, Anthropology, Physics, Theology — they have all found and formed their own mouthpieces.

Medicine and the physicians who represent the discipline of the medical community have a unique and enduring perspective; it has now become defined by an approach of pharmacology and surgery, prompting alternative movements of holistic endeavors. But until a time in a distant future which accepts “other” approaches, it is the physician with an “M.D.”, “D.O.”, or other such designation, which will be necessary in the acceptable community of opinions and judgments. Yes, Chiropractic care, Physical Therapists, Nurse Practitioners, Psychologists and LCSWs can help to prove a case; but the central focus of authoritative acceptance still comes primarily from that guy or girl who went to “medical school”.

For the Federal and Postal employee who seeks to obtain Federal Disability Retirement benefits from the U.S. Office of Personnel Management, whether under FERS or CSRS, the core of one’s case must be based upon a view towards the examiner, reviewer, or “Administrative Specialist” as designated by OPM, and what that individual will accept as the authoritative basis of a viable Federal Disability Retirement case.  This is a world where the word of the physician is paramount; and those in the communities of subsets can certainly lend authoritative support; but it is always a mistake to confuse the outpost for the headquarters.

In a viable OPM Disability Retirement application, it is important to obtain the opinion and support of that which will provide the essence of authoritative support, to the greatest extent possible. What opinion to seek; how the narrative opinion is characterized; who provides it; and what the substantive content will state — all will make a difference in preparing and formulating a Federal Disability Retirement application, and its proper presentation to the authorities at the U.S. Office of Personnel Management.

While the “enemy” may attack and destroy the perimeters and outposts, until the neurological center of an organism is defeated, all such efforts are destined to fail.

Sincerely,

Robert R. McGill, Esquire

 

FERS & CSRS Disability Retirement for Federal and USPS Workers: Arming the Doctor after Disarming

It is one thing to provide an explanation of the process of filing for Federal Disability Retirement benefits under FERS or CSRS to the treating doctor; that is simply not enough.  Providing an explanation “disarms” the health professional.  While such explanation and helping the doctor to understand the process is certainly helpful, ultimately the treating doctor needs more than information; he or she needs guidance in order to “arm” one’s self with the tools necessary to help the patient. 

Fortunately, most doctors are professional, compassionate, and eager to help.  Writing medical reports are an administrative aspect of the practice of medicine which is not only a headache, but takes the doctor away from the valuable and limited time for actually treating the patient.  It is therefore important for the Federal or Postal employee who is applying for Federal Disability Retirement benefits under FERS or CSRS to “arm” the doctor with the necessary tools needed in order to successfully prepare, formulate and construct a sufficient and effective narrative report in order to “pass muster” with the Office of Personnel Management.  The first and primary rule in helping to prepare the doctor is to always protect and maintain the integrity of the doctor.  Truth in every endeavor, and especially in filing for Federal Disability Retirement benefits under FERS or CSRS, should be the ultimate guiding light.  How that truth is stated, however, is where the guidance, tooling and “arming” comes into play.

Sincerely,

Robert R. McGill, Esquire