About Our Firm

The attorneys at DeHaanBusse LLP focus on FERS/CSRS disability law. Our practice is based upon one simple premise: individuals have the right to receive the disability benefits they have been promised according to the law.

We focus on and believe that the FERS disability benefits our clients have been promised by the Federal Government, their employer, should be there when and if they need them. Unfortunately, that is not always the case. We have seen some decisions that have resulted in the near financial collapse of many individuals and their families.

In the event of a physical or mental illness or a debilitating injury that prevents a federal employee from working in his or her chosen profession or occupation, that person has a legal right to receive FERS/CSRS disability benefits. The sad irony is that all too often, people are not even aware of all the FERS/CSRS disability benefits they have available to them.

Our partners and associates were formerly with Binder and Binder, P.C.  DeHaanBusse LLP seeks to continue the legacy of helping hard working Americans during some of the most difficult times in their lives.

We are available to you for a free legal consultation about your federal employee disability benefits. Contact us today.

Some Relief for FERS and Military Retirees – January 2009

On February 27, 2009, lawmakers once again introduced a bill that would allow retired federal employees and military personnel to pay for their health insurance with pre-tax earnings. Much like the rest of the country, federal employees have seen more than 50% increases in their premiums in the last eight years. It also would allow active-duty military personnel to apply a pre-tax rebate to the supplemental insurance premiums to cover what Tricare does not. Read More...

Bill Introduced to Benefit FERS Domestic Partners – June 2009

On May 20, 2009, a bill was introduced (H.R. 2517) in the House of Representatives to provide benefits to domestic partners of federal employees. These benefits include health insurance, retirement and disability benefits, family, medical and emergency leave, Federal Group life insurance, long-term care insurance, compensation for work injuries, benefits for disability, death or captivity, travel, and transportation and related payments and benefits. Read More...

FERS Question of the Week

QUESTION: Can I collect Workers’ Compensation and FERS disability at the same time?

ANSWER: No, you cannot collect both benefits at the same time. However, you should review both benefits programs to see which pays out more. If you elect to collect Workers’ Compensation, it still is a good idea to file for FERS since the FERS deadline firmly is one year after separation from service. At least your FERS application will be on file at OPM should you chance your mind about which benefits to collect.

Disability Criteria Under FERS/CSRS

For federal employees seeking to make a disability claim under the FERS/CSRS disability retirement system, sometimes just knowing whether you are eligible to make such a claim can be confusing and complicated.

And although the terms defined in the FERS Disability Manual are meant to help you determine disability eligibility, sorting through those definitions can be annoying, at best, and impossible, at worst, when you are struggling to deal with an illness or injury.